Kitchen Cabinet Painting
Refresh the kitchen you love with a carefully prepared finish for your doors, drawers and frames. We’ll help you plan the color, preparation and details.
Why Choose Empire for Cabinet Painting
Local Experience
Owner-led and based in Delafield, our team has served Southeast Wisconsin since 2003.
Care in Every Detail
Doors, drawers and frames receive a preparation plan suited to their existing finish.
A Clear Plan
Know what is included, who to contact and what happens next, with the agreed work in writing.
Confidence Built In
No deposit required. Pay when the agreed work is complete, with a written three-year warranty on qualifying workmanship.
Cabinet Replacement Alternative
Make the Kitchen Feel New Without Replacing the Cabinets
Kitchen cabinet painting is a high-impact way to update the room when the cabinet boxes are in good condition but the color, stain, sheen or overall look feels dated. It also pairs naturally with interior painting, trim updates and paint color consultation when the whole kitchen needs to feel more finished.
Empire Painting reviews the existing finish, door and drawer layout, cabinet condition, prep needs, color goals and surrounding surfaces before recommending the best path forward.
- Kitchen cabinets, islands, vanities, built-ins and painted millwork
- Good fit for solid cabinets with outdated color or stain
- Helpful alternative before committing to full replacement
- Color planning for cabinets, trim, walls and nearby rooms
Before & After Cabinet Painting Results
From Outdated to Updated Without Replacing Everything
Before and after photos help homeowners see how much the kitchen can change when cabinet color, prep and finish expectations are handled carefully.
See the Difference Cabinet Painting Can Make
Drag the handle to compare the original warm-wood kitchen with the finished white-cabinet transformation.
Before
After
Real Local Cabinet Painting Proof
Cabinet Painting Work Across Southeast Wisconsin
These real Empire Painting images show cabinet color changes, finish preparation and completed kitchen updates in Waukesha, Mequon, Milwaukee and Sussex-area homes.
Cabinet Painting Reviews
What Empire Customers Say About Their Cabinets
Real cabinet customers call out the details that matter inside the home: communication, reliable scheduling, careful workmanship and a finished kitchen they are proud to use.
“Great on every level—communication, professionalism and quality.”Terry Colburn Cabinet painting customer • Navy-blue kitchen island update
“Their attention to detail was impressive.”Monika Indig Kitchen and laundry cabinet painting customer
Prep Is the Difference
Preparation Is What Makes Cabinet Painting Work
Cabinets are touched every day. Doors, drawers, frames, edges, handles, corners and finish-wear areas need more planning than a typical wall painting project.
Empire looks at the current surface, cleaning needs, sanding, masking, adhesion, color change and layout so the project starts with clearer expectations.
- Degreasing and surface cleaning where needed
- Sanding and adhesion-focused prep
- Protection for floors, counters, appliances and nearby rooms
- Careful review of doors, drawers, frames and touch points
Cabinet Painting Process
A Cleaner Process for Cabinet Painting Projects
Cabinet painting succeeds when the scope, preparation, protection, coating plan and final expectations are clear before work begins.
Cleaning, sanding, masking, protection and a clear coating plan matter because doors, drawers, frames and edges are handled every day.
Review the Cabinets
Empire reviews cabinet condition, layout, doors, drawers, current finish, wear areas, color goals and project timing.
Prep & Protect
The kitchen, floors, counters, appliances and nearby rooms are protected before cleaning, sanding and detail preparation begin.
Paint Doors, Drawers & Frames
Doors, drawers, frames, edges and touch points are handled according to the written scope and finish expectations.
Review the Finished Kitchen
The completed work is reviewed with the homeowner, qualifying work is backed by a 3-year warranty, and payment is due when complete.
Helpful Photo Review
Send Us Photos of Your Cabinets
Wide kitchen views and close-ups of doors, drawers, islands, vanities, wear areas and the current finish give Empire a useful first look before the next conversation.
