A major shift is happening in the home remodeling world: the U.S. has moved to impose steep tariffs on imported kitchen cabinets and vanities. As of the latest announcements, those tariffs will eventually reach 50 % on these goods.
For homeowners, this means the cost of new cabinets—already a pricey line item—could balloon significantly. But you don’t have to swallow that expense. With professional cabinet painting from Cova Painting, you can refresh your kitchen, avoid replacement, and sidestep much of the tariff-driven price shock.
Why Cabinet Painting Is the Smarter Move Right Now
1. Major Cost Advantage
New cabinets, especially imported ones, are set to carry huge tariff premiums—ultimately passed on to the homebuyer or renovator. But painting existing cabinets is largely unaffected by these import duties. You’ll still pay for paint and labor, but skip the markups tied to import taxes.
2. Faster Turnaround, Less Disruption
Swapping out cabinetry can take weeks (or more) of demolition, dust, and disruption. A professional paint job, however, often takes just 3–5 days, depending on the scope.
3. Stylish & Durable Results
With high-quality primers, paints, and sealers, your cabinets can look like new and hold up against daily wear. Whether you want crisp white, bold contrasting tones, or modern neutrals, the finish can match the quality of replacement cabinets—often for far less.
4. Boost Your Home’s Value
A visually updated kitchen is one of the top drivers of perceived value in a home. When potential buyers walk into a refreshed, modern-looking space, they may not know whether the cabinets were replaced or repainted—so long as it’s done beautifully.
5. Avoid Supply & Lead-Time Issues
What the Experts & News Are Saying About Tariffs
- NAHB (National Association of Home Builders): “Tariffs on Furniture and Cabinets” – explains that a 50 % tariff on imported kitchen cabinets and vanities was announced under Section 232. National Association of Home Builders
- CBS News: “Expect to pay more for furniture, home remodels with new tariffs” – describes how the 50 % tariff on kitchen cabinets is expected to raise renovation costs. CBS News
- Business of Home: “What to know about the new furniture and cabinetry tariffs” – details the schedule: 25 % initially on cabinets and vanities, then increasing to 50 % on January 1. Business of Home
- White House Fact Sheet: “President … addresses the threat from imports of timber, lumber, and derivative products” – official proclamation outlining tariff phases: 25 % on cabinets, rising to 50 %. The White House
- NextDayCabinets: “Kitchen Cabinet Tariffs: What You Need to Know” – background on how tariffs on cabinets are already affecting cost structures. nextdaycabinets.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabinet Painting
Q: Is cabinet painting really worth it compared to replacement?
Yes. Cabinet painting can save homeowners 50–70% of the cost of replacement while achieving the same fresh, modern look. Unless your cabinets are structurally damaged or you want to completely change the kitchen layout, painting is usually the smarter choice.
Q: How long will professionally painted cabinets last?
With the right prep, primer, and high-quality paint, cabinets can last 10–15 years or more. Cova Painting uses durable, factory-grade finishes that resist chipping, fading, and everyday wear.
Q: Can all types of cabinets be painted?
Most cabinets can be painted, including solid wood, MDF, and particleboard The key is proper surface preparation. Our team ensures each material is prepped correctly so the finish adheres and looks flawless.
Q: How long does it take to paint kitchen cabinets?
Most projects are completed in 3–5 days, depending on kitchen size and complexity. This is much faster than the weeks or months required for a full kitchen remodel.
Q: Will painted cabinets look as good as brand-new cabinets?
Yes. With professional spraying techniques, painted cabinets can achieve a smooth, factory-like finish that looks identical to new cabinetry. Many clients are surprised they can’t tell the difference.
Q: How much does cabinet painting cost in Virginia Beach?
Every kitchen is unique, but cabinet painting typically costs a fraction of replacement—often just a few thousand dollars compared to $15,000–$30,000 for new cabinets. We offer free estimates to give you an exact price for your project.
Transform your Kitchen Cabinets without Breaking the Banks
Don’t let steep tariffs derail your kitchen plans—or bleed your budget. With Cova Painting’s cabinet painting services, you can transform your space, avoid inflated import costs, and lock in your savings before prices surge further.
Tariffs often introduce volatility into supply chains. Delays, limited inventory, and price fluctuations become common. Painting your existing cabinets avoids much of that uncertainty.
👉 Schedule Your Free Cabinet Painting Estimate today and get ahead of the tariff squeeze.
