The Top Mistakes Homeowners Make When Painting Cabinets
How to Prevent Costly Mistakes When Painting Cabinets at Home
Painting cabinets seems easy enough… until it isn’t.
You see the photos on Pinterest — sleek satin finishes, modern tones, transformed kitchens. But what those photos don’t show is how one skipped step can lead to flaking paint, bubbling finishes, or worse — cabinets that need to be stripped and redone entirely.
That’s what we help fix. At Affordable Interior & Exterior Painting, we’ve worked with dozens of homeowners in Western Springs, IL who started off confident and ended up frustrated by peeling layers, streaks, or bad color match-ups.
Here are the most common missteps we see — and how to avoid them.
Top 6 Cabinet Painting Mistakes (and How Pros Avoid Them)
Mistake #1: Skipping Surface Prep
🎯 Consequence: Paint doesn’t stick
Grease, dust, and food splatter may not be visible, but they create a slick surface that repels paint. Without a proper base, even premium products will peel off. This is one of the most common Painting Cabinets issues we correct for Western Springs clients attempting DIY.
🛠️ How pros do it
- Degrease using a non-toxic, residue-free cleaner
- Lightly sand to dull glossy coatings
- Wipe with tack cloth to remove particles
Every project handled by our cabinet painting team in Western Springs, IL starts with meticulous prep. Skipping this stage is never an option.
Mistake #2: Using the Wrong Paint
🎯 Consequence: Peeling, poor finish
Cabinet surfaces take a beating — cooking grease, steam, and cleaning chemicals all wear down cheap paint fast. Interior wall paint isn’t built to handle this kind of abuse, especially when Painting Cabinets in high-use kitchens or bathrooms.
🛠️ What professionals use
We recommend:
- Benjamin Moore Advance – self-leveling and durable
- Sherwin-Williams ProClassic – smooth finish with strong adhesion
Both offer the durability needed for kitchen and bath cabinets, and both are frequently used by our interior painter Western Springs IL on high-end projects.
Mistake #3: Not Removing Doors and Hardware
🎯 Consequence: Drips, uneven edges
Painting cabinets while doors are still attached results in poor access to edges and corners. Paint pools near hinges and streaks across knobs.
🛠️ How pros do it
- Remove all doors and drawers
- Label each piece for correct reassembly
- Store all hardware in clearly marked bags
Attention to detail separates amateurs from professionals. We’ve completed dozens of refinishing jobs in Western Springs using this system — and our clients notice the difference.
Don’t let one mistake ruin your cabinets.
Call Affordable Painting at (630) 649-3850 for expert guidance, fast service, and cabinet results that last. Western Springs homeowners trust us to fix what DIY couldn’t—and get it right the first time.
Mistake #4: Rushing Dry Times Between Coats
🎯 Consequence: Sticky or uneven finish
Paint might feel dry to the touch but still be soft underneath. Recoating too soon traps moisture and causes wrinkles, streaks, or full-on failure.
🛠️ What we recommend
- Wait 6 to 8 hours minimum between coats
- Use airflow tools like fans or dehumidifiers to speed curing
- Check surface resistance with a light fingernail test
When it comes to cabinet painting Western Springs, IL, timing is everything. For homeowners refinishing cabinets in humid areas, proper dry time is non-negotiable. Our team ensures each coat cures fully before applying the next to prevent costly do-overs.
Mistake #5: Skipping Primer
🎯 Consequence: Uneven coverage, color bleed
Primer isn’t just about color — it creates a bond between the cabinet and topcoat. Skipping it invites priming errors, especially on porous or stained wood.
🛠️ How we prevent it
- Apply bonding primer on laminate or slick surfaces
- Use shellac-based or stain-blocking primer on knotty woods like oak or pine
We never skip primer on our cabinet refinishing Western Springs IL. It’s a critical step that ensures consistent color and durability.
Mistake #6: Painting Over Dirty or Glossy Surfaces
🎯 Consequence: Bubbling, flaking
Glossy or dirty cabinets repel paint — even if they look clean. Skipping cleaning and sanding causes bubbling or paint rejection during drying.
🛠️ What pros do
- Use degreasers to remove oil-based contaminants
- Abrade surfaces with fine-grit paper to allow paint to grip
This step is especially important when working on bathroom vanities or cabinets exposed to moisture.
🛑 Signs It’s Time to Call a Pro for Painting Cabinets Instead
Some projects are worth the DIY challenge. But cabinets aren’t always one of them.
💨 You don’t have access to a sprayer or drying racks
❌ You’ve already made one of the mistakes above
🏡 You’re prepping your home for resale and need a top-tier finish
If any of those ring true, it might be time to call in the experts. At Affordable Interior & Exterior Painting, we offer professional refinishing that saves time, protects your investment, and restores your space.
🧰 Cabinet Refinishing Success Story from Western Springs
One homeowner in Western Springs tried repainting their cabinets using a popular DIY kit. Within days, the paint began peeling, and the brush strokes stood out under every light. The finish was tacky to the touch and uneven near the corners.
“I ruined my cabinets before hiring Affordable Painting!” they later told us.
We stripped the failed layers, sanded and prepped each surface, and applied a satin white enamel using a professional sprayer. The transformation was dramatic — clean, smooth, and durable enough to handle years of daily use.
You can see more results like this in our project portfolio. For those seeking cabinet refinishing experts in Western Springs, we’re proud to be one of the top-reviewed painting companies in the area. Just read our customer reviews.
🎯 Why More Homeowners Choose Pros Over DIY in 2025?
Home trends are shifting — and so is homeowner behavior.
📈 Instead of full remodels, more people now choose cabinet refinishing
🖌️ High-performance paints are replacing budget-friendly latex
💨 Eco-friendly options with low VOCs are in demand for indoor air safety
🖼️ Showroom finishes are expected when listing a home on the market
Affordable Interior & Exterior Painting guides every client through proper prep, product selection, and finish options. Whether you’re in Western Springs, Glen Ellyn, or nearby Hinsdale, our crew delivers high-end results without the high-end price tag — especially for Painting Cabinets that last.
👋 Ready to Avoid These Mistakes When Painting Cabinets?
Thinking about a cabinet update? Cabinets are one of the most visible — and valuable — elements in your home. Getting it right takes time, tools, and know-how.
Our local house painter in Western Springs, IL is ready to help you get a finish that lasts. Whether you’re Painting Cabinets in your kitchen, bathroom, or throughout your home, we provide trusted cabinet refinishing, full interior painting, and responsive service from prep to final coat.
Save your kitchen from a DIY disaster.
Contact Affordable Painting in Western Springs at (630) 649-3850 or get a FREE estimate today. Our cabinet refinishing experts are ready to clean up the mess — and get it done right.