09 Apr Kitchen Cabinets: Painted or Stained?
The choice of finish on kitchen cabinets can have a significant effect on the overall aesthetic. When renovating, the decision to go with stain or paint will come up inevitably. Both produce different outcomes and each has its own set of pros and cons.
Pros of Painted Cabinets
Painted cabinetry is a surefire way to colour your cabinets whilst maintaining a smooth, sleek texture. It can easily hide the character markings that are often seen on wooden cabinets as it adheres directly to the surface layer of the wood. A larger range of colours is also available if you choose paint rather than a stain. Another notable advantage of choosing paint is that it applies better to medium-density fibreboard (MDF). MDF is an extremely effective way to reduce the overall cost of your cabinetry as it costs only a fraction of traditional wood.
Cons of Painted Cabinets
Choosing paint rather than a stain can hide the original character features in wood. The grains and knots will be concealed almost completely by the paint. Another negative of paint is that it often costs more than a stain. This discrepancy in price differs according to the retailer, however you can expect painted cabinets to cost 10 – 15% more than their stained counterparts. Painted cabinets can also be difficult to touch up if they become chipped, aged or faded. It can be difficult to find a colour that matches exactly. It is also difficult to create a smooth finish by brushing rather than spraying.
Pros of Stained Cabinets
Stained cabinets are a fantastic way to showcase the natural features of your wooden cabinets. Stains allow for a balance between colour and texture, enhancing the aesthetic value of your cabinetry. It is also much easier to touch up if needed at any point in the future. Touch ups often blend well with the original colour, especially on cabinets with a large amount of grain. Stained cabinets are also typically less expensive than their painted counterparts.
Cons of Stained Cabinets
Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is a popular choice amongst homeowners as it is an excellent way to cut down on renovation costs, however, MDF does not work very well with stains. Stains also show almost all of the wood’s markings and blemishes. Dark stains are also susceptible to getting dusty very quickly, requiring more frequent cleaning.
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