Craftwork's Expert Cabinetry Painting Process

We believe in not just altering the appearance of your cabinets but revitalizing your entire space with precision, quality, and an artistic touch.

Craftwork's Guide

Let's dive deep into the meticulous and transformative process of cabinetry painting. At Craftwork, we believe in not just altering the appearance of your cabinets but revitalizing your entire space with precision, quality, and an artistic touch. To ensure the process is as smooth and efficient as possible, here's a step-by-step guide on what you can expect for your cabinet painting project.

Your Steps Towards Transformation

Step 1: Get a Virtual Estimate

At Craftwork, our estimate process is designed to provide you with a clear and concise pricing structure, tailored to the unique aspects of your cabinetry. We calculate the cost of our painting services based on the number of cabinet doors, drawers, and boxes within your space, as each element requires individual attention and detail. The box is defined as the structural area enclosed by the doors and drawers, which often involves detailed work to ensure a seamless finish. Additionally, the sheen level you select plays a crucial role in the pricing— with high-gloss finishes being the most premium due to the meticulous process required to achieve their distinctive, reflective quality. Here is an image showing a standard cabinet configuration.

Standard cabinet configuration.
Step 2: Schedule Your Project

When it comes to scheduling your cabinet painting project, at Craftwork, we meticulously consider several factors to ensure the best possible experience for you. We take a close look at our calendar, factor in weather conditions that might affect the project, and align our most suitable crew's availability to guarantee top-notch service. Typically, most cabinet projects require about 5-7 days to complete. To make the process as convenient as possible for you, we recommend selecting a week that aligns well with your personal schedule and commitments. This proactive approach in choosing a suitable time frame helps us deliver the quality and efficiency Craftwork is known for, while also accommodating your needs and ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience.

Step 3: Choose Paint Colors and Sheen

Selecting the right color and sheen is crucial for your cabinetry. Our kitchen cabinet paint guide has a wide range of color options, helping you pick shades that complement your space and style. Craftwork offers 3 sheens for cabinetry refinishing:

  • Flat: Hides imperfections and offers a contemporary look/

  • Satin: Ideal for most cabinets, offering a smooth finish that’s easy to clean.

  • High-Gloss Lacquer: Best for a modern, sleek look, though it's more prone to showing imperfections. If your cabinets were factory-finished, they were probably done with lacquer. It also dries incredibly quickly, so we can spray multiple coats in one day.

different paint sheens

Here is a list of our top paint colors for kitchen cabinets:

  • Farrow and Ball Hague Blue #30: A deep, sophisticated blue that adds a touch of elegance.

  • Farrow and Ball Strong White #2001: A versatile white with a soft, warm tone.

  • Benjamin Moore White Dove: A classic, soft white that brings a serene feel.

  • Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace: A crisp, clean white for a fresh and airy look. (Pictured below)

  • Sherwin-Williams Pure White: A balanced white that works beautifully in various lighting.

  • Sherwin-Williams Gauntlet Gray 7019: A rich gray that adds a contemporary and cozy touch.

Step 4: Prepare the Space

Before our Craftwork team steps into your home to begin the transformation of your cabinetry, a little preparation on your end can make the process smoother and more efficient.

  • Clear the Area: Remove all items from your countertops and the interiors of the cabinets. This step is crucial for giving us unobstructed access to the work area.

  • Protect Your Belongings: We recommend moving any furniture in or near the project space. For larger pieces that can't be moved out, simply relocate them to the center of the room.

  • Accessible Workspace: Please provide a clear pathway to and around the project area, allowing our team to move equipment and materials easily and safely.

  • Electronics & Personal Items: We advise that you relocate any such items, as we cannot move electronics like TVs and computers. These will be worked around if left in the area, but moving them is preferable for their safety and ours.

  • Pet Safety: We love our furry friends, but for their safety and to prevent any stress or accidents, please ensure they are kept in a secure area away from the work zone.


Full Kitchen Cabinet Painting Process

Timeline: Approximately one week, with the first few days dedicated to on-site work and the last few for reassembly. Stay informed with our daily updates, keeping you connected to every step of your cabinetry's transformation.

Blue and white cabinets

Day-by-Day Breakdown:

Day 0 - Space Prep

  • Customer clears their drawers and cabinets, if possible. If we’re painting the interior of the cabinet, clear everything.

Day 1 - Dismantling and Space Prep

  • Cover all furniture with protective plastic and tape around faucets and appliances for protection.

  • Floors are covered with protective sheets, with edges taped to prevent damage.

  • Dismantle the kitchen, packing up drawers.

  • Doors and drawers are transported to our warehouse for advanced spraying, ensuring a flawless finish in a controlled environment. This step is crucial for achieving superior quality.

Day 2 through 4 - Sand & Prep

  • Sanding and additional prep work on cabinet surfaces.

Day 3 - Prime and Paint

  • Prime cabinet boxes.

  • Paint the cabinet boxes and clean the area thoroughly.

Day 4 - Reassembly

  • Reassemble the kitchen, restoring all elements to their original positions.

Additional Notes:

  • The kitchen will be out of use for 3 days.

  • Potential wall paint touch-ups due to taping.

  • HEPA air removers available for an additional fee to maintain air quality


Bathroom Vanity Painting Process

Timeline: Approximately three days, with the first few days for painting and the second for reassembly. Stay informed with our daily updates, keeping you connected to every step of your cabinetry's transformation.

Day-by-Day Breakdown:

Day 0 - Space Prep

  • Customer clears their drawers and cabinets, if possible. If we’re painting the interior of the cabinet, clear everything.

Day 1 - Dismantling and Space Prep

  • Apply protective plastic over furniture and tape around fixtures.

  • Cover and tape floors to prevent any paint or damage.

  • Dismantle the bathroom vanity and pack up drawers.

  • Doors and drawers are transported to our warehouse for advanced spraying, ensuring a flawless finish in a controlled environment. This step is crucial for achieving superior quality.

Day 2 - Painting and Cleanup

  • Paint the cabinet boxes and conduct a thorough cleanup.

Day 3 - Reassembly

  • Reassemble the vanity.

Additional Notes:

  • Filling in holes from old hardware and installing new ones.

  • Interior painting for glass cabinets.

  • Industrial-level fumes managed with ventilation; HEPA air removers available.

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Marybeth Schmidt

Marybeth Schmidt

Brand Designer

Marybeth is a storyteller in all aspects. She is talented in the creation of design, photo, animation, and strategies for brand and creative projects.