
Should You Paint Before or After Fitting a New Kitchen?
Most people get this wrong, but let’s set the record straight: should you paint before fitting a kitchen, or after? The honest answer is a bit of both. Painting parts of your kitchen in stages makes the process easier and prevents unnecessary touch-ups later.
Start with the ceiling and the top half of the walls. Do this before the kitchen units are installed. It gives you a clean slate without the hassle of working around cupboards and appliances. While you’re at it, paint the walls only where they will be visible. There’s no point painting behind units, as no one will ever see it.
Once the units are in, the skirting boards can be painted. They need to be in place to look neat, and painting them after installation means you avoid any scuff marks from fitting. This step makes the whole kitchen look more polished. From what I’ve seen, missing this step can leave your kitchen looking half-done.
Touch-ups should always be left until the very end. During the fitting, there’ll be a bit of wear and tear. It’s not complicated, but it’s necessary to go over any scuffs or marks once everything else is in place. This final step makes sure your kitchen looks pristine.
If you’re still unsure about this order or need more personalised advice, visiting a kitchen showroom could be the way to go. We’ve got lovely kitchen showrooms in Derby, or if you find yourself in the South West, pop into our kitchen showrooms in Taunton. Both places offer a good feel of what a finished kitchen should look like.
As a side note, remember that not all paints are created equal. Using a durable, washable paint for your kitchen is worth considering. High-traffic areas like kitchens need paint that can handle a bit of elbow grease. According to homebuilding.co.uk, it’s wise to choose a paint that won’t easily chip or fade.
And finally, if you fancy exploring more styles or need design inspiration, our kitchen showrooms in Ely are filled with ideas that might just spark your next project.
Should you paint before fitting a kitchen or after?
Both. Paint ceilings and upper walls first. Skirting and touch-ups come after fitting.
Why not paint walls behind units?
No one sees those areas, so it’s a waste of time and resources.
What paint type is best for kitchens?
Use durable and washable paint to handle high traffic and cleaning.
Can I do touch-ups myself?
Yes, they’re straightforward once major fittings are complete. Just ensure colour matches.
If you’re planning a new kitchen and want to see the latest designs, visit our kitchen showrooms in Derby for inspiration and advice.