Hey friends, let’s talk about something I’ve seen firsthand more times than I can count: DIY cabinet painting.

I get it. You’ve been scrolling through Pinterest, seeing all those amazing before-and-after photos, and you think, “I can do that! It’ll save me a ton of money.” I know this feeling so well because I’ve been there myself. Years ago, before I ever thought of painting as a career, I decided to tackle my own cabinets. I watched the tutorials, bought the paint, and went for it. I thought I was being so smart and saving a bundle.

Sandra McCarthy DIY painting — First time painting my kitchen cabinets in 2022

But here’s the honest truth, and trust me, this is coming from the heart: the end result was not what I expected. And after years of working in this industry, I can tell you that my experience is far from unique. In fact, many times, it ends up costing people more in the long run.

Think about it. Those DIY projects you see online? They rarely show you the full story. The missed spots, the drips, the uneven texture that comes from not using the right tools or techniques. I’ve seen cabinets where the paint is so thick and textured, it’s a nightmare to fix. When we get a call to fix a DIY job, we have to charge more because of the extra time it takes to strip down or sand all that previous work. Sometimes, it’s nearly impossible to get rid of all that texture, and the final finish will never look as smooth and professional as it would have if it was a fresh start.

Painting mistakes VLB — I even let the bumpers up

And that’s the key right there: the finish. A cabinet that has never been painted before by a professional is a blank canvas. It’s clean, smooth, and ready to be prepped and painted correctly. The end result is always a beautiful, durable, and flawless finish that a DIY project, no matter how much effort you put into it, just can't replicate.

I learned this the hard way with my own cabinets. Once I started working for a professional company, I saw every step I missed and every mistake I made. The meticulous prep work, the specific primers, the professional sprayers—it all makes a world of difference. It’s not just about slapping on a coat of paint; it’s a craft.

So, if you’re standing in your kitchen, dreaming of a new look for your cabinets, I want to share this advice with you from someone who's been on both sides. Don't let a DIY project end up being more expensive and stressful than you ever imagined. If you’re considering giving your cabinets new life, do it the right way from the start.