The #1 Mistake Homeowners Make When Painting Cabinets (And How to Avoid It)
When done right, painted cabinets can transform a kitchen or bathroom—bringing a fresh, modern look at a fraction of the cost of a full renovation. But when done wrong? You’ll see it fast: chipping, peeling, cracking, and rough finishes that turn your dream update into a frustrating eyesore.
At Pro Image Painting LLC, we’ve worked with hundreds of homeowners across New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts to refinish their cabinets the right way—especially using high-gloss finishes. And we’ve learned one painful truth:
The #1 mistake homeowners make when painting their cabinets is skipping proper prep.
If you want long-lasting, showroom-level results, prep isn’t optional—it’s everything.
Why Most DIY Cabinet Painting Projects Fail
Painting cabinets seems simple: you pick a color, buy some paint, maybe sand a little, and start rolling. But most homeowners (and even some painters) underestimate how much prep work is required to create a finish that lasts—especially when working with high-gloss or enamel systems.
Here’s what goes wrong:
❌ Inadequate Cleaning
Kitchens are full of grease, oils, and cooking residue—even if your cabinets look clean. Paint won’t bond to oily surfaces, which leads to early peeling or bubbling.
Pro Tip: We use degreasers designed for cabinetry and follow it with a clean water rinse and thorough dry before anything else begins.
❌ Skipping the Right Primer
The primer you use needs to match both your cabinet material and the type of paint you’re applying. Water-based primers on slick surfaces like melamine or laminate? That’s a recipe for chipping.
Pro Tip: At Pro Image Painting, we match every surface with the correct bonding primer—especially when preparing cabinets for Fine Paints of Europe or other high-gloss systems.
❌ Poor Sanding and Surface Prep
You can’t paint over glossy or sealed cabinets without sanding. And a light scuff won’t cut it for a flawless finish. Cabinets need a systematic sanding and deglossing process that creates a surface ready to accept and hold new paint.
Pro Tip: Our crew uses dustless sanding systems with HEPA filtration to protect your home environment while getting perfect adhesion.
❌ Rushing the Paint Application
Paint is only as strong as its application. Applying coats too quickly, too thickly, or in the wrong conditions can lead to sagging, brush marks, and uneven sheen.
Pro Tip: We follow strict dry times, use sprayers for flawless finishes, and apply multiple coats in controlled environments. With high-gloss paint, this is especially critical—every imperfection reflects light.
What Professional Cabinet Refinishing Looks Like
At Pro Image Painting, our cabinet refinishing process is tailored to achieve a luxurious, durable finish—especially for homeowners who want high-gloss, high-impact results. Here's what makes our approach different:
Full-time employees, not subcontractors
Dedicated spray rooms or onsite containment to control temperature, dust, and humidity
Specialized products including Fine Paints of Europe and other European-grade enamel systems
Surgical-level surface prep including degreasing, sanding, priming, and caulking
Custom color consultation with professional guidance on sheen, tone, and durability
When to DIY vs. When to Hire a Pro
If your cabinets are in great shape, you don’t mind a few imperfections, and you have time and patience for careful prep—DIY might work for a quick refresh.
But if you:
Want a high-gloss finish
Are updating a high-traffic kitchen or bath
Have older or damaged cabinetry
Want a flawless, durable, professional look
…it’s worth investing in a trusted painting contractor who specializes in this kind of work.
Serving Southern NH and Northern MA with Pride
We’re proud to be one of the most trusted cabinet refinishing crews in the region—with over 100,000 social media followers, client reviews that speak for themselves, and a reputation for craftsmanship, cleanliness, and clear communication.
If you're in Londonderry, Bedford, Concord, Portsmouth, Andover, or anywhere in between, we’d love to help bring your dream cabinets to life.
📞 Call us at 603-391-5214
📅 Book your estimate online here
Final THOUGHTS
Don’t let shortcuts ruin your investment. Painting cabinets might seem simple—but preparation is what separates a DIY project from a designer finish. If you’re ready to upgrade your cabinets without compromise, we’re here to help.
