Repaint or Replace Cabinets? Make the Smart Choice Today

Repainting cabinets offers a fast, affordable way to refresh your kitchen, while replacing provides a complete upgrade in layout and function. If your cabinets are in good shape, repainting or refacing delivers high-impact results without the cost of full replacement.

In this guide, we’ll break down the core differences between repainting, refacing, and replacing cabinets, so you can match your decision to your kitchen’s condition, your design goals, and your budget. We’ll explore real-world costs, pros and cons, common mistakes, and insights to help you avoid regret and get the best results.

ProSmart Painting specializes in high-performance cabinet finishes that last longer, look better, and eliminate the risks most homeowners face with low-grade paints or poor prep. Whether you want to refresh your cabinets or are unsure if repainting is the right call, our process is built to deliver peace of mind from start to finish.

Want the full breakdown? Keep reading, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to confidently decide whether to repaint or replace your cabinets.

What Do You Want to Change About Your Kitchen?

Before diving into cost comparisons and material choices, let’s get to the root of your project:

• Do you just want a style update?

• Do you need more storage or functionality?

• Is the current layout working, or does it feel cramped?

• Are your cabinet boxes in good shape, or are they sagging, cracked, or damaged?

We often meet homeowners who feel pressure to remodel simply because their kitchen feels outdated, but when the layout is still functional and the cabinets are structurally solid, a full replacement often adds unnecessary cost and construction stress. In many cases, the most impactful and efficient solution is repainting or refacing.

If you’re struggling with outdated finishes but otherwise functional cabinets, don’t assume a $30K remodel is your only option. You might just need a better paint finish, or new doors. And we can help you make that call with confidence.

What’s the Difference Between Repainting, Refacing, and Replacing Cabinets?

Let’s break down your three main options so you can make an informed, apples-to-apples comparison.

Cabinet Repainting

Repainting is ideal when your cabinet boxes are in good shape and your main goal is to update the look. It’s fast, cost-effective, and customizable, but it’s not without its limitations.

ProSmart Painting specializes in high-performance cabinet finishes that outperform traditional latex paints. We use catalyzed primers and pigmented lacquers that bond to even the most difficult surfaces, like vinyl, thermofoil, or laminate. Most painters won’t touch these materials because they don’t have the right tools or experience. We do. It’s the same technique we use in medical offices and commercial spaces where durability matters.

Painting is your fastest route to a refreshed kitchen, especially if you’re satisfied with the layout. But if the surfaces are cheap or damaged, paint alone won’t hide the flaws. In those cases, consider pairing painting with partial upgrades like new doors or drawer fronts for a better finish.

Cabinet Refacing

Refacing replaces the visible parts of your cabinetry, doors, drawer fronts, veneers, and hardware, while leaving the cabinet boxes intact. It’s a strong middle-ground between painting and replacing.

You get the benefit of a modern, cohesive style with new doors and finishes (like 3D laminate or wood veneers) without the cost and disruption of a full cabinet demo. Refacing also allows you to upgrade to soft-close hinges, glass inserts, and custom trim, all while maintaining your kitchen’s current layout.

However, refacing quotes can be steep. Some clients in the Phoenix area have reported bids as high as $13,000 to $16,000, more than the cost of ready-to-assemble all-wood cabinets. This is why getting multiple quotes, and knowing your materials, is key.

Still, for homeowners looking to modernize without committing to a full tear-out, refacing offers long-term value and impressive durability.

Cabinet Replacement

If your cabinets are falling apart, your kitchen layout no longer works, or you’re ready for a total redesign, replacement may be the right path. This route allows you to reconfigure the space, add storage, and install newer features like full-extension drawers or pull-out organizers.

It’s also the most expensive and time-consuming option. Between demolition, new cabinet installation, possible plumbing or electrical changes, and finishing touches like countertops or backsplashes, you're looking at $12,000 to $30,000 or more.

For that reason, we recommend this option only when functionality is compromised or a full kitchen upgrade is already underway.

The Pros and Cons of Painting Cabinets

Painting cabinets is often the go-to for fast, budget-friendly updates, but it’s not always the best long-term strategy. Here’s what you need to know:

Pros of Painting

• Budget-friendly: Most projects fall between $1,500 and $4,000, significantly less than refacing or replacing.

• Fast turnaround: A professional team can complete your project in under a week, minimizing disruption.

• Unlimited color options: Whether you want a warm white, dramatic navy, or trendy sage green, the customization is endless.

• Eco-friendly: Reusing your cabinet structure reduces landfill waste and material usage.

Cons of Painting

• Labor-intensive prep: A quality finish requires deep cleaning, sanding, priming, and often multiple coats of paint or lacquer.

• Durability varies: Standard latex or acrylic paints can chip, peel, or fade, especially in humid kitchens.

• Finish imperfections: Uneven grain, old hardware holes, or cheap laminate may show through even the best paint job.

And here’s where many homeowners get tripped up: color regret. We’ve seen it all, beautiful work ruined by the wrong undertone or a shade that clashed with the countertop.

We test every color in your space before application, ensuring that what you see is truly what you’ll get. No second-guessing, and no touch-up disasters a week later. Need help? Call us for professional assistance.

When Is Refacing Cabinets the Better Choice?

Refacing is ideal when the structure is solid but the design is dated. If your cabinet doors are worn, discolored, or just plain ugly, but the boxes are still holding strong, refacing gives you a stunning transformation without full demolition.

We especially recommend this route for high-use kitchens, homes with kids, or clients planning to sell within 5 years. Refaced cabinets offer a more durable, consistent finish than paint, and materials like 3D laminate stand up to heat, moisture, and scrubbing far better than traditional paints.

