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3 Steps To Color Match Replacement Cabinet Doors to Existing Cabinets

3 Steps To Color Match Replacement Cabinet Doors to Existing Cabinets

In the realm of kitchen remodeling, updating cabinet doors and drawer fronts while keeping existing cabinets can breathe new life into your space without breaking the bank. However, ensuring a seamless match between new doors and existing cabinets can be a daunting task. Fear not! In this guide, we'll delve into the intricacies of matching new cabinet doors to your existing cabinets, exploring various techniques, and offering expert tips to achieve a cohesive and stylish look.

1. Order Samples or Cabinet Doors

custom cabinet doors

Ordering samples or cabinet doors from CabinetNow is the cornerstone of ensuring a successful cabinet door replacement of matching new cabinet doors to existing cabinets. This step enables homeowners to carefully select the materials, finishes, and colors that will seamlessly integrate with their existing cabinetry.

cabinet samples

  • Paint Sample Books: Explore a variety of paint swatches from Sherwin Williams, allowing you to find the perfect color match for your kitchen cabinets.
  • Thermofoil and Modern Thermofoil Sample Swatch Books: Delve into the world of thermofoil finishes with sample swatch books, showcasing contemporary and classic options.
  • 12”x16” Wood Sample Doors: Experience the timeless beauty of wood with sample doors that highlight different wood species and finishes.
  • 12”x16 Thermofoil Sample Doors: Evaluate the durability and aesthetic appeal of thermofoil materials with sample doors that showcase various styles.
  • 12”x16 Modern Thermofoil Sample Doors: Discover sleek and sophisticated modern thermofoil finishes with sample doors that exemplify contemporary design.
  • 12”x16 Veneer Sample Doors: Appreciate the natural elegance of veneer with sample doors that exhibit the rich textures and tones available.

These sample options allow homeowners to visually and tactilely assess how different materials, finishes, and colors will blend with their existing cabinetry. Additionally, homeowners have the flexibility to order the  cabinet doors and drawer fronts they plan to install and use them as a reference for matching existing cabinetry. This ensures that the final result is a cohesive and harmonious integration of new and old elements in the kitchen, achieving the desired aesthetic seamlessly.

Importance of Samples or Cabinet Doors in Desired Color/Material Selection

Samples or cabinet doors in homeowners' desired colors or materials play a pivotal role in achieving a seamless match between new cabinet doors and existing cabinetry. Here's why they are essential:

  • Visual Confirmation: Seeing the desired color or material in person provides homeowners with a clear understanding of how it will look alongside their existing cabinetry. Photos and digital representations may not accurately depict the true color or texture, but physical samples or cabinet doors allow for a precise visual confirmation.

sage green cabinets

  • Color Accuracy: Colors can appear differently depending on lighting conditions and surrounding elements. By examining samples or cabinet doors in their desired color, homeowners can ensure that it complements the existing cabinetry under various lighting conditions in their kitchen, ensuring color accuracy and consistency.
  • Texture and Finish Assessment: Materials such as woodthermofoil, and veneer have unique textures and finishes that can significantly impact the overall aesthetic of the kitchen. Having samples or cabinet doors in the desired material allows homeowners to feel the texture, assess the finish, and determine if it aligns with their vision for the space.
  • Compatibility Testing: Placing samples or cabinet doors next to existing cabinetry allows homeowners to assess compatibility in terms of style, design, and overall aesthetic. This hands-on approach enables them to identify any potential mismatches or inconsistencies before making a final decision, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious look in the kitchen.
  • Confidence in Selection: Ultimately, having samples or cabinet doors in the desired color or material instills confidence in homeowners' selection. It eliminates uncertainty and ensures that they are making an informed decision that aligns with their preferences and vision for their kitchen renovation project.

2. Color Match: Go to Your Local Paint Store

When embarking on the task of color-matching replacement cabinet doors to existing cabinetry, the significance of visiting your local paint store cannot be overstated. While online resources may offer convenience, accurately assessing colors presents a unique challenge that can only be overcome through in-person evaluation. Likely, your new cabinet doors won't perfectly match your existing cabinets. Alternatively, you may desire to alter the color of your existing cabinets to achieve an exact match. This step is precisely aimed at achieving a close-to-perfect match.

