You walk into your kitchen, and it hits you—the dull, sticky finish on your cabinets. Grease stains are hard to ignore, especially when light catches the glossy smudges. No matter how often you wipe them down, they never really look clean. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face the same issue. The good news? Cabinet painting services offer a simple and cost-effective fix.
Instead of spending thousands on new cabinetry, you can restore your existing cabinets with a fresh coat of paint. And the results? They can look as good as new.
Why Cabinets Attract Grease (And Why It’s So Hard to Clean)
Grease is drawn to kitchens. Not surprisingly, cabinets suffer damage from cooking oils, steam, and food particles in the air. Grease builds up slowly over time. It gets into corners, grooves, and the grain of wood. Even the best cleaners can’t fully erase the stain once it’s absorbed.
That’s when a deep clean just doesn’t cut it anymore. The finish may be damaged. The wood may be stained. And that dull, yellowed look? It’s likely permanent.
That’s where kitchen cabinet painting steps in.
What Cabinet Painting Services Do?
Professional cabinet painting services involve much more than just adding a coat of paint. They take a detailed approach to make sure the finish looks smooth, clean, and long-lasting.
Here’s what the process usually involves:
1. Surface Prep
Painters remove the cabinet doors, scrub off grease, and sand down the surface. This step is key. If done right, it removes years of grime.
2. Priming
A stain-blocking primer seals the surface. It stops grease, old colors, and wood tones from bleeding through.
3. Painting
Your chosen shade is applied in multiple coats. Most pros use spray guns for an even, factory-like finish.
4. Drying and Reassembly
The doors and hardware are reinstalled after curing. The result is a kitchen that seems like it was just finished.
Why Painting Beats Replacing
Cabinets are expensive to replace. A full kitchen remodel can cost anywhere from £5,000 to £25,000 or more. And most of that cost goes toward brand-new cabinetry.
In comparison, cabinet painting services cost a fraction of that. And if your cabinet boxes are in good shape, painting is all you need to get a fresh look.
Other benefits include:
- Less mess: No demolition, no need to rip out anything
- Faster turnaround: Most jobs finish in 3–5 days
- Eco-friendly: Keeps usable cabinets out of landfills
- Custom color options: Choose any shade to match your style
Best Paint Colors for Grease-Prone Kitchens
Stains and wear are more noticeable in some colors than others.If you’re repainting greasy cabinets, the right shade can help hide future buildup.
Here are some homeowner-friendly color ideas:
- Soft gray: Hides smudges and suits both modern and traditional kitchens
- Satin white: Brightens the room without showing every fingerprint
- Navy blue or deep green: Adds bold contrast while masking grease
- Taupe or mushroom tones: Great for warm, neutral kitchens
Select a finish that doesn’t take much effort to keep clean. The most common finishes for painted cabinets are satin or semi-gloss.
Clear Clues Your Kitchen Cabinets Need a Fresh Coat
Look for the following clues if you’re unsure whether to replace or repaint:
- Grease stains that won’t come off
- Faded or yellowed paint
- Peeling or cracking finishes
- Dull appearance even after cleaning
- You hate the current color
If your cabinet doors still close properly and the structure feels solid, painting is a smart choice.
Can You Paint Cabinets Yourself?
You can, but it’s not as easy as it looks. Home DIY cabinet painting often goes wrong due to:
- Incomplete degreasing
- Using the wrong primer
- Brush marks or uneven finishes
- Chipping paint within months
Cabinet painting services eliminate all uncertainty. Pros know how to prep, paint, and seal for results that last. You won’t waste time or supplies.
How Much Do Cabinet Painting Services Cost?
Prices depend on how many cabinets you have and the detail of the work. But in general:
- Small kitchens: £600–£1,200
- Medium kitchens: £1,200–£2,000
- Large or custom kitchens: £2,000–£4,000
Compare that with full cabinet replacement, and the savings are obvious.
Also, painted cabinets often increase property value. A clean, well-lit kitchen is a major selling factor for purchasers.
How to Pick the Right Team for Your Cabinet Painting Job
Not all painters are equal. Look for a service that:
- Specializes in kitchen cabinet painting
- Uses high-quality primers and paints
- Offers multiple finish options
Provides references or portfolio images - Gives a written estimate
Always inquire as to whether the doors are painted in place or if they are taken out before painting. The best results come from removing, prepping, and spraying doors off-site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will paint cover grease stains completely?
Yes—but only if the surface is cleaned and sealed with the right primer. That’s why prep matters so much.
How long does cabinet paint last?
With proper prep and paint, finishes can last 8–10 years or more. Touch-ups may be needed over time.
Can I change the hardware too?
Absolutely. New handles or knobs add to the fresh look. Many painting services can install them as part of the job.
Is the paint smell strong?
Most modern paints used by pros are low-VOC and fume-free. If needed, doors can be painted off-site.
Final Thoughts
Grease-stained cabinets don’t mean your kitchen is ruined. With expert cabinet painting services, you can refresh your entire space without the cost and chaos of full renovation.
A few days of prep and paint, and your kitchen will feel clean, modern, and yours again. Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or just tired of scrubbing the same sticky cabinets, painting is the way to go.
So, if your cabinets look more yellow than white, or you’ve given up on degreasing them, it might be time to call in the pros. Your kitchen deserves better—and so do you.
