Repainting your kitchen can breathe new life into your home
04/10/2025
Whether you’re craving a bold new look or just sprucing things up, repainting your kitchen can breathe new life into your home. However, diving into a kitchen painting project without a game plan can lead to costly mistakes and frustrating results. That’s why the pros at Angelus Painting in White Bear Lake, MN, are here to share their expert advice on what to consider before and during the repainting process.
Let’s explore the top 10 essential things you need to think about when repainting your kitchen — from surface prep to final touches. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel empowered, excited, and ready to roll with confidence.
Consider the Current Layout and Lighting
Before selecting a paintbrush, take a step back and study your kitchen’s layout and lighting. Natural light can dramatically affect how paint colors appear throughout the day. A shade that looks creamy in morning light might feel too yellow by evening.
Pro Tip from Angelus Painting: Use paint swatches and observe them at different times to find a color that flatters both your layout and your lighting setup.
Choose the Right Paint Finish for Kitchen Surfaces
The kitchen is a high-traffic zone, exposed to splashes, grease, and constant cleaning. That means not all finishes are created equal here.
Eggshell and satin finishes offer a soft sheen and are easy to clean.
Semi-gloss is perfect for cabinets and trim.
Matte might be stylish but isn’t practical for cooking areas.
Angelus Painting recommends durable finishes with stain resistance — especially for households with kids or pets.
Don’t Skip Surface Prep — It’s Crucial
Tempted to paint directly over your walls or cabinets? Hold up. Skipping the prep can lead to chipping, bubbling, and uneven coverage.
Steps you can’t ignore:
Degrease surfaces with a kitchen-safe cleaner.
Sand glossy areas lightly for better adhesion.
Patch dents and nail holes.
Use painter’s tape to protect trim and hardware.
Angelus Painting always stresses, “A smooth surface makes all the difference between amateur and professional results.”
Pick Colors That Complement Fixtures and Appliances
You love that dreamy shade of teal—but will it clash with your stainless steel fridge? Paint should enhance your kitchen’s existing features, not compete with them.
Look around:
Are your countertops granite, laminate, or quartz?
Do your cabinets lean traditional, modern, or rustic?
What’s the backsplash style?
Color harmony = visual comfort. Use online visualizers or mood boards to preview your color palette before committing.
Evaluate Whether to Paint Cabinets, Walls, or Both
Sometimes painting the walls is enough. But in many remodels, cabinet painting offers the biggest transformation. It also takes more precision and prep.
Wall-only painting is faster and cheaper. But if your cabinets are worn or outdated, repainting them can boost the entire room’s aesthetic and value.
Angelus Painting in White Bear Lake can assess your cabinets and guide you on whether they’re paint-worthy or better off replaced.
Ventilation Matters More Than You Think
Fumes from primers and paint can linger—and they’re not just annoying. Poor ventilation can lead to headaches, dizziness, and longer drying times.
Make sure:
Windows are open if weather permits.
Fans circulate air properly.
You use low-VOC or zero-VOC paints.
A fresh-looking kitchen shouldn’t come at the cost of your health.
Test Swatches — Don’t Rely on the Paint Chip Alone
Paint chips are helpful, but they’re not always honest. Lighting, wall texture, and size perception can all influence how a color shows up on your wall.
Here’s how to swatch like a pro:
Apply 2 coats of sample paint to small areas on different walls.
Label them clearly.
Watch them for 48 hours in different lighting.
Angelus Painting often provides clients with extra swatches and encourages live testing before the big day.
Account for Drying Time and Kitchen Downtime
You’ll need to let each coat dry fully before applying the next one. Multiply that across primer, 2 coats of paint, and top coats, and you’re looking at multiple days of downtime.
Plan accordingly:
Do your cooking ahead of time.
Set up a temporary kitchen in another room.
Let pets or kids stay elsewhere if needed.
No one likes paint in their pancakes.
Don’t Forget the Ceiling and Trim
Ceilings and trim may seem like background players—but freshly painted walls can highlight their flaws if they’re untouched.
Repainting the ceiling can brighten the space. Updating trim color can create clean lines and elevate the look.
Angelus Painting always evaluates whether a full refresh or just spot repairs are necessary. The goal? A polished finish that feels complete.
Hire Local Professionals for the Best Results
There’s a reason Angelus Painting is the go-to kitchen painting specialist in White Bear Lake, MN. DIY can be fun, but hiring pros guarantees:
Perfect lines
Smooth finishes
Long-lasting paint jobs
They bring experience, equipment, and techniques that save you money (and stress) in the long run.
Support local. Get it done right. It’s that simple.
Top 10 Things to Think About When Repainting a Kitchen
Study your layout and lighting
Choose the right paint finish
Properly prep your surfaces
Pick colors that fit your space
Decide between wall-only or full repaint
Ventilate your space properly
Test paint swatches live
Account for drying and downtime
Refresh ceiling and trim as needed
Consider hiring local painting experts
FAQs
What is the best paint finish for a kitchen? Satin and semi-gloss finishes are ideal for kitchens because they’re easy to clean and moisture-resistant.
How long does it take to repaint a kitchen? On average, it takes 2–4 days, depending on whether you’re painting just the walls or also cabinets and ceilings.
Should I paint my kitchen cabinets or replace them? If your cabinets are structurally sound, painting is a more budget-friendly way to modernize your kitchen.
Do I need to use primer before painting my kitchen walls? Yes, primer ensures better adhesion, covers stains, and helps you achieve an even finish.
Can I stay in my house while the kitchen is being painted? Yes, but plan for limited access to the kitchen. Use fans and open windows for proper ventilation.
What paint color is best for small kitchens? Light neutrals like soft white, pale gray, or cream help small kitchens feel larger and brighter.
Conclusion
Repainting your kitchen is one of the most affordable and rewarding ways to update your home. But the key lies in proper planning, product selection, and professional execution. Whether you're painting just the walls or transforming every surface, thinking ahead makes all the difference.
If you’re in White Bear Lake, MN, Angelus Painting is ready to help you bring your vision to life — beautifully, efficiently, and with zero stress.
Post by Chat GPT, approved by Todd Binde, Angelus Painting – White Bear Lake MN
Fine interior painting and cabinet painting, wood finishing. Owner / Operated since 1989. Working with a man of his word who takes pride in his work is a refreshing experience. Call today for a free estimate.