What to Bring: Ensuring Accurate Color Matching

Ordering samples or cabinet doors serves as the essential initial step in the color-matching cabinets process, offering homeowners tangible representations of both color and material. This allows for a hands-on comparison with existing cabinetry, ensuring accuracy and cohesion in the final result.

painted cabinet door

If time constraints or other factors prevent you from ordering samples, you can still proceed by providing the paint code, conveniently listed next to the Sherwin-Williams paint name. This option is applicable specifically for painted cabinet doors, ensuring a streamlined process even in challenging circumstances. Alternatively, seeking assistance from experts at local paint stores can provide valuable insights and guidance in achieving the desired color match for existing cabinets by showing them a photo. Keep in mind this approach won’t ensure an exact match but close. Their expertise can help navigate the complexities of color selection, ensuring a seamless integration of new cabinet doors with existing cabinetry.

Utilize Advanced Color Matching Technology With Experts

When taking your cabinet door to the local paint store, leverage the advanced color-matching technology available, such as that offered by Home Depot. This state-of-the-art technology is designed to precisely match sheen and undertones, ensuring a seamless integration of your new cabinet doors with your existing cabinetry. Here's how it works:

  • Home Depot's Advanced Color Matching Technology:

    • Home Depot employs cutting-edge color-matching technology for cabinets that analyzes the color composition of your cabinet door sample. This technology can accurately identify subtle variations in hue, saturation, and brightness to achieve a precise match. Simply head to the paint section in your local Home Depot and they should be able to help you free of charge.
    • By inputting the sample into the color-matching machine and selecting the desired paint type, such as satin or semi-gloss, Home Depot's system can formulate a custom paint color that closely resembles the original.
  • Collaborate with Paint Experts:

    • Alternatively, work directly with paint experts at top brands like Sherwin-Williams and Valspar. These professionals possess in-depth knowledge of color theory and paint formulations, allowing them to provide expert guidance in color matching.
    • Paint experts can analyze the characteristics of your cabinet door sample and recommend the most suitable paint color and finish for achieving a seamless integration with your existing cabinetry.
  • Exploration of Swatches:

    • Upon visiting the local paint store, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of paint swatches. Paint experts can assist you in identifying swatches that closely match the color and finish of your cabinet doors.
    • By comparing swatches to your cabinet door sample under various lighting conditions, you can ensure that you select the color that best matches your cabinetry, achieving a cohesive and harmonious look in your kitchen.
    • If your desired paint color falls in between existing swatches, paint experts should easily offer their custom mixing services. This ensures that you can attain the exact shade you're aiming for. By comparing swatches to your cabinet door sample under various lighting conditions, you can ensure that you select the color that best matches your cabinetry, achieving a cohesive and harmonious look in your kitchen.

In summary, whether leveraging Home Depot's advanced color-matching technology or collaborating with paint experts at renowned brands, working with professionals ensures that you can achieve a precise color match for your replacement cabinet doors. By exploring swatches and receiving expert guidance, you can confidently select the paint color and finish that seamlessly integrates with your existing cabinetry, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your kitchen.

Utilize Color Matching Tools

Home Depot offers a color matching tool called a  Color Muse for Paint Matching. Color Muse for Paint Matching offers a convenient solution for matching your new cabinet doors' color to your existing cabinets. Here's how you can use it to find the perfect color match:

  • Order Your Cabinet Door Samples: Begin by ordering samples of your new cabinet doors from CabinetNow. Once you receive them, you'll have physical representations of the color and material.
  • Scan the Sample: Use the Color Muse device to scan the cabinet door sample. Simply place the scanner against the surface of the sample and activate it to capture the color data.
  • View Color Matches: Based on the analysis, Color Muse identifies the closest color matches from its database. It provides users with accurate color matches for over 65,000 paint colors, including popular brands such as Behr, Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and more.
  • Evaluate Under Different Lighting: Carefully assess the color matches provided by Color Muse under various lighting conditions to ensure accuracy. This will help you select a color that blends seamlessly with your existing cabinetry.
  • Explore Additional Features: Take advantage of Color Muse's additional features, such as creating color palettes and exploring color inspirations, to further refine your selection and achieve the desired look in your kitchen.

Similarly, Amazon carries color matching tools to invest in. By using color matching tools, you can streamline the process of matching your new cabinet doors' color to your existing cabinets. With its accurate color matches and user-friendly features.

Color Options for Cabinet Doors

For homeowners opting for unfinished cabinet doors and drawer fronts, the choice of paint color is entirely up to them if you choose to finish yourself.

Conversely, if you are looking for a high-quality fully finished cabinet faces, CabinetNow's painted cabinet doors and drawer fronts utilize 22 carefully selected Sherwin Williams colors, simplifying the process of color matching. Simply look at the paint code and bring it to your local or Sherwin Williams paint store or order online by typing in the paint code.

