Can You Paint European-Style Cabinets?

As a homeowner, you know how far a simple coat of paint can go. Whether you’re looking to make a room feel more spacious, more sophisticated, or simply refreshed, a new paint color can do the trick. Of course, not every home element can be painted over, so it’s important to determine whether or not painting is a viable option. While painting European-style cabinets is an option, be sure to follow expert advice before you get started.

Things to Think About Before Painting European-Style Cabinet Doors

Before you roll up your sleeves and get to painting your European-style cabinets, be sure to ask the right questions. Here are a few things to think about:

The Cabinet Material

Make sure to consult with an expert about what material your cabinets are made from. As you may have guessed, different materials require different steps for painting. Most European-style cabinets are made from manufactured plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), though they might be covered with a vinyl-like material on the outside. Check out this article to learn more about these unique cabinets. A popular type of European-style cabinets, Hans Krug cabinets, come in material options including laminates, high-gloss lacquers, matte lacquers, and solid wood veneers.

Any Damage or Other Issues

Painting is not, unfortunately, a fix-all solution for cabinets in poor condition. If your cabinets are chipped, warped, bumpy, or otherwise damaged, the only option may be a cabinet replacement. In some cases, you may be able to sand down damage or fill cracks with putty before painting, but this can complicate your project.

The Demands on Your Cabinets

When choosing the right type of paint, be sure to think about what your cabinets will need to be able to withstand. Both European-style kitchen cabinets and European-style bathroom cabinets will have to stand up to moisture and other concerns. You’ll need the right type of paint for long-lasting results.

Steps to Follow When Painting Your European-Style Cabinets

Here are some important steps to make sure you remember when you’re painting your European-style cabinets:

1. Complete any necessary prep work – It’s important to remove, clean, and prep your cabinets before you get down to business painting. A completely clean and smooth surface is an absolute must for cabinet painting—even a tiny layer of dust can result in a gritty-looking finish.
2. Plan for more than one day – Keep in mind, painting a set of European-style cabinets is not a project you can complete in one sitting. It’ll take at least a few days, as you’ll have to allow multiple layers of paint to dry. The whole project could take up to a week to finish.
3. Label everything – A helpful tip for painting your European-style cabinets is to label each and every component, ensuring every cabinet door and hardware piece finds its home when you’re all done!
4. Choose high-quality paint – Perhaps the most important step, be sure to choose the right paint for your project. Consult with home improvement experts to determine which type and brand of paint will yield the best results.

Contact Us for Professional Advice

Interested in learning more about how to paint your European-style cabinets? Contact AlliKristé for expert advice and insight into your home remodeling project. As an award-winning remodeling company, we’d be happy to lend a hand.