Step-by-Step Professional Cabinet Refinishing Process

When you have ugly or old-looking kitchen or bathroom cabinetry, it's a hassle and can be expensive to replace. The smart alternative to replacing your cabinetry is to hire a professional to refinish it. Refinishing can provide a new look for cabinets without the cost and inconvenience associated with having them fully remodeled. 

At The English Painters, we use an established process that guarantees a finished product that will meet your expectations for a perfectly refinished cabinetry or cabinet painted. The following guide explains how a qualified professional will transform the cabinets in your home.

Consultation and Initial Inspection

Each project starts with a detailed consultation. During the initial consultation, professionals will assess the cabinetry that will be refinished for: 

• The type of materials used to create your cabinets (solid wood, MDF, laminate).

• The condition of the existing finish.

• The structural soundness of the cabinet.

• The color and finish of your choice.

A comprehensive assessment will help assure the proper products and methods will be used on the finals project. Doing a thorough inspection will also help eliminate future problems such as peeling, chipping and/or uneven finishes.

2. Key points for cabinet refinishing and painting are that preparing your cabinets for painting is of utmost importance. Neglecting or doing this step too quickly will cause sub-standard results.

The professional will:

• Remove your cabinet doors and drawers

• Label all of your hardware so that it can be properly installed again

• Cover your countertops, floors, and appliances with plastic sheeting to protect your property

• Create an environment in which to work, which has some sort of dust containment.

Using proper protection will also keep your home clean from overspray or paint damage.

3. Grease, oils, and residues build up on kitchen cabinetry. 

Applying paint over previously applied grease can stop paint from properly adhering to the surface. 

• Most professional refinishing experts utilize commercial-grade degreasers for the following purposes:

• To effectively remove excess dirt and grime from the cabinetry

• To clean away dirt from corners and other intricate trim areas

• To guarantee an entirely smooth surface factor for the application of new finish materials onto the cabinetry

This step is vital for achieving long-term, professional-level refinishing for your cabinets.

4. Surface Preparation and Restoration

Following surface cleaning, sanding is performed. The purpose of sanding is to remove any old coatings and provide an appropriate bonding surface for your primer and paint.

This may involve:

• Light or heavy sanding depending on the surface condition

• Filling any holes, dents or scratches

• Caulking joints and seams on your surface

• Finishing up with a final dust removal by using a tack cloth

Sanding will provide a smooth factory-finished surface and not have any roughness or imperfections after paint application.

5. Maximum Support for Bonding Through Primer

For top quality cabinets that are painted/refinished, there must be a step that is non-negotiable in your service package: PRIMING.

Experts use:

• Heavy-duty adhesion primers

• Products specifically designed to block stains (if necessary).

• Specialty primers that are specifically designed for finishing on laminate or glossy materials.

Primers will prevent bleed-through from tannins, block staining, and provide the perfect surface to paint on for your final coat of paint.

Spraying is the primary means of applying paint to cabinets in a professional setup as opposed to doing it yourself.

In cabinetry refinishing, true professionals are equipped with properly functioning spray systems, which allow them to apply:

• Even coats of paint without brush or roller strokes

• A uniform colour finish throughout the cabinetry doors, drawers and frames

• Cabinets with a factory finish

In addition, cabinets doors and drawers are generally painted from a controlled area, while the cabinetry frames may be painted onsite using spray or hand-finish techniques.

To prevent the painted surface from sagging or developing drips, professionals will generally apply multiple thin coats as opposed to one thick coat of paint.

Drying/Curing of products

Proper amount of time for drying is important to do. Cabinets may seem dry by the feel of the surface area; they will not be fully cured until they are fully dried.

Professional:

By the manufacturer’s recommendations, it is suggested that you wait to reinstall the cabinets until after they have fully dried.

Ensure proper ventilation is received during the drying/curing process.

Do not rush to reinstall the cabinets.

Following these suggestions will provide the greatest amount of durability and scratch resistance to the cabinets.

• Cabinet Assembly/Hang Hardware

• After the cabinets have cured:

• Install the doors or drawers.

• Hang the hardware onto the cabinets.

• Adjust the hinges prior to installing.

Taking the appropriate attention to detail during the reassembly process of the cabinets will ensure that your cabinets work smoothly.

9. Last inspection and Quality Control

Prior to the completion of a project, a qualified team performs a last walkthrough of the area for the following :

• Checking for imperfections

• Ensuring the consistency of finish colour

• Verifying that all finish is smooth

• Confirming that customer is satisfied.

Any touch up is done at this time, in order to maintain the quality and standard that is to be met.

Why Hiring a Professional for Cabinet Refinishing Can Benefit You

Although many people attempt cabinet refinishing on their own, it is generally recommended to hire a professional for the following reasons:

1. Professional refinishing results in a high-quality finish, using commercial-grade spray systems which will give you a factory-quality appearance.

2. Professionals use proper prep and priming to achieve proper surface adhesion, and properly cure the product; therefore, the finish will last longer and will resist peeling and chipping.

3. Cabinet refinishing is significantly less expensive than replacing cabinets, but will dramatically change the appearance of your cabinets.

4. Professional cabinet refinishing crews will finish your project quickly and with minimal disruption to your home.

The Difference Professional Expertise Makes

The process of refinishing and painting cabinets is dependent on the skill, experience, and attention to detail of those completing the task. If cabinets are not properly prepared before starting the painting process (i.e., sanding or priming) it can create problems, resulting in additional cost to fix the problem.

When performed properly, cabinet refinishing and painting can:

• Increase the value of your home

• Make your kitchen look modern immediately

• Extend the life of your existing cabinetry

• Provide an upgraded color

In conclusion, refinishing cabinets is not just applying some paint to them; there is a detailed, step-by-step process and by following each step precisely, the results will last for many years.

If you want your finished cabinets to be flawless and last for many years, you need to have someone with professional cabinet refinishing experience do the job for you. By utilizing the correct team and proven methods in order to achieve the desired look, your cabinets will look as if they have been completely replaced—without the expense or inconvenience of a complete replacement.