Should You Paint Cabinets or Replace Countertops First

Cabinets are the essential facet of the kitchen that enhances its ambiance. A luxurious or decent design can amplify the appearance of the kitchen while odd designs can deteriorate your kitchen outlook.

For that reason, it is pertinent to evaluate and conduct meticulous planning before renovating your cabinets.

There is no doubt that it is an important investment that can ameliorate or deteriorate the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen.

Before delving into details, countertops are the vital component that can hold multifarious appliances in your kitchen.

It includes an air fryer, microwave oven, utensils, multiple jars, and many more. You should invest in high-quality and long-lasting countertops for a longer period to remain functional.

Key Takeaways:
  • Revamping Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops
  • Replace Countertops
  • Method to Renovate Your Kitchen Cabinet

Revamping Kitchen Cabinets and Countertops

When it comes to giving your kitchen a fresh new look, you might be wondering whether to tackle painting the cabinets or replacing the countertops first.

Don’t stress too much about the order, as the most practical approach is usually to start with the cabinets.

They have a larger surface area than countertops, and by painting them first, you’ll avoid any potential scratches or paint splatters on your brand-new countertops.

Plus, painting tends to be a quicker process than installing new countertops.

Replace Countertops

Once your cabinets are sporting a fresh coat of paint, it’s time to move on to the countertops. Reaching out to experienced installers can help ensure a smooth and attractive installation.

By replacing the countertops after painting the cabinets, you’ll have tackled the more challenging and extensive part of the project first.

This approach also minimizes cleanup, as most of the mess from the painting will already be taken care of.

Method to Renovate Your Kitchen Cabinet

1.   Take Out The Doors And Drawers Of The Kitchen Cabinet

For refinishing your kitchen cabinet, you are required to apply a waterproof barrier to the countertops. 

However, after installing new countertops, the first and foremost step is to gently remove the doors and drawers to prevent the deterioration of surfaces.

As drawers may appear identical after painting, you should number them so that it would be easier for you to reassemble newly painted drawers.

2.   Clean And Degrease The Cabinets

As the doors and drawers are taken out, the next step is to wash, clean, and degrease the entire component with a scrubber.

Additionally, after cleansing and rinsing the entire surface, allow the doors and drawers to dry.

Once the doors and drawers will dry then apply a quality primer and test a small area if it is ready to get painted or not.

Importantly, sanding is not required if the primer adheres adequately. After that, the cabinets will then be tapped off to paint the internal edges of the cabinet.

3.   Scuff Sand The Cabinets

The other significant step is to scuff sand the cabinets to ensure that the primer adheres to the cabinets.

Furthermore, the painter will use a dry towel along with clean water to wash the sanding dust off the cabinets after mending holes by using a filler or wood putty.

4.   Use Of A Primer

Primer plays a significant role in painting the cabinets. If you desire to paint a smooth surface or require a dark finish the adhesion-promoting primer is the best choice.

On the flip side of the coin, a sprayer or mini-roller system is perfect to get a flawlessly smooth surface on the frames, doors, and drawers.

Thus, the choice of a primer determines the finished look of the surface.

5.   Use Of A Fine-Grit Sandpaper

The use of fine-grit sandpaper is a crucial step in painting the kitchen cabinet. It is used after the primer has dried to effectively remove lint, dust, lumps, and grooves from the cabinets.

Unfortunately, homeowners who do the job themselves apply the finish without fine sanding, resulting in accentuated turmoil.

Following sanding, the skilled painter will wipe away the dust with a dry towel and leave it to dry before applying the finish.

Importantly, if you installed new countertops and accomplished the process yourself then there would be potential chances that you may risk ruining the entire process.

For that reason, it is imperative to hire a skilled and qualified contractor to complete the project in the most efficacious manner.

6.   Finishing The Cabinets

Last but not the least, finishing is the final stage of painting the kitchen cabinets.

For that, professionals or skilled painters use a roller and a brush as required for the condition of the cabinets.

These products use to paint along the direction of the wood grain.

Different cabinets require different methods to paint if you have laminate cabinets then apply the paint vertically and evenly.

In the same manner, use an appropriate quantity of color to prevent color runs. Thus, finishing produce the aesthetic appeal of the kitchen cabinet if done properly.

Related >> Do You Need To Caulk Cabinets Before Painting

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Final Thoughts

Wrapping it all up, the debate of painting cabinets or replacing countertops first is of no use.

It is completely up to your convenience whether you paint cabinets or replace countertops first.

It is pertinent that you hire a skilled professional to lead the project. Undubiously, homeowners or doing the job yourself will ruin and deteriorate the whole process and lead you into complete turmoil.

Furthermore, it is pertinent to mention that the project led by professionals can provide an aesthetic appeal to your kitchen into manifolds. Thus, getting the job done by the right one can give you the best ramifications ever.

by Lisa Wilson

Without the internet, Lisa would never have discovered upcycling. She used wisdom from other people’s blogs to begin her upcycling journey, then she started writing her own!