By choosing CabinetNow’s painted cabinet doors, you're selecting craftsmanship of the highest standard. Our doors undergo a deluxe four-step process: precise sanding, expert priming, and application of layers of high-quality paint. Finished with a deluxe clear coat, they exude enduring beauty and durability, effortlessly elevating your kitchen to luxurious heights.

paint swatches

By providing the paint color name to the paint store, homeowners can obtain matching paint for existing cabinets, ensuring a cohesive look throughout the kitchen.

Color Matching for Thermofoil/Laminate Doors

Thermofoil cabinet doors and drawer fronts present a unique challenge in color matching. Homeowners should bring in a sample or cabinet door to the paint store and request a color match.

Leveraging cutting-edge color matching technology at stores like Home Depot or consulting with paint experts from reputable brands such as Sherwin Williams and Valspar may guarantee precise color reproduction and effortless integration with existing cabinetry. Keep in mind that due to Thermofoil’s synthetic nature, finding an exact match may be more challenging. This approach is often recommended for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

However, for those seeking an exact match without professional color matching, our Laminate Sheets offer a straightforward solution. Manufactured using the same material and color as our Thermofoil (RTF) cabinet doors line, they ensure an exact match, simplifying the color selection process.

Laminate Sheets

laminate sheets

If you opt for Thermofoil cabinet doors, we provide a convenient solution to ensure a seamless color match with your existing cabinetry. We offer laminate sheets that precisely match the exact thermofoil material color used for the doors. Our laminate sheets, known as Deco-Lam, are specifically designed to offer an exact color match to doors, drawers, and moldings.

Deco-Lam is a revolutionary product in home remodeling, offering the same color and texture as traditional laminate. It features a durable layer of phenolic backing bonded to the same foil used on the doors, ensuring consistency in color and quality. Deco-Lam is easy to install and apply, providing a perfect match every time.

Our Deco-Lam sheets come in full sheet dimensions of 48" x 96", covering an area of 32 square feet. This ensures that you have ample material to achieve a seamless integration of the laminate with your cabinet doors.

For additional color offerings or further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you achieve the perfect match for your kitchen remodeling project.

Do Kitchen Cabinet Doors Have to Match?

mid-century modern kitchen

The idea of matching kitchen cabinet doors has evolved, and today, there's no strict rule dictating that they must match perfectly. In fact, many homeowners embrace the trend of two-toned cabinets, which can add depth and visual interest to the kitchen space. Renowned house flipper, Kata, ordered CabinetNow's Turino Slab cabinet doors and drawer fronts in Stratus Supermatte and Dolce Vita, while achieving the perfect balance of cream and rustic wood, capturing the essence of Mid-Century Modern charm. However, if you opt for two-toned cabinets, it's essential to ensure cohesion by matching the face frame to the kitchen cabinets.

Of course, achieving this balance requires careful consideration of color and material. Utilizing the color-matching strategies mentioned above can help ensure a seamless integration between different cabinet components. Whether you're blending different finishes or incorporating contrasting colors, employing these techniques ensures that your kitchen cabinets maintain a cohesive and harmonious appearance. Ultimately, the decision to match kitchen cabinet doors depends on your personal style preferences and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve in your kitchen.

3. Integrate Color Match to Existing Cabinets

When considering cabinet refacing, you're presented with versatile options to harmonize your existing cabinetry and cabinet boxes with the new doors and drawer fronts. One approach involves painting the cabinet boxes, offering a cost-effective solution with a myriad of color choices. Painting not only allows for customization but also conceals any pre-existing imperfections, revitalizing your kitchen with a fresh and contemporary aesthetic.

Alternatively, resurfacing with laminate sheets or veneer presents another compelling option. This method involves applying a new material directly onto the existing cabinet surfaces and face frames. Laminate sheets, in particular, offer a durable and uniform appearance that seamlessly integrates with the new doors and drawer fronts. This approach provides a transformative update to your cabinet boxes, enhancing the overall look of your kitchen.

Painting Existing Cabinetry:

  • Begin by thoroughly cleaning the cabinet surfaces to remove any dirt, grease, or residue.
  • Sand the cabinet boxes to create a smooth and paint-ready surface. This step is crucial for promoting paint adhesion.
  • Apply a high-quality primer to the sanded surfaces. The primer helps seal the wood and provides a base for the paint to adhere to.
  • Once the primer is dry, apply multiple coats of paint evenly using a brush or roller. Be sure to allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.
  • Consider using a paint sprayer for a smoother finish and more professional results.
  • Finish off with a clear topcoat for added durability and protection against wear and tear.

