Spray Kitchen Cabinets: Myths Every Homeowner Should Ignore
There’s a lot of misinformation floating around about what happens when you spray kitchen cabinets. We’ve heard everything – from “it chips in a week” to “you can’t spray dark cabinets” – and most of it simply isn’t true when the job’s done properly.
Common myths
So let’s set the record straight. Here are the most common myths we hear from Swansea homeowners, and the reality behind them.
Myth 1: Spraying is just painting with a different tool
Reality
Spraying is a completely different process from brushing or rolling. The aim is to create a flawless, factory-grade finish with no brush strokes or roller texture.
To do that, we don’t just turn up with a spray gun. We deep clean, sand, prime, mask, and apply multiple fine coats using professional HVLP systems. In short, it’s a whole method, not just a “different tool.”
Myth 2: Spraying won’t last in a busy kitchen
Reality
Done correctly, sprayed cabinets will last for years – even in high-traffic family kitchens.
We’ve sprayed kitchens in homes with toddlers, pets, and keen cooks who put their units through daily punishment. The key is the right paint system, designed for high-heat, high-moisture environments, plus proper curing time. That’s what gives it the durability to handle constant cleaning and regular knocks.
Myth 3: You can’t spray over dark cabinets
Reality
You can spray over any colour – dark, light, or anything in between – as long as the right primer is used.
We’ve taken deep mahogany cabinets in Llanelli and turned them into a bright white Shaker-style kitchen in just a few days. With a proper stain-blocking primer, the old colour doesn’t bleed through.
Myth 4: It’s cheaper to just replace the cabinets
Reality
Replacing cabinets can cost thousands, and that’s before you add fitting, tiling, and potential plumbing or electrical work.
Spraying is a fraction of the price because you keep your existing units. The only cost is in preparation, spraying, and optional new handles or hinges. Many of our Swansea customers save 70–80% compared to a new kitchen.
Myth 5: Spraying is messy
Reality
When you hire the right team, the only sign we’ve been in your home is the transformed kitchen.
We mask everything – worktops, floors, appliances – and use extraction systems to control overspray. A recent job in Sketty saw the family cooking dinner in the next room while we sprayed, with zero mess left behind.
Myth 6: All spray jobs look the same
Reality
The finish quality depends entirely on the prep work, tools, and experience of the kitchen sprayer.
A rushed job will have uneven coverage, rough edges, or peeling within months. A professional job looks like your cabinets just rolled off the factory line.
Real-world example from Swansea
Not long ago, we worked on a kitchen in Killay where the customer believed spraying wouldn’t be worth it. Their cabinets were over 20 years old, dark oak, and they were convinced nothing could modernise them.
Three days later, those same units were a smooth satin light grey, paired with brushed steel handles. The transformation was so dramatic that their friends assumed they’d bought a whole new kitchen.
What you need to know before spraying cabinets
If you’re thinking about having someone spray kitchen cabinets, keep these professional tips in mind:
- Condition matters – If your doors are structurally damaged or warped, spraying won’t fix that.
- Prep is everything – The finish is only as good as the surface beneath it.
- Choose the right sheen – Satin is most popular for hiding fingerprints; gloss is more reflective but needs more upkeep.
- Don’t rush curing time – Even after spraying, the paint needs time to fully harden for maximum durability.
Choosing the right sprayer in Swansea
Look for someone with:
- Local references (real kitchens they’ve worked on, not stock photos)
- Knowledge of different materials (MDF, vinyl wrap, solid wood)
- Willingness to discuss colour options and finishes in detail
- Insurance and a written guarantee
The bottom line
When done by a skilled team, spraying is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to transform a kitchen. Forget the myths – if you hire professionals who know their craft, your sprayed cabinets will look like new, stand the test of time, and cost far less than a replacement.
From Gorseinon to Gowerton, we’ve been transforming kitchens without tearing them out. Ready to see what’s possible with your cabinets? Let’s talk colours.
