Painting vs. Refinishing Cabinets. If it will soon be time to decide what to do about the color or finish on your kitchen cabinets, give a little thought to how you want to proceed before jumping into the project. Your two main options are painting and refinishing, and both have pros and cons.
Franklin Painting of Farmington, CT, would like to share some helpful information as you move closer to making a decision about what to do with your kitchen cabinets.
Painting vs. Refinishing Cabinets.
The Case For Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets
Here are some reasons to consider painting your cabinets:
- They’re already painted, and you like painted cabinets, but a fresh coat of paint or a new color is needed.
- You’ll be painting the entire kitchen, and you have a vision for how you want your kitchen cabinetry to blend in or contrast.
- You’re prepared for what might be a lengthy and tedious paint job.
- The look of bare wood or stained wood just isn’t for you.
- The cost of the project isn’t a huge concern.
Note that part of any painting job is surface prep work. That means sanding, cleaning, fixing holes, removing hardware, and possibly removing the surfaces themselves (i.e., cabinet doors).
The Case For Refinishing Your Kitchen Cabinets
Here are some reasons to consider painting your cabinets:
- They’re not painted now, and you have no intention of ever painting them.
- The cabinets are painted, and you want to remove the paint.
- A natural-wood or stained-wood look is perfect for the design of your kitchen and its amenities.
- You’re comfortable doing the work involved in cabinet stripping or staining.
- You want great-looking kitchen cabinets without overspending to get them that way.
Tips For Doing Either Job
While refinishing might be a “simpler” process than a full-scale kitchen cabinet painting project, both jobs require some forethought. That means planning ahead.
Here are some pro tips that apply to both painting and refinishing jobs.
Make A List
Make a list of the items and equipment you’ll need and get it all together before you start working. If you don’t know what all you’ll need, do some research or talk with someone at your local paint store or home improvement center.
Buy Quality
Do not scrimp when it comes to paints, primers, stains, brushes and rollers.
Know The Time Involved
Get a good idea of how much time will be required so you can set reasonable time frames for yourself. Most kitchen cabinet painting and refinishing jobs aren’t going to be completed in an afternoon.
Prep Work
The quality of the finished result will be determined in part by how well you’ve prepared the surfaces of the cabinets. Prepare well for a pleasing result.
Set Up The Work Area
When it’s time to get started, make sure everything you need is in a place where you can get to it easily.
Consider Hiring Professionals
Most kitchen cabinet painting and refinishing projects can be done by homeowners, but a lot of homeowners have better things to do than tie themselves to their kitchens for a day or two or more. Professional painters and refinishers get paid to be tied to work areas. They thrive on it.
Help For Your Kitchen Cabinets
If you’ve been dreaming of beautiful, freshly painted kitchen cabinets but aren’t too excited about taking on the project yourself, Franklin Painting is here to help. Our team specializes in cabinet painting and refinishing, delivering smooth, durable finishes that can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen without the cost of a full remodel.
Don’t stress over prep work, materials, or messy cleanups—let our professionals handle every step with care and precision. Give us a call to speak directly with one of our painting and refinishing experts, or reach out using our simple online contact form.
