A paint job is a fantastic way to update your kitchen without launching yourself into a full-scale remodel.
Compared to bedrooms and living rooms, kitchens typically have a much smaller amount of wall space. Features like cabinets, appliances, and backsplashes mean that there is plenty of complexity to consider.
A kitchen paint job needs substantial cleaning and prep work, and the entire process must be done with an experienced (and steady) hand.
Thinking about painting your own kitchen? We wish you the best of luck, and advise you to research reputable guides before you start.
Looking to hire a painting company for your kitchen, and wish to learn more about the process? Read on, for the latest installment from the Pro Works painting blog.
Before you start setting aside time for your big kitchen paint job, you will likely be daydreaming about what the finished product will look like.
Maybe you recently visited a friend’s home, and were inspired by their sleek, modern design. Or perhaps you are envisioning something more timeless, like a mid-century modern inspired look that can last into the coming decades.
In any case, it is best to consider the trends that define West Coast kitchen design now, and looking ahead into the future. The following themes are present in the kitchens of homes in Vancouver, Victoria, and the remainder of the Pacific Northwest.
Nature Inspired: Woody, natural tones match the shades on display outdoors, and pair well with features like granite and butcher block countertops.
Open Concept: This trend may never go away. Airy kitchens with minimalistic colours and clean lines are common in most modern and remodeled homes.
Contrasting Cabinets: In a minimalistic West Coast kitchen, contrast can come from cabinets painted in bold earthy colours.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out the following interior design blogs:
Jillian Harris Blog: The queen of West Coast lifestyle
Kitchen Design by Karen Kirk: Kitchen inspo brought to you by Thermador
Jane’ Design Bait: Brought to you by Jane Lockhart of Colour Confidential
We also recently wrote an article on the top colours of 2025, and what makes them stand out.
Finding the perfect colour for your kitchen is far from easy, but thankfully you have the advice of a painting team with 30+ years of experience in Western Canada.
First, it’s important to realize that although painting kitchens can be complex, the paint colour is one of the easiest items to change in a renovation.
Paint colour is also one of the easiest things to visualize using technology. Check out this list of the best paint visualizer tools from brands like Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin Williams. Don’t be afraid to try a few out to get the best results before you make your final decision.
Your kitchen isn’t a room where you can use any old kind of paint. The kitchen sees more “action” and activity than most other rooms, especially in the form of moisture from your stovetop and food waste on your cabinets and walls.
So what options do you have to choose from? The main difference will be in the finish, which results in differing levels of shininess or glossiness for the final, dried product.
Satin finish is durable and easy to clean, while sitting in the middle ground between matte and gloss. This option is ideal for kitchen walls, especially anywhere near the sink or stove.
Don’t be afraid to scrub when dealing with tough messes on satin paint, it can handle some abrasion.
This variety is often used on kitchen cabinets or door and window casings. Semi-gloss paint reflects light, and is easier to clean than paints with matte finish.
One thing to keep in mind: semi-gloss paint can highlight blemishes or nicks on the surface of a wall, so older homes may not be ideal.
Flat/matte and eggshell paint finishes are not ideal for the kitchen since they can be more difficult to clean. These are best for walls and ceiling in mid-to-low traffic areas, like a bedroom or basement.
Preparing your kitchen for painting is an endeavour.
Cleaning your kitchen’s surfaces takes special attention because of the potential buildup of grease, mildew, and other substances that come from cooking in the space. A textured sponge and some mild detergent should be enough to tackle any existing grime.
Next, all surfaces to be painted need to be sanded, and any imperfections patched. This step creates a lot of dust, which then needs to be wiped off with a wet cloth or vacuum.
Then, surfaces like appliances, furniture, flooring, and cabinets (which will be painted a different colour) need to be covered with plastic or another covering.
To see these steps in greater detail, check out this video from the Lowe’s Home Improvement YouTube channel.
For a comprehensive prep checklist for painting your kitchen cabinets, we recommend sticking to this guide from Benjamin Moore.
This is a big job for any homeowner, which includes removing hardware, applying primer, and three separate stages of sanding. If you want to make sure that the final product looks like it was done by professionals, don’t hesitate to take advantage of our free estimate program.
Throughout this article, we have made several references to how difficult a full kitchen paint job can be.
This isn’t meant to dissuade ambitious DIYers, but rather to prepare people for the scope of these projects. If your kitchen has the following features, it may be wise to look into local painters.
Keep in mind that a DIY painting job may mean that your kitchen will be completely out of commission for at least a few days, if not several weeks. Also, having a separate area for drying painted cabinets can make a big difference in your workflow.
Even if you are considering taking on a kitchen painting project yourself, consider getting a free estimate from Pro Works.
Even if you end up deciding to do it yourself, you can learn about the complexities of the project, and how much you can expect to pay. Read our article on the top 6 questions to ask when choosing a residential painting team so you know how to get the best information about your kitchen painting project.
With this information, you can decide how much you value your time, and whether it is something best left to the pros.