What’s the Best Way to Paint Kitchen Cabinets in Rhode Island?

October 22, 2025

When a Rhode Island homeowner says they want to update their kitchen cabinets, what they usually mean is this: “I want my kitchen to feel fresh, modern, and like a place I actually want to cook in.”


Cabinet painting offers that transformation, without the price tag or chaos of a full remodel.


So, what’s the best way to do it? Here’s how experienced pros tackle cabinet refinishing, what makes the process work, and why it’s definitely not just a simple weekend DIY project (sorry, YouTube).


Why Cabinet Painting Is a Smart Move

Many Rhode Island homes have cabinets that are still perfectly functional, even if they look like they’ve time-traveled straight from 1992. In these cases, a full cabinet replacement is often unnecessary, no matter what your local carpenter might suggest. If they’ve got good bones they only need a new tone.


Repainting or refinishing those cabinets can give your kitchen a high-end, updated look without the demo, dust, or giant bill. And that’s not all. Professionally painted cabinets can also:


  • Achieve a custom, durable finish without replacing a single box
  • Minimize time out of the kitchen (always a win)
  • Extend the life of existing cabinetry with tough, long-lasting coatings

In other words, when it’s done right, cabinet painting isn’t just a quick fix. It’s a strategic upgrade that solves both style and function, and lets you avoid the sledgehammer.

What’s the Best Way to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?

There’s no cutting corners here. The best results come from following a proven, multi-step process that’s been tested and perfected by professional painters. It looks something like this:


1. Remove Doors, Drawers, and Hardware

No taping around hinges here. Real cabinet painting starts by removing every door, drawer, and knob so that every surface is treated properly and evenly. It might not be glamorous, but it’s the first sign that things are being done right.


2. Use an In-Shop Spray Finishing Process

Instead of painting everything in your kitchen (and hoping the dog doesn’t walk through it), most pros take the doors and drawers off-site. A clean, controlled spray booth allows for smoother, more even coats with fewer imperfections. Basically, the difference between “looks painted” and “looks brand new.”


3. Prepare and Paint Cabinet Frames On-Site

While the doors are being transformed off-site, the cabinet boxes are carefully cleaned, sanded, and painted in place. Once the components are finished, everything is reinstalled, adjusted, and double-checked to ensure it all looks and functions like it should.


4. Use the Right Products for the Surface

Wood, laminate, MDF—not all cabinet materials are created equal. Professionals choose coatings and primers based on the surface type and condition to make sure the paint sticks, holds up, and still looks great next year. This step makes or breaks the finish, and the finish makes or breaks the kitchen.


5. Minimize Disruption with Efficient Workflow

Because a lot of the work happens off-site, the mess stays out of your house. That means fewer fumes, less dust, and a faster overall turnaround, so you can get back to your coffee maker and microwave in peace.


Why Quality Matters in Cabinet Painting

Painting kitchen cabinets seems simple, until it isn’t.


Between Rhode Island’s seasonal humidity swings, high-traffic kitchens, and the daily use of cabinets, a poorly applied finish won’t last long. And when shortcuts are taken, the results show up quickly in the form of:


  • Chipping or peeling within months
  • Blotchy or uneven color
  • Visible brush strokes
  • Surfaces that stain easily or can't be cleaned


A professionally applied finish, on the other hand, gives you the look and durability of new cabinets without the new cabinet price tag.


Is Cabinet Painting Right for Your Kitchen?

If you're thinking about upgrading your kitchen without tearing it apart, cabinet painting is one of the most impactful and cost-effective options out there. Especially during seasonal transitions, like spring cleanups or fall holiday prep, it’s a great way to refresh the heart of your home.

And again, when done by someone who knows what they’re doing, the transformation can be dramatic. Bright white cabinets, a bold navy island, a warm greige that pulls the room together - paint makes all of it possible without changing the layout or spending a fortune.


Common Cabinet Painting Questions

Do cabinets need to be fully emptied?
While the cabinet frames stay in place, it’s a good idea to clear out drawers and shelves to give the painters full access and avoid any dust surprises in your cereal boxes.

Will the new color match the sample or swatch?
Yes. Professional painters use color-matching tools and provide swatches or test areas before applying the final finish, so there are no surprises when it’s all done.

How long before the cabinets can be used again?
Most projects allow for light use within a few days. Full cure time varies depending on the products used, but you won’t be living out of cardboard boxes for weeks.

Is it worth attempting this as a DIY project?
Technically? Sure. But be warned, cabinet painting is one of those things that’s much harder to get right than it looks. Without the right prep, tools, and finish products, the results often chip, peel, or just don’t look clean. This is one project where hiring a pro really pays off.


Final Thoughts

Kitchen cabinet painting isn’t about slapping on a few coats of paint and calling it a day. It takes prep, patience, and process, plus a good eye for detail and the right products for the job.


But when done right, the payoff is huge. A brighter, cleaner, more modern kitchen that feels brand new, without ever opening up a wall or touching your plumbing.


So if your cabinets are in good shape but stuck in another decade, this could be the smartest upgrade you make all year.