Resurfacing with Laminate Sheets:

  • Measure the dimensions of the cabinet surfaces accurately to determine the size of laminate sheets needed.
  • Clean the cabinet surfaces thoroughly to ensure proper adhesion of the laminate.
  • Cut the laminate sheets to the appropriate size using a sharp utility knife or laminate cutter.
  • Apply contact cement adhesive to both the cabinet surfaces and the back of the laminate sheets.
  • Carefully position the laminate sheets onto the cabinet surfaces, ensuring proper alignment and smooth application.
  • Use a laminate roller to remove any air bubbles and ensure a tight bond between the laminate and the cabinet surfaces.
  • Trim any excess laminate around the edges using a router or trimmer.
  • Finish by applying edge banding to cover the exposed edges of the laminate and create a seamless look.

Regardless of the option you choose, there's no need to fret over the process. At CabinetNow, our experienced representatives are here to guide you every step of the way. From filling out our Refacing form to the final installation, we ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience, allowing you to achieve the kitchen of your dreams with confidence.

Additional Tips for Seamlessly Matching Cabinet Doors to Existing Cabinetry

White Shaker cabinet door

When ordering new cabinet doors, exploring the option of full overlay can offer a seamless integration solution. With full overlay doors, the entire cabinet face frame is covered, providing a modern and polished appearance to your kitchen cabinets.

One benefit of full overlay is its ability to hide minor color or material discrepancies between the new doors and existing cabinetry. This means that even if the match isn't perfect, the exterior appearance remains cohesive and visually pleasing.

Measuring for full overlay involves ensuring that the doors will completely cover the face frame when closed, leaving minimal gaps between them. This option creates a streamlined look and enhances the overall aesthetics of your kitchen. Full overlay cabinets are designed so that doors and drawer fronts entirely cover the face frame of the cabinet, leaving no portion of the frame exposed.

Measuring For Single Door Full Overlay Formula:

This formula is generally used for cabinets that have an opening that is less than 24".

	Width of cabinet -.25 = width of door
	Height of cabinet - - .25 = height of door

Let’s do an example!

For this example let's say you have a cabinet that is 20"Wx36"H and let's say your toe kick is 4" and you need a full overlay.

	20 - .25 = 19.75"W
	36 - 4 - .25 =31.75"H

So your cabinet door would end up being 19.75"W x 31.75"H.

Measuring For Split Door Full Overlay Formula:

The following formula is used for cabinets that have an opening greater than 24"W which is called the Split Door Formula, and it looks like this:

	(Width of cabinet -.25) / 2 - .0625 = width of both doors
	Height of cabinet -.25 = height of doors

Let’s do an example!

Now let's say you have a cabinet box that has the dimensions 36"W x 46"H so the way that will plug into our formula is as follows. Let's assume the toe kick is 4 " tall (which is standard on our base cabinet boxes) so our usable height for the door is 42"H.

	(36 -.25 )/ 2 - .0625 = width of door
	35.75 / 2 - .0625 = width of door
	17.875 - .0625= width of door
	=17.8125" Wide
	The height would be 42-.25 = 41.75"H.

So this means the full dimensions of both doors are 17.8125"W x 41.75"H.

Keep in mind that this allows for an 1/8" on both sides and is our standard calculation for full overlay split doors.

Summary

In the pursuit of harmonizing new cabinet doors with existing cabinetry, the journey begins with meticulous attention to detail and strategic decision-making. By following the three essential steps outlined in this guide, homeowners can confidently navigate the complexities of color matching, ensuring a seamless integration of new elements into their kitchen space.

The first step emphasizes the importance of obtaining samples or cabinet doors, enabling homeowners to visually and tactilely assess various materials, finishes, and colors. This hands-on approach not only facilitates informed decision-making but also serves as a reference point for achieving a cohesive and stylish look.

Next, the significance of visiting local paint stores for precise color matching cannot be overstated. Leveraging advanced color-matching technology and collaborating with paint experts empowers homeowners to achieve a close-to-perfect match, enhancing the overall aesthetics of their kitchen.

Lastly, exploring options such as full overlay doors and resurfacing techniques offers versatile solutions to seamlessly integrate new cabinet doors with existing cabinetry. Whether opting for painting or laminate sheets, these methods elevate the visual appeal of the kitchen while concealing any minor discrepancies.

In essence, the key lies in meticulous planning, informed decision-making, and strategic execution. By embracing these principles, homeowners can embark on their cabinet door replacement journey with confidence, transforming their kitchen space into a cohesive and visually stunning masterpiece. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for additional assistance.