Cabinet refinishing is a quick, low-cost way to breathe new life into your cabinets. But without proper prep, the job can be messy and produce subpar results.

Cabinet Refinishing Sacramento uses a multi-step process that ensures a durable finish that looks better and stands up to daily wear. If you’re looking for a smooth, factory-grade result, hiring a pro is worth the investment.

Prep

Achieving a long-lasting, smooth finish starts with proper cabinet prep. During this phase, our team thoroughly cleans the surfaces to remove grease and dirt that can prevent the new materials from adhering. They then sand the cabinets with 120-grit sandpaper, which creates a rough surface that helps the primer and paint adhere and smoothes out imperfections. Lastly, they apply a high-quality primer that helps the topcoats bond and resist moisture.

Once the primer has dried, the professionals begin painting. Depending on the type of finish you choose, they may apply one to three coats of premium paint or stain, allowing each to dry in between. These multi-layered processes provide a durable finish that is both beautiful and strong, able to withstand daily wear.

Before the team gets to work, it’s important that you clear off your countertops and protect your floors and appliances with brown builder’s paper or plastic tarps. This will help prevent any accidental spills and keep dust from settling on the wet paint. It’s also a good idea to give the entire room a thorough cleaning to prevent mold, mildew and other harmful bacteria from growing on your cabinet surfaces.

The kitchen cabinet refinishing process is more than just an aesthetic upgrade—it’s a transformation that reshapes the heart of your home. From the broad strokes of style and color to the smallest details like handles, each decision contributes to a unique narrative that artfully blends creativity with functionality. By completing the necessary steps, you can craft a space that mirrors your unique style and perfectly complements your lifestyle. And while the time commitment varies from project to project, rest assured that professional cabinet refinishing is a high-impact way to upgrade your home’s value without breaking the bank.

Primer

Once surfaces are fully cleaned and prepped, it’s time to add the primer layer. This is one of the most important steps in a professional refinishing job because it’s what determines how long the finish will last and how well it will adhere to the wood. A quality primer is essential to achieving a flawless, smooth, durable finish.

Professionals use high-quality, oil-based primer that’s specifically designed for cabinetry and furniture. This ensures the best adhesion and prevents peeling. They also apply multiple thin coats, allowing each to dry completely before applying the next. The application process also involves sanding in between each coat with fine-grit sandpaper to ensure smooth and even coverage.

The primer layer also helps to protect surfaces from moisture and other elements that could damage the paint. Once applied, the primed layers can be sanded down and wiped clean with a damp cloth to prepare the cabinets for the final finish.

Once the primed layers are dry, it’s time to start painting. Start by coating the back sides of the doors, laying them flat and letting them dry before flipping them over and coating the fronts. Once the doors are coated, it’s a good idea to wait a few hours for them to dry completely before moving on to the cabinet boxes. During this phase, it’s important to use high-quality brushes and rollers to avoid visible start and stop points