Fall Painting Projects Every Rhode Island Homeowner Should Consider

October 31, 2025
Fall in Rhode Island is more than pumpkin patches and football weekends (to be clear, it is definitely mostly about that). But it’s also prime time for painting. The air is dry, the temperatures are steady, and the sun isn’t scorching your siding. It’s basically nature’s invitation to tackle projects you’ve been putting off. From exterior touch-ups to an interior refresh before the holidays, fall gives homeowners that rare combination of good weather and motivation, and that’s worth taking advantage of. Ready to grab a brush (or at least a plan) and get a few things checked off before the frost sets in? Consider this article your first line item. Why Fall Is Ideal for Painting in Rhode Island Autumn weather in New England offers something that painters love: stability. It’s not too hot, not too humid, and rarely too cold. Paint adheres better, dries evenly, and doesn’t blister under direct sunlight like it can in midsummer. Cooler temps also mean painters, whether you or a professional crew, can work longer without racing the clock or baking under a high sun. Add in fewer bugs, drier air, and reduced pollen, and you’ve got the recipe for beautiful finishes inside and out.

Project Spotlight: Sandblasting a Historic Mill Building in Chelsea, MA

September 29, 2025
Like many historic mills in New England , this building carried the weight of decades: peeling paint, dust, grime, and coatings that had long since lost their integrity. Ceilings, brick walls, and wood columns were all hidden beneath layers of paint that dulled the building’s original character. Simply painting over the old surfaces wasn’t an option. To get it ready for renovation, and its next phase of life as modern apartments, the space needed to be stripped back to its bones, restored, and sealed. That’s where our specialized sandblasting services came in. The Process: Sandblasting, Step by Step Sandblasting is as much about precision as it is about power. For this project, we worked floor by floor over three levels, using specialized equipment to remove years of buildup. Protecting the space. Before blasting, we set up containment to control dust and debris, ensuring the process stayed safe and efficient. Stripping surfaces. Using the right abrasive medium and calibrated pressure, we blasted away paint from the ceilings, brick, and wooden support columns. The goal wasn’t to erase history but to reveal it; to uncover the original materials while preserving their integrity. Revealing character. Once stripped, the natural beauty of the brick and timber shone through, showing off the craftsmanship that had been hidden for years. It never gets old!

Cabinet Paint Color Inspiration for Your Rhode Island Home

September 17, 2025
Looking for cabinet color inspiration? Explore trending blues, greens, and whites, and see why painting is a smart alternative to full replacement.

Cabinet Painting in North Kingstown – Is It Right for Your Kitchen?

August 19, 2025
In North Kingstown, the kitchen is often the busiest room in the house; part cooking space, part gathering spot, part drop zone for everything from school backpacks to yesterday’s mail. Which also means your cabinets can start to show the battle scars over time: faded finishes, chipped corners, and maybe a mystery stain or two. When that happens, you’re faced with a choice: replace your cabinets entirely or give them a professional paint makeover? Well, when done right, painting can actually transform your kitchen, extend the life of your cabinetry, AND cost far less than a full remodel! (Plus, it spares you from spending weeks reheating dinner in the laundry room). Why Cabinet Painting? Painting your cabinets can give your kitchen a fresh, modern look without the price tag (or demolition dust) of a full remodel.  Some of the biggest benefits include: Cost savings: On average, cabinet painting costs 50 to 70% less than full replacement. Less disruption: Most professional cabinet painting projects take 4 to 7 days, and your kitchen stays mostly functional during the process. A full replacement can take 3 to 6 weeks or longer. Eco-friendly: Reusing your existing cabinets can prevent hundreds of pounds of wood, metal, and composite materials from ending up in a landfill. Customization: Choose any color, from crisp whites to bold blues, for a personalized style. Think of it as the difference between buying an entirely new wardrobe or just getting your clothes tailored and dry-cleaned. Both improve your look, but one is a lot gentler on your wallet.

Year-Round Exterior Painting & Maintenance Tips for Rhode Island Businesses

July 30, 2025
Rhode Island weather doesn’t go easy on buildings. Between salty winters, humid summers, and everything in between, your commercial property’s exterior is working overtime just to keep up appearances. That’s why we put together this seasonal checklist to help you stay ahead of the wear and tear. Whether you manage a restaurant, retail storefront, office building, or high-traffic hospitality space, staying proactive with exterior maintenance protects your investment, boosts curb appeal, and keeps your business looking as sharp as the service you offer. Let’s walk through what to watch for, season by season. Spring: Refresh and Recover After a long winter, spring is about repair and renewal. Snow, salt, and ice can take a toll on every surface, so now’s the time to clean up and fix the damage. What to focus on: Inspect roofing and flashing for signs of water intrusion, missing shingles, or debris buildup. Clean out gutters and downspouts so spring rain drains properly instead of pooling. Power wash sidewalks and patios to remove grime, salt, and mildew. Touch up or repaint worn areas of your façade, signage, or trim, especially if peeling paint is visible. Inspect windows and doors for broken seals or cracked glass. Refresh landscaping to reframe your exterior with clean lines and healthy greenery. Pro tip: Spring moisture can hide mildew in shaded areas. If power washing doesn’t cut it, a repaint with the right mildew-resistant coating will make a big difference.