- Phone photos are perfect
- Free project review and written estimate path
- No deposit required and payment when complete
- General questions can go directly to the Contact page
Questions Homeowners Ask Before Painting Cabinets
Kitchen Cabinet Painting FAQs
These answers cover cabinet painting value, prep, color help, service areas, deposits, cost factors and how to get started.
Is cabinet painting worth it?
Cabinet painting can be worth it when the cabinet boxes are solid and the main issue is the color, finish or dated look. It can refresh a kitchen without the disruption and expense of full cabinet replacement.
What cabinets can be painted?
Many wood, oak, stained and previously painted cabinets can be painted when they are structurally sound and properly prepared. Empire reviews the current finish, condition, door style, layout and wear areas before recommending the best next step.
How important is prep for cabinet painting?
Prep is extremely important. Cabinets need to be cleaned, sanded, masked and prepared correctly so the final result has the best chance to look clean and hold up to regular use.
Can you help choose cabinet colors?
Yes. Empire can help homeowners think through cabinet colors, island colors, trim colors, wall colors and how the kitchen connects to nearby rooms.
Do you paint bathroom vanities and built-ins?
Yes. In addition to kitchen cabinets, Empire can review bathroom vanities, built-ins, mudroom cabinets and other finish-work pieces.
Do you require a deposit?
No. Empire Painting does not require a deposit before work begins. Payment is due when the project is complete.
What areas do you serve for cabinet painting?
Empire Painting serves Waukesha County, Lake Country, Milwaukee-area communities and nearby Southeast Wisconsin from its Delafield-based team.
How do I get started?
Schedule a free estimate online first. You can also call Empire or upload photos of the kitchen, cabinet layout, doors, drawers and current finish.
How much does kitchen cabinet painting cost?
Cabinet painting cost depends on the number of doors and drawers, cabinet condition, prep needs, layout, color changes and finish expectations. A project review is the best way to get an accurate scope.
Is it better to paint or replace kitchen cabinets?
Replacement may make sense when cabinets are damaged, poorly built, or the layout no longer works. Painting may be a smarter first move when the boxes are solid and the homeowner wants a refreshed look.
Can oak kitchen cabinets be painted?
Yes, many oak cabinets can be painted with the right prep and expectations. Empire can review grain, finish condition, color goals and the best approach for the home.
Can cabinet painting be paired with interior painting?
Yes. Many homeowners pair cabinet painting with kitchen wall painting, trim painting, ceiling painting or nearby room updates for a more complete refresh.
How long does cabinet painting take?
Timing depends on cabinet count, door and drawer quantity, prep, existing finish, layout, dry time and whether walls or trim are included. Empire outlines the expected schedule after reviewing the project.
Are cabinet doors and drawers removed for painting?
The exact setup depends on the cabinet construction and project scope. Empire reviews how doors, drawers, frames, hardware and surrounding surfaces will be handled before work begins.
Will wood grain still show after painting?
It can. Oak and other open-grain woods may retain visible texture after painting. The amount of grain that remains depends on the wood, existing finish, prep and the agreed project expectations.
Do you paint the inside of cabinet boxes?
Cabinet interiors are not automatically included in every project. Interior surfaces, shelves and specialty areas should be discussed during the project review so the written scope is clear.
Can cabinet hardware be changed during the project?
Hardware changes may be possible depending on hole placement, door and drawer condition and the new hardware selected. Share photos and hardware plans early so the scope can be reviewed.
What photos should I send for a cabinet estimate?
Send wide photos of the full kitchen, closeups of doors and drawers, the current finish, islands, vanities, visible wear or damage, and any areas where you are considering wall or trim painting.
Refresh Your Kitchen Cabinets Without a Full Remodel
Start a Cabinet Painting Conversation With Empire
Whether you are comparing painting versus replacement, trying to choose a cabinet color, or wondering what the project could cost, Empire can help you take the next step with clear guidance.
