If you live in Lafayette, Indiana, you’ve probably noticed the same thing we have in the last couple of years. Full kitchen replacements still feel shockingly expensive, and even “simple” upgrades like painting kitchen cabinets can turn into a bigger project than anyone planned.
At The Painting Group, we’re a family-owned team based right here at 17 S. 6th St. Lafayette, IN 47901. A big part of our work is helping homeowners make smart, confident decisions that feel good now and still make sense years from now.
Why This Question Matters More In 2026
A lot of home updates have shifted in the last few years. Homeowners want more impact per dollar, and they want projects that don’t take over the house for months.
Cabinet replacement is still one of the pricier home upgrades because it adds costs quickly. Demolition, new boxes, countertops, plumbing adjustments, and sometimes flooring repairs all pile on. Painting is often the “keep what works, upgrade what you see” option. It can be a practical way to stretch a budget while still getting a high-end look.
Real Costs In 2026: DIY Vs Professional Cabinet Painting
Prices vary, but the pattern is consistent. DIY is cheaper in cash, and expensive in time and patience. Hiring a pro costs more, but you’re paying for process and consistency, especially on high-touch surfaces like cabinets.
A realistic DIY cabinet project often costs around a few hundred dollars up to around a thousand or more, depending on kitchen size and tool needs. The shopping list adds up quickly. You’ll typically buy primer, cabinet enamel, sandpaper in multiple grits, degreaser, filler for dings, caulk, tack cloths, quality brushes and rollers, and a lot of masking materials.
The “hidden cost” is your time. You’re removing doors, labeling, setting up a low-dust paint area, and then living with a partially functional kitchen during cure.
Is It Worth It? The Benefits Homeowners Actually Get
This is the part people love, and honestly, we get it. Cabinets take up a lot of visual space, so changing them changes the whole kitchen mood.
You can get a “new kitchen” feel without demolition. New color, clean finish, updated hardware, and suddenly the room looks brighter and more current.
Painting is usually faster than replacing, but it still takes planning. A quality cabinet job often runs several days to a week or more, depending on size, dry conditions, and how much needs to be repaired. In Indiana winters, indoor air can be dry but colder homes slow cure unless temperature is managed. In humid summers, cure can also take longer if airflow is poor.
The Downsides Nobody Wants To Admit
Cabinet painting can be amazing, but it’s not magic. It’s a finish system on a surface that gets touched, bumped, wiped, and slammed thousands of times.
If prep is skipped, the result shows fast. Real prep means cleaning off grease, scuffing properly, sanding where needed, deglossing, removing doors and drawers, and labeling everything so it goes back correctly.
Some surfaces are tough. Thermofoil and glossy laminates can have adhesion issues if the wrong primer is used or if the surface is contaminated with kitchen oils.
Brush marks, drips, dust nibs, and uneven coverage usually come from rushing, painting in a dusty area, or using the wrong tools.
DIY Or Hire A Pro? A Simple Decision Framework
This is where we try to be refreshingly honest. We paint cabinets for a living, but we also know some homeowners genuinely enjoy DIY and can do a solid job.
Choose DIY If…
You have time, patience, and a workspace where doors can dry without dust landing on them.
If you like careful projects and you do not mind slower timelines, DIY can be satisfying.
Choose A Pro If…
You want a spray-smooth finish, more predictable results, and a faster return to normal kitchen life. It also makes sense to hire a pro if you have higher-end cabinets, lots of doors, or a busy household where the kitchen cannot be out of commission for long.
Better Alternatives In 2026 (When Painting Isn’t The Best Move)
Sometimes, painting is not the smartest play. If the structure is failing or the doors are truly beyond saving, you may be better off with a different approach.
Cabinet Refacing (New Doors Plus Veneer)
Refacing replaces the doors and drawer fronts and covers the visible cabinet box surfaces. It costs more than painting, but it is still typically less than full replacement. It can be ideal if you like your layout but want a more dramatic transformation.
Professional Refinishing (Spray Shop Quality)
Refinishing can look similar to painting from a homeowner’s perspective, but it often implies higher-end shop-controlled spraying and more advanced surface prep. If you want the most furniture-like finish, this route can be worth considering.
Replace Doors, Only Keep Boxes
If the cabinet boxes are solid but the doors are dated or damaged, replacing doors only can be a sweet spot. You keep the structure, update the face, and avoid the mess of a full tear-out.
ROI And Home Value: Will Painted Cabinets Help Resale?
In 2026, buyers still care about kitchens because kitchens signal upkeep. The good news is you do not need a full remodel to make a strong impression.
When It Adds Value
Neutral, timeless colors with a clean finish tend to help resale. Updated hardware that feels consistent and modern also helps. If the work looks professional and cohesive, buyers often read it as “well-maintained” and “move-in ready.”
When It Hurts Value
Trendy colors can narrow buyer appeal. Uneven finish, chipped edges, or visible brush marks can make buyers wonder what else was rushed. Painting over failing cabinetry can backfire because the underlying issues are still there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Painting Kitchen Cabinets Cheaper Than Replacing Them In 2026?
Usually, yes. Replacement stacks costs across demolition, labor, materials, and sometimes plumbing or electrical changes. Painting kitchen cabinets typically focuses cost on prep and finishing, which is why it often delivers a bigger visual payoff per dollar.
How Long Do Painted Kitchen Cabinets Last?
With solid prep, proper primer, and a patient cure period, many finishes hold up for years. Heavy-use kitchens will show wear sooner. Gentle cleaning habits and avoiding harsh scrubbers help cabinets stay sharp longer.
Is It Better To Spray Or Roll Cabinet Paint?
Spraying often produces a smoother, more factory-like look. Rolling can still look great with the right roller and careful technique. The bigger difference is environmental control. Dust, airflow, and dry conditions affect both methods.
Can You Paint Laminate Or Thermofoil Cabinets?
Sometimes, but it’s trickier. These surfaces can reject coatings if the wrong bonding steps are used. If cabinets are slick, glossy, or peeling, testing adhesion and choosing the right primer matters. In some cases, another upgrade path is smarter.
What’s The Best Paint Type For Kitchen Cabinets?
Modern water-based cabinet enamels have improved a lot and can cure very hard with lower odor. Oil-based options can still perform well, but yellowing and smell are bigger concerns. Product choice matters less than prep and cure time.
How Long Before You Can Use Cabinets After Painting?
Light use can often start after a short reassembly window, but be gentle. Full cure takes longer than most people expect. Avoid slamming doors, aggressive cleaning, or sticking bumpers too early. Following cabinet painting tips around the cure time prevents early scuffs.
Final Verdict Plus Decision Checklist
So, is it worth it in 2026? For a lot of Lafayette homeowners, yes. If your cabinets are structurally sound and you like your layout, painting kitchen cabinets is one of the highest-impact upgrades for the money.
If you’re in Lafayette, West Lafayette, or nearby and want honest guidance, reach out to The Painting Group. We’ll help you choose the smartest option, protect your home like it’s our own, and stand behind the work long after the last door goes back on.
