Painting a kitchen’s cabinets is the simplest way to take a kitchen from drab to fabulous!
A fresh coat of paint on kitchen cabinets changes the look of the entire space without requiring the expense of a full remodel. But painting kitchen cabinets is far from a simple weekend DIY project. While social media influencers can make it look effortless, most homeowners discover pretty quickly just how involved – and unforgiving – the task can be. The process requires careful preparation, the right materials, and meticulous attention to detail, especially if you are hoping the end product lasts for years.
Axel’s Cabinets!
Of course, Ellen has a guy just for the job! Meet Axel Izquierdo of Axel’s Cabinets!
Axel with daughter, Mia!
Axel began his career when he started working with his father, an interior painter. It was he who taught Axel everything he knew about painting. Beyond the fundamentals of the trade, Axel’s father instilled in him a strong work ethic and an appreciation for thorough craftsmanship.
“Working with my dad was some of my favorite years. I really got to learn the trade and spend each day working alongside my dad.”
It was while working with his father that Axel first became interested in painting cabinets. “My dad said to me one day, ‘Kitchen cabinets. That’s the new thing!’” So in 2020, Axel branched out and started his own cabinet painting business.
Axel quickly developed a meticulous method for cabinet painting, nailing down timelines, sourcing the best materials, and completing jobs in a way that leaves clients with the ability to still fully use their kitchen during the process. For each job, Axel completes every step of the process himself. “Working on my own allows me to oversee each part of the project and make sure no detail is overlooked.”
The Refinishing Process
Axel begins every project by giving a client a quote on the spot. “With just a quick description of a client’s kitchen, such as how many drawers and doors there are, I can give them a quote in about 15 minutes.” Next, Axel visits the home for a quick evaluation and initial consultation with the client. This is when Axel works with the client to determine exactly what color and finish they want for their cabinets.
Axel’s Cabinets
The work begins by first removing every door and drawer from the kitchen, which Axel takes to his shop. Once there, Axel diligently cleans, degreases, and sands down each piece. This is a crucial step in ensuring the longevity of the paint and finish. Next, he applies white primer to provide a smooth, even base for the paint. After applying the primer, Axel carefully inspects each door for any dents or scratches, repairing any imperfections he finds. Doing this ensures the cabinets look brand new once painted. He then paints and seals each of the doors and drawers. “When clients are getting their cabinets repainted, they often want to update the hardware as well, which I take care of during this part of the process.”
Once Axel is satisfied with the removable cabinet pieces, he returns to the client’s home to paint the cabinet boxes. “When I work in the shop, I use an orbital sander and sprayer to finish the doors and drawers, but when I work in a client’s home, I only use sanding blocks and rollers to minimize dust and paint fumes. It’s important to me that homeowners can use their kitchen and live in their home comfortably while I am working there.” This step of the process typically takes just one day, so Axel’s clients are back cooking in their kitchens by the same evening.
On the final day, Axel returns with all the doors and drawers and reassembles the cabinets. “This is my favorite part of the job. I love getting to see the client’s face once the kitchen is completely finished.” Axel’s entire cabinet painting process typically takes five days, meaning if he starts on Monday, homeowners can expect a completely transformed kitchen by the weekend!
The entire kitchen space feels larger and more airy with fresh white paint and upgraded hardware.
DIY vs. Professional Cabinet Refinishing
Over the years, Axel has witnessed more than a few DIY or amateur projects that started with good intentions but went sideways. “Typically, when I hear about people painting cabinets on their own, they often underestimate just how much work it actually takes.” Oftentimes, it is a lack of proper prep work that results in a less-than-desirable finish. In some cases, the color comes out blotchy, indicating a rush job, or paint is peeling and chipping, a clear sign that the cabinets were not fully cleaned or sanded. This means a project that was initially started with the goal of saving a few bucks ends up costing homeowners more time and money to resolve.
Axel’s methodical approach delivers a true factory-smooth finish, giving even the most dated cabinets a stunning, like-new appearance. The transformation is oftentimes so dramatic that homeowners can hardly believe they’re looking at the same cabinets! Working with a professional like Axel is about more than just convenience. It’s about achieving a level of quality and longevity that truly redefines a kitchen.
Beautiful cabinet painting completed in Rocky River from Benjamin Moore.
Popular Trends in Cabinet Colors
Over the past five years, Axel has seen a few trends come and go in the world of cabinet painting. “Two or three years ago, I was getting a lot of requests for sage green.” Today, not so much. Many homeowners opt for classic white or soft beige.
Some of Axel’s favorite cabinet projects to work on are when homeowners pick out a bold or unique color for their cabinets.
“One of my favorite paint jobs was for a couple who wanted black cabinets. I showed them some examples of black cabinets and was able to find them the perfect dark gray color – Deep Caviar from Benjamin Moore – and it was exactly what they were envisioning,” Axel recalls. His expertise comes from years of hands-on experience, giving him a keen eye for how colors will look in different lighting with accompanying countertops, hardware, and wall colors.
What’s your favorite thing about the job?
I love my job for a lot of reasons! I love painting and bringing new life to cabinets, but what really makes this job special is working closely with clients and seeing their reactions when the project is finished. It is so rewarding and something many interior painters usually don’t get to see. On top of that, being a single dad, I truly appreciate the flexibility my business gives me. I get to pick my daughter up from school, take her to activities, and still do the work I love every day.
