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Kitchen Cabinet Paint: Should You Paint Your Calgary Cabinets?

Kitchen Renovations

Painting Cabinets Is the Most Affordable Kitchen Update

A professional cabinet paint job can transform a kitchen for $3,000–$7,000 instead of $40,000–$80,000 for new cabinets. But it’s not always the right call. Here’s when to paint and when to replace.

When Painting Makes Sense

  • Cabinet boxes are solid (no rot, no moisture damage, drawers work)
  • The layout is fine — you just hate the colour
  • You’re staying in the house for 2–5 years but not doing a full reno yet
  • Budget is under $15,000 and you want maximum visual impact
  • Pre-1990s solid wood cabinets (maple, oak, cherry) — great candidates

When to Replace Instead

  • Cabinet boxes are MDF that has swollen or delaminated
  • Doors are warped or won’t align
  • Hardware holes are worn out
  • You want to change the layout or add cabinets
  • You’re doing a full renovation anyway (paint doesn’t save much vs scope of the project)

DIY vs Professional Cabinet Painting

DIY cabinet painting is possible but difficult. Professional results require:

  • Full degreasing and sanding (often with liquid deglosser)
  • Spray application (brush/roller shows texture on flat doors)
  • Proper primer for adhesion (Stix, BIN, XIM)
  • Lacquer or waterborne alkyd topcoat (not latex)
  • Proper flash time between coats

Most DIY cabinet paint jobs peel within 2 years because of skipped prep or wrong product.

Best Paints for Cabinet Refinishing

  • Benjamin Moore Advance: Waterborne alkyd, levels beautifully, durable. Industry favourite.
  • Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane: Very hard finish, excellent adhesion.
  • Cabinet-specific lacquer (pro only): Best finish, fastest cure, requires spray booth.

Professional Cabinet Painting Cost in Calgary

Kitchen Size Cost
Small (under 15 doors) $1,800–$3,500
Medium (15–25 doors) $3,000–$5,500
Large (25–40 doors) $4,500–$8,000

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⚠ Estimate Disclaimer: These are only ROUGH estimates that can vary wildly. Do not take these numbers as gospel. Having a defined scope of work and exact selections will give you clarity.

Colour Tips for Painted Cabinets

  • White: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65 or Simply White OC-17
  • Warm white: BM White Dove OC-17
  • Navy: BM Hale Navy HC-154
  • Sage: SW Rosemary SW6187
  • Black: SW Tricorn Black SW6258

Lifespan of Painted Cabinets

Done professionally with the right products and prep: 7–12 years before needing a refresh. DIY: 2–5 years. Re-painting is always an option when the style changes or the finish starts to show wear.

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Contact Olympic City for a free consultation. Serving Calgary, Priddis, Okotoks & area.