Project Spotlight: A Fast-Track Warehouse Repaint in Warwick, RI

July 17, 2025
We’re excited to share a recent commercial repaint that really showcases what Elco Painting is all about: efficiency, precision, and of course, a top quality finish. This project took us to Warwick, Rhode Island, where we tackled a full warehouse repaint with a tight two-week turnaround. Yes, it was a big space. And yes it was a tight timeline. But too much for us to handle? Not a chance! Let’s walk you through how we made it happen and why projects like this are such a good fit for our team. The Scope: A Full-Scale Commercial Warehouse Repaint Commercial warehouses don’t paint themselves, and this one was ready for a fresh coat. We were brought in to transform the look and feel of the space, inside and out. Here’s what was involved: Ceiling spray application with dry fall paint. We used this specialized product for fast coverage and minimal cleanup. Dry fall is ideal for high ceilings. Basically overspray dries before it hits the ground, meaning less mess and more control. Bright white repainting of walls and overheads. Clean white brings instant brightness to a space like this, improving lighting and making everything feel more modern and organized. Bold orange accents on beams and columns. This was a standout design decision. It not only gave the space a pop of color but also helped define structural elements visually, which can be a big plus in busy, high-traffic facilities. We knew the clock was ticking, and planning was everything. From mobilizing the right crew to choosing the right materials, we coordinated every phase of the project to meet the deadline without cutting corners. Watch the quick video below to see a before, during, and after perspective!

Deck Staining vs. Painting: Which Is Better for Your Outdoor Space?

By Christine Lekberg • June 30, 2025
When it comes to sprucing up your deck , you’ll eventually run into The Question. You know the one: “Should I stain my deck… or paint it?” It’s a tough call. Both options offer protection. Both can look great. And both come with their own baggage. In this post, we’re unpacking the pros, cons, and all the murky in-between so you can confidently choose the finish that fits your deck and your sanity. No deep YouTube rabbit holes required. The Basics: What’s the Real Difference? Before you can pick sides, you’ve gotta know the players. Stain and paint may both live in the same aisle at the hardware store, but they’re totally different animals when it comes to how they treat your wood. Let’s break down what each one actually does. Staining soaks into the wood, enhancing its natural beauty, letting the wood grain shine through. Painting, on the other hand, coats the surface, covering blemishes and adding color. Want a white deck? Navy blue? Go for it. Just remember: you’re covering the wood grain entirely. Durability: Does Paint or Stain Last Longer On a Deck? Let’s not sugarcoat it: paint is more durable, especially the high-quality exterior kind. It forms a thick barrier that helps repel UV rays, moisture, and other deck-destroying villains. Stain isn’t as robust, but it’s no slouch either. Oil-based stains offer solid protection and tend to wear away gradually, which sounds bad, but it’s actually easier to manage. So who wins? If your deck gets a lot of sun or moisture, paint does last longer. But that doesn’t mean it’s always the better choice…

How to Prepare Your Building for Summer Painting Projects: Tips for RI Property Owners

May 18, 2025
When the days get longer and the weather warms up, it’s not just beachgoers and boaters heading outside; it’s painting crews, too. Summer is prime time for giving your building a facelift, whether it’s a touch-up or a full exterior repaint . But before you break out the color swatches and book a crew, there’s one thing you need to know: good painting starts with great prep. Whether you own a commercial building in Providence, manage a multi-family property in Warwick, or run a boutique storefront, this guide will help you get your building paint-ready, so your summer project finishes on time, on budget, and without the “uh-oh” surprises. Assess Before You Address Before anyone shows up with a paint sprayer, it’s time to take a walk around the building. What’s peeling? What’s faded? What’s quietly rotting behind the trim like a summer horror story? Paint won’t stick to problems; it just hides them for a minute. So check for things like wood rot, water damage, cracks in siding, or loose trim. If you spot anything questionable, now’s the time to call in a pro. Plan Your Exterior Repaint Around the Weather (Because It’s Rhode Island, After All) Summer may be painting season, but let’s be honest: Rhode Island weather has a flair for the dramatic. One minute it’s sunny and dry, the next it’s 85 degrees with 90% humidity and a surprise thunderstorm thrown in just because. Paint loves stable weather—ideally between 50° and 85°F, with low humidity and no rain in the forecast. So plan your project with a bit of buffer time. Don’t schedule tight deadlines that hinge on a perfect 3-day stretch. Spoiler: Mother Nature does not care about your calendar.

Why North Kingstown Homes Need Regular Exterior Painting: Salt Air & Seasonal Wear

April 30, 2025
Salt air and Rhode Island’s wild seasons can wear down your home fast. Learn why regular exterior painting in North Kingstown is essential protection.

Spring Maintenance Checklist: Preparing Your Commercial Property’s Exterior in Rhode Island

March 31, 2025
Prep your Rhode Island commercial property for spring with this essential exterior maintenance checklist—protect your investment and boost curb appeal.