skip to main content

Durability-- painted versus stained

15 years ago

Have already read several posts here that indicate painted finishes are somewhat more likely to crack or chip than stained, especially on the lowers. But, white kitchens are so appealing and I know many of you went that route. Would really appreciate knowing your experience with painted cabinets -- have there been cracks or chips? Anything you would do differently regarding how they were finished of painted? Have you repaired or touched up your painted cabinets? Are the lowers getting much more wear than the uppers? Do windows stick? Anything else someone contemplating a white kitchen should know about? I'm thinking of may-be ivory on the top perimeters, with stained lower and island. But I am still completely up in the air -- really like painted but don't want to sign up for heartache. We are empty nesters with two little dogs, so no PBJ to worry about right now. If there are previous discussions, please point me . . . Thanks!!!!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

acountryfarm
15 years ago
OK, I will go first.
I love painted cabs. Have them in current home and doing them again in new home. I will post pics 1st of current home and the new home.
I have 11 children, homeschool, cook all the time and I love my painted cabs. Very little wear and tear. You would think I would be the one to know how they hold up. I will always love white cabs and I feel no different after having lived with them for years. I think they look really good considering what they go through.

OLD KITCHEN

src="http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk255/acountryfarm/DSCF1758.jpg"; alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting">

NEW KITCHEN
sayde
Original Author
15 years ago
acountryfarm:
Thanks for posting. Your new kitchen is going to be gorgeous! I love the angles, the arches, and the symmetry. Am I right that your cabinets are being built custom, locally, and are going to be painted on site? How did you decide to go that route instead of factory?
Related Discussions
Wipe-on Poly over Painted Trim to make it more durable?
Q
Comments (5)
No, No, & No again!!! It'll have a slightly different look at those points if you do. Touching THAT up again will be problematic. If you absolutely HAVE to, use water-based poly ONLY. >>> TWO coats of S/G. Don't even consider only 1. Faron
...See More
Factory paint versus local guy builds/paints cabs
Q
Comments (4)
We had this problem arise with our last kitchen. We had all the cabs custom built by a local cabinetmaker; pine with a whitewashed finish on them. The color faded, yellowed and rubbed off very quickly. Over the next seven years, we talked with many experts in the fields of paint, construction, cabinetmaking,insurance claims, etc., in conjunction with the lawsuit we filed (because the cabs were falling apart and off the walls, not because of the fading, though). We were told over and over again that factory paint finishes are much harder and more durable. The experts we talked with did say that the expertise of the cabinetmaker, which clear sealer he puts over the painted finish and how many coats he puts on does impact the durbility a lot, but their opinions all still went with the factory finish as being the hardest and most durable. For this new kitchen we just had put in, there was never a question which we'd go with . . . but that was very much colored by the nightmare cabs we had before.
...See More
Terracotta versus porcelain versus ???? for floors
Q
Comments (14)
I just put in a porcelain tile that mimics a soft golden/orange/tan color terra cotta look. I guess it is supposed to look like old flooring from Crete. It is a bit lighter and less orange than true Saltillo. It is from the company Panaria Ceramica, the tile is called Le Crete, and the color I chose is called Tabaco. I also looked at the Cotti D'eremo, but it had a bit more tile-to-tile variation in color than I was looking for. My tile has color variation within one tile, but all of the tiles are in the same color. Sorry I don't know how to provide a link, but if you do a search you can find the Italian website for Panaria ceramica. This tile was inexpensive and available in multiple places locally (California). I wasn't willing to have to seal tile, so I didn't go with real terra cotta. Plus, the porcelain is tougher. I have gotten many compliments on my floor.
...See More
Painted or stained cabinets -which is more durable
Q
Comments (5)
I first painted my wood cabinets nearly 32 years ago. They were still fine when I changed the paint color 13 years ago. They were still fine when I replaced all the cabinets 2 months ago. I used a de-greaser to clean them, then a light sanding and then a very high quality primer. Then two coats of oil base enamel. Wore like iron! I would have handpainted our new cabinets, but I'm too old to do it myself, and a really good cabinet painter would have charged me a fortune, so I got factory painted finish. I doubt it will hold up as well as the old oil base paint.
...See More
acountryfarm
15 years ago
sayde---
You are exactly right. When I was designing it I knew what I wanted and knew I wanted custom. To be fair custom really was the only option for me as we have 415 lineal ft. of cabinetry in this home. We have extensive built-ins everywhere. I think it would have been a nightmare to get them from a factory.
I also will say factory cabinets are just not done that much around here. In fact I was rather surprised when I heard the amount of people getting them shipped. I would be scared that they would be wrong. I really didn't know they were that available.

