Refinishing kitchen cabinets is one of the most cost-effective ways to change the look and feel of your kitchen without the expense and disruption of a full renovation. Instead of tearing out perfectly functional cabinets, refinishing lets you update the color, finish and style while keeping the existing cabinet boxes in place. It saves time, reduces waste and can make an older kitchen feel brand new.
The process starts with preparation
Thorough preparation is the most important step for a long-lasting result. Doors and drawer fronts are removed, surfaces are cleaned to get rid of grease and residue, and everything is carefully sanded so the new coating bonds. Professional painters then apply high-quality primers and durable cabinet coatings made for kitchens. These products are designed to resist moisture, stains and daily wear, giving a smooth finish that holds up over time.
On our cabinet refinishing projects, that means degreasing, a bonding primer and a durable enamel topcoat, such as Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel.
Popular colors and looks
Homeowners often refinish cabinets to modernize the kitchen with white, off-white, greige or soft gray, but refinishing also works well for bold colors and rich, darker tones. Two-tone kitchens, with a darker island and lighter perimeter cabinets, are another popular choice.
Beyond looks, a refreshed kitchen can improve your home’s overall appeal, especially if you’re preparing to sell. A professionally refinished kitchen gives buyers a clean, updated first impression.
Is refinishing right for your cabinets?
If your cabinets are structurally sound but look dated or worn, refinishing is an excellent solution. With proper preparation, premium materials and professional application, refinished cabinets can last for many years and deliver much of the look of a remodel for far less than replacing them. If the boxes are damaged or the layout doesn’t work for you, a remodel may be the better route, and we’ll tell you that at the estimate.
Choosing the right sheen matters on cabinets too; see our paint sheen guide. Financing through Acorn Finance may be available for qualifying projects; see financing options.
Restored from our original Painting Tips article.