Previously Painted Cabinets: When to Strip & When to Replace

Factors We Evaluate When Determining the Optimal Recommendation for Stripping or Replacement.

Step #1: Determine Existing Wood Coating

At A La Carte Cabinet Painting, we focus on options and flexibility. We understand the importance of evaluating the current wood finishes on your cabinets to determine if a complete strip is necessary before using our water-based products. The examination of the paint's age and the quality of the preparation performed are key factors in deciding whether stripping or repainting is the most suitable approach. If the previous paint was applied in the last 5 years, it is less probable that a complete strip is needed.

Step #2: Assess Degree of Coating Failure

The extent of damage will determine the most appropriate course of action when it comes to the extent of refinishing work required. At times, there may be minor chips on the trim or edges that can be easily remedied by touching up with the original paint. A gentle sanding and a touch of paint are usually sufficient. If the chip is significant enough to reveal bare wood, the area needs to be smoothed down with sanding and properly treated with a coat or two of primer and paint. If there is visible wear and tear around the knobs/pulls commonly found on many acrylic or lates products, we sand down that area to bare wood, prime, and apply a topcoat. If there are multiple areas of damage on a specific item, it’s best to strip it down to bare wood and start anew.

Step #3: Counting the Cost

After determining the degree of failure, A La Carte Cabinet Painting will give our best recommendation given the high labor cost associated with stripping entire pieces. If it's considered minor wear and tear, we'll typically charge slightly more to refinish but not as much as stripping. Significant wear and tear may call for the pieces to be entirely stripped to bare wood at which point we may recommend the option of getting new doors and/or drawers. Sometimes we can split the difference and save most of the pieces and only have to order a few new items which is why we will always do an in-person consultation estimate for homeowners with previously painted cabinets. Often, there's no black and white course of action and so we'll recommend the most budget-friendly option that makes the most sense for the homeowner.

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Kitchen Cabinet Trends 2025

By Heather Perkins • February 11, 2025

The year 2025 welcomes a collection of warm, neutral, and natural hues. In this blog, we delve into several key signature elements anticipated in today's designs. Design and Layout: Expect minimalistic, clean, and uncluttered spaces featuring concealed pantries, preparation areas, and sculleries that effectively hide messes, enhancing the experience of entertaining. Incorporating drawers throughout lower cabinetry provides additional storage, improved organization, and a practical solution for accommodating heavy pots and pans. Expansive islands equipped with built-in appliances and seating merge form and function, creating a shared space for both gathering and cooking seamlessly. Full overlay European-style cabinetry takes the center stage with it's sleek, modern appeal while traditional partial overlay takes a backseat in 2025. Open Shelving to neatly display plates, glasses, or cool trinkets and artwork add structural visual interest to and open up otherwise crowded wall space. Under Cabinet Lighting highlights countertop and backsplash and brightens the space Color Trends: Warm tones are in vogue while cool hues have taken a back seat. The era of stark white, sterile kitchens is a thing of the past; inviting warm shades encourage friends and family to congregate in a more welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, combinations of diverse textures and colors are trending. Rich, stained wood paired with gentle off-whites, greiges (a blend of grey and beige), or striking deep colors are all the rage this year. Below are some of our top color selections: Off Whites: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (Light Reflectance Value 83), Benjamin Moore White Dove (LRV 83), Benjamin Moore Seapearl (LRV 78) and Benjamin Moore Ballet White (LRV 72) Greiges: Benjamin Moore Classic Gray (LRV 73), Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (LRV 55), Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige (LRV 58), Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (LRV 63) and Benjamin Moore Pale Oak (68) Moody Darks: Sherwin Williams Rosemary, Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze, Sherwin Williams Naval, Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal and Sherwin Williams Black Magic Two-toned Kitchens: Natural woods mixed with painted cabinetry Finishes: Uniform finishes across the board are a thing of the past. Incorporating a blend of sheens and metals to create a subtle yet complementary contrast with cabinet colors introduces both interest and sophistication to the area. Warm metals such as antique brass can be beautifully combined with classic bronze or satin nickel, while polished brass provides a striking complement to polished chrome. Design professionals advise a maximum combination of 2-3 metals to achieve both interest and harmony within the space. At A La Carte Cabinet Painting, we provide complimentary expert color consultations designed to assist our clients in selecting shades that perfectly reflect their personality and design aspirations. We also order up to three Samplize color swatches for our clients, allowing them to visualize their preferred color options within their own space. These oversized peel and stick swatches are crafted from genuine paint by Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, PPG, and Farrow and Ball.