Refinishing your cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen or bathroom a fresh new look without the expense of a full remodel. By refinishing, you can update the color, finish, and hardware of your cabinets, making them look like new. Not only will this improve the overall aesthetic of your space, but it will also increase the value of your home. Plus, by refinishing, you have the opportunity to customize your cabinets to your unique taste and functionality needs. Additionally, by refinishing, you can fix any damage or wear and tear on your current cabinets, making them more durable and functional. Overall, refinishing your cabinets is an affordable and effective way to update your home and make it a more enjoyable space to live in.
The process of refinishing cabinets typically involves the following steps:
Preparing the surface: The first step is to remove the cabinet doors and drawers, and then clean the surface of the cabinets thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, or grease. Any imperfections, such as dents or scratches, will be filled and sanded to create a smooth surface.
Sanding: The next step is to sand the surface of the cabinets to remove the existing finish. This can be done by hand using sandpaper or by using a power sander. The surface should be sanded until it is smooth and even.
Staining or Painting: After sanding, the wood will be stained or painted. If staining, the cabinets will be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove any dust, and then a coat of wood stain will be applied. It will be allowed to dry and then another coat may be applied. If painting, a coat of primer will be applied first, then followed by the paint color of your choice.
Sealing: The final step is to apply a sealer or topcoat to protect the new finish and give it a durable, long-lasting shine.
Reinstallation: Once the surface is dry, the cabinet doors and drawers can be reinstalled, and the new finish will be revealed.
We only use 2K urethane finishes, such as Milesi/Renner/Centurian, which are considered to be far superior to 1-part paints for several reasons:
Durability: 2K urethane finishes are extremely durable and resistant to chipping, fading, and chemicals. They can withstand heavy use and exposure to the elements, making them a great choice for high-traffic areas or outdoor surfaces.
Gloss retention: 2K urethane finishes have excellent gloss retention, meaning they will maintain their shine and luster for a longer period of time than 1-part paints.
Chemical resistance: 2K urethane finishes are highly resistant to chemicals, such as gasoline, oil, and solvents, making them a great choice for automotive or industrial applications.
UV resistance: 2K urethane finishes are also highly resistant to UV rays, which can cause paint to fade over time. This makes them a great choice for outdoor surfaces that are exposed to direct sunlight.
Flexibility: 2K urethane finishes are flexible, meaning they can expand and contract with the surface without cracking or peeling. This makes them ideal for surfaces that are subject to temperature changes or movement, such as metal or wood.
Color stability: 2K urethane finishes have high color stability, meaning they will retain their color over time without yellowing or fading.
Hardness: 2K urethane finishes are harder than 1-part paints, this means that they can withstand more wear and tear and will last longer than 1-part paints.
The cost of refinishing kitchen cabinets can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the kitchen, the type of finish being applied, and the contractor or company doing the work. ALWAYS ask for their process and what materials are used. Make sure they DO NOT use products such as SW Urethane, BM Advance, and other 1 part paints! They are not true cabinet coatings and will not last.
Factors that can affect the cost include the condition of the existing cabinets, the type of finish being applied (such as paint, stain, or glaze), and any additional services such as cabinet hardware replacement.
One of the main reasons is because you have inexperienced painters using the incorrect products competing with refinishers who have a higher skill level and use products specifically for cabinets/furniture. An inexperienced cabinet painter will typically use a 1 part trim paint and not guarantee their work. We’ve redone many jobs where the painter didn’t do them correctly and it will cost a lot more in the long run. It’s best the get your project done correctly the first time and skip the headache of dealing with a peeling finish.
The time it takes to complete a cabinet refinishing project can vary depending on the size of the kitchen and the type of finish being applied. On average, it can take anywhere from 4 to 7 days to complete. Typically longer if adding glazing or any other custom finshes.