I have shared the cost of my cabs before so don't mind doing because it was so worth it to get custom. They are all fully inset, full extension glides, soft close in key areas, solid wood boxes. Many subs have said they are excellent quality and I should be very pleased, as I am for sure.

The bottom line for me, I just couldn't trust so many cabs to mail order. We have 6 bedrooms and 7 baths, lots of window seats, book shelves, buffets, etc. I am always excited to show more pics of cabs if you want to see them.
mercurygirl
15 years ago
Good questions, I'm interested too.
Countryfarm, the new cabs look great. It's a little hard to tell from the photo, are your old cabs painted wood, and if so, were they custom or factory-made?
pbrisjar
15 years ago
I had white cabs in my last house. They chipped and were a huge PITA to keep clean. OTOH my current home has stained ash cabinets that are original to the house (built 30+ years ago). While there is some wear showing they are in darned good shape otherwise.

The only reason we're restaining them is that a previous owner slapped on some horrible varnish over the original stain in the kitchen and in the front in the hall bath (not the side, though). In stripping the top coat of varnish just melted off. The original finish took some serious scrubbing and sanding to remove.
acountryfarm
15 years ago
mercurygirl--
custom but very cheap. Yes, painted wood. The guy used lacquer which is not my preference.

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Counters: Durable, Easy-Clean Soapstone

By Ivon Street Studio

Give bacteria the boot and say sayonara to stains with this long-lasting material that's a great choice for kitchen and bath countertops

FEEL-GOOD HOME Embrace a Few Beautifully Weathered Surfaces for a Happy, Durable Home

By Janell Beals - House of Fifty

You don’t need to worry so much about scuff marks and dings when you accept the character and beauty of wear

KITCHEN CABINETS Kitchen Cabinet Color: Should You Paint or Stain?

By Ventana Construction LLC

Learn about durability, looks, cost and more for wooden cabinet finishes to make the right choice for your kitchen

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Sinks: Granite Composite Offers Superior Durability

By Rachel Grace

It beats out quartz composite for strength and scratch resistance. Could this kitchen sink material be right for you?

KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS Kitchen Counters: Tile, the Choice for Affordable Durability

By Ivon Street Studio

DIYers and budget-minded remodelers often look to this countertop material, which can last for decades with the right maintenance

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Counters: Recycled Paper Surprises With Durability and Warmth

By Ivon Street Studio

Sturdier than you might think, this postconsumer countertop material also has major environmental cred

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Sinks: Enameled Cast Iron for Attractive Durability

By Rachel Grace

Strong, shiny and sustainable, an enameled cast iron sink can bring character to your kitchen

UPHOLSTERY Fabric Focus: Make Your Interiors More Durable With Outdoor Fabric

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Indoor-outdoor fabric is strong and beautiful, whether in the backyard or the living room

RUSTIC STYLE Brick Floors: Could This Durable Material Work for Your House?

By Lisa Frederick

You love the old-world look, but will you like the feel of it underfoot? Learn the pros and cons of interior brick flooring

KITCHEN DESIGN 8 Stunning Stain Colors for Kitchen Cabinets

By Jennifer Ott Design

Transform raw wood for custom-looking cabinetry with a stain that fills your need for color but lets the grain show through

Sponsored

More Discussions

kitchen design feedback

6

cabinet overlay question

0

Need help with kitchen remodel

1

Two tier drawer in 3 stack

11

I am working on the kitchen of an investment house we are refurbishing

1