Can You Paint Over Stained Cabinets? Here’s What Homeowners Need to Know

Thinking about refreshing your kitchen but dreading the cost of a full remodel? Here’s some good news: professional cabinet painters can transform even stained or laminated cabinets, and yes, you can absolutely paint them. If you’ve ever wondered , “Can you paint over stained cabinets?” you’re in good company. Homeowners everywhere are looking for affordable ways to update their kitchens without tearing everything out. This post walks you through exactly what’s possible, how it’s done, and whether it’s the right choice for your home.

• Yes, you can paint over both stained and laminated cabinets with the right preparation.
• Surface prep is crucial. Cleaning, sanding, and priming ensure the paint adheres properly.
• Choosing the right paint and tools matters, especially for long-lasting, smooth finishes.
• Hiring professional cabinet painters saves time and ensures a durable, professional-looking result. 
• Painting is a cost-effective alternative to full cabinet replacement or refacing.

Stained cabinets are beautiful, but trends change. That deep cherry wood or espresso stain from the early 2000s might not match your current aesthetic. Maybe you’ve seen those dreamy, bright kitchens on Pinterest or HGTV and want the same vibe. Rather than rip out your existing cabinets, painting offers a quicker, more affordable solution, but is it actually doable?

Short answer: Yes, absolutely. With the right prep work and materials, painted cabinets can look as good as (or better than) new.

This one trips up a lot of homeowners. Laminate isn’t real wood. It’s essentially a thin layer of plastic over a particleboard. That doesn’t mean it’s off-limits.

In fact, painting laminated cabinets is entirely possible, but it does require a slightly different approach. The key is using the correct primer that will stick to slick surfaces.

Whether you do it yourself or hire professional cabinet painters, the process follows several important steps.

Before anything else, the surface needs to be cleaned thoroughly. Kitchens are full of grease and oils, and paint won’t adhere properly to a dirty cabinet. TSP (trisodium phosphate) is a popular cleaner for this job.

Even though you’re painting over a stain or laminate, you still need to rough up the surface. Sanding helps the primer bond to the cabinet. For laminate, a light scuff-sanding is enough.

Primer is non-negotiable. For stained cabinets, a stain-blocking primer prevents the old finish from bleeding through. For laminate, a shellac or bonding primer designed for slick surfaces is best.

Once the primer dries, it’s time for paint. Professional cabinet painters often use high-quality acrylic or alkyd paints that level out smoothly and resist chipping. Spraying delivers the smoothest finish, but brushing and rolling are options too.

Some painters apply a clear topcoat for added durability, especially in high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Let’s be honest — painting cabinets is a serious job. You might save money doing it yourself, but it’s also time-consuming and easy to mess up. Uneven brush strokes, chipping paint, and bad adhesion are common pitfalls.

Hiring professional cabinet painters eliminates those risks. Here’s what they bring to the table:

• Experience: They know the right products and techniques for every type of surface.
• Tools: Commercial sprayers, sanders, and dustless systems lead to better results.
• Speed: A job that takes you two weekends might take them two days.
• Warranty: Many professionals offer guarantees on their work.

If done properly, painted cabinets can last 10 years or more without needing a touch-up. The key is prep and product. Cutting corners on sanding or using low-quality paint shortens the lifespan.

For laminate cabinets, durability can vary slightly, but a good primer and high-quality paint can still deliver long-term results. You may need to be a bit gentler when cleaning, but otherwise, you’re good to go.

Costs vary based on cabinet size, condition, and region, but here’s a rough estimate:

• DIY supplies: $200–$400
• Professional cabinet painters: $2,000–$6,000, depending on kitchen size

While DIY might look cheaper, factor in your time, effort, and the cost of potential mistakes.

White remains the most popular cabinet color, but trends are shifting. Navy, sage green, greige, and even matte black are making waves. Just make sure your choice complements your countertops, flooring, and backsplash.

Pro tip: Look at your lighting. Dark colors can make small kitchens feel even smaller.

• Skipping prep: Don’t skip cleaning or sanding. It might seem minor, but it’s the most important part.
• Using the wrong primer: Not all primers are created equal. Use the one that matches your cabinet surface.
• Cheap paint: Bargain-bin paint will chip faster, streak more, and wear out sooner.
• Not labeling doors and hardware: Keep track of where everything goes to avoid a puzzle later.

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. There are liquid deglossers or bonding primers that claim to skip sanding, but nothing beats the grip that sanding provides. For best results — especially if you want the finish to last — always sand.

If you want a fresh look without a gut renovation, painting is a smart, affordable option. And yes, it works beautifully on both stained and laminated surfaces. The key is prep, the right products, and — if you’re not confident doing it yourself — hiring professional cabinet painters who know exactly how to get the job done right.

Still unsure if painting your cabinets is the right move? Let the experts guide you through it. Contact Liquid Oak Painting today at 213-526-1070 to schedule a consultation and see how a simple coat of paint can completely transform your space.