Some worry that paint won’t bond to laminate. That’s a valid concern, but it’s not the material that’s the problem. It’s the product and technique. We use catalyzed bonding primers that adhere to laminate, MDF, thermofoil, and vinyl. It’s not just about getting the job done, it’s about getting it done right.

Still, if your budget stretches far enough and you’re craving a new door style, color, and finish, refacing may be your best bet for a long-lasting kitchen upgrade that doesn’t break the bank.

When Should You Replace Cabinets Entirely?

Sometimes, no amount of paint or refacing can fix what’s fundamentally not working. If your cabinets are warped, sagging, suffering from water damage, or the layout itself makes cooking a daily frustration, replacement may be your only solution.

Full cabinet replacement gives you a clean slate, one where you can finally add that pull-out spice rack, deep drawers for pots, or extend cabinetry to the ceiling for extra storage. New cabinets also allow for modern features like soft-close hinges and integrated lighting, which simply can’t be added during repainting.

But make no mistake, it comes at a price. Between demolition, cabinetry, and installation, plus any plumbing or electrical changes, this route starts at $12,000 and can easily top $30,000 depending on your selections.

If you’re already changing out countertops or flooring, full replacement might make financial sense. But for homeowners who just want to modernize the look without gutting the kitchen, painting or refacing remains a more efficient investment.

What About Vinyl, MDF, and Laminate Cabinets, Can They Be Painted?

Yes, vinyl, MDF, and laminate cabinets can be painted, but not with the same products you'd use on drywall or trim. These surfaces are slick, non-porous, and often tricky to prep correctly. That’s why many painters will say it “can’t be done.” What they often mean is: they don’t have the right tools or coatings.

We specialize in hard-to-coat materials. Our team uses pre-catalyzed bonding primers and industrial-grade finishes that adhere to slick cabinet surfaces and last for years. This isn't something you’ll get from a hardware store kit or a contractor who treats cabinet painting like wall painting.

When done right, even laminate or vinyl cabinets can look like factory-finished units. When done wrong, you’ll get peeling edges, bubbling paint, and a whole lot of frustration.

How Much Should You Really Expect to Spend? (And What’s Worth It?)

Let’s break down the numbers so you can match your budget to your goals.

If you're getting quotes that seem inflated, especially for refacing, get a second opinion. We've had clients in Phoenix quoted $13K+ for basic veneer doors, when RTA (ready-to-assemble) all-wood cabinets could be bought and installed for less.

Also, don’t overlook used options. Some customers have found gently-used, high-end cabinets from showroom liquidations or design centers, saving thousands without sacrificing quality.

How ProSmart Painting Helps You Avoid Regret

Choosing between painting, refacing, or replacing is about confidence. You want to know that whatever route you choose, it’ll look amazing, last long, and feel like money well spent.

That’s where we come in.

We don’t cut corners. We don’t thin down paint, skip prep, or use generic products. Our process is built around durability, beauty, and honesty. You’ll never pay a deposit. You’ll know exactly what finish we’re using and why. And we’ll walk you through every step, from color sampling to final inspection, so you never feel rushed or unsure.

We’ve painted everything from medical office cabinets to high-end kitchens. We know how to handle difficult surfaces, strange layouts, and picky finishes. And most importantly, we know how to get it right the first time.

Still Not Sure What to Do? Here’s How to Decide in 3 Steps

If you're torn between repainting, refacing, or replacing, here's a simple decision framework:

1. Assess the cabinet structure. If your cabinet boxes are solid and your layout works, don’t replace, update.

2. Decide your priority. Want a quick facelift? Paint. Want a new look with better durability? Reface. Need more function or better flow? Replace.

3. Talk to a pro before you commit. The right professional won't upsell you, they’ll guide you to the option that makes sense for your goals and budget.

That’s what we do every day for homeowners in Phoenix, and we’re happy to do it for you.

Let’s Make Your Cabinets the Highlight of Your Home

Whether you repaint, reface, or replace, your cabinets can set the tone for your entire home. They’re the backdrop of everyday memories, shared meals, and late-night snacks.

We believe in getting it right the first time, with clear advice, honest pricing, and finishes that actually last. If you're ready to give your kitchen the update it deserves, we’d love to help guide you through the process. Get your free quote from ProSmart Painting.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long does a professional cabinet painting job typically last?

When done correctly with high-quality primers and catalyzed finishes, professionally painted cabinets can last 8–10 years or more. However, longevity depends on usage, humidity levels, and the quality of the prep work. We use commercial-grade coatings that outperform standard paints, especially in high-traffic kitchens.

Is cabinet refacing messy or disruptive to live through?

Refacing is less disruptive than replacement but more involved than painting. There will be some dust and noise, especially during door removal and surface prep. However, most projects can be completed within 3 to 5 days, and homeowners can typically remain in the home without issue.

Can I mix painting and refacing in the same kitchen?

Yes, and many homeowners do. For example, you can paint cabinet boxes and replace doors and drawer fronts, creating a cohesive new look at a lower cost than full refacing. This hybrid approach works especially well if your cabinet boxes are still in good shape but your doors are outdated or damaged.

Does cabinet painting require removing the doors and hardware?

Absolutely, at least if you want a professional, durable finish. We always remove doors, hinges, and hardware before cleaning, sanding, and spraying. Trying to paint in place often leads to brush marks, drips, and missed areas, which compromise the end result.

Is cabinet painting safe around kids and pets?

Yes, when proper products and ventilation are used. We use low-VOC and non-toxic finishes that cure quickly and minimize odors. We also schedule work around your routine to keep your space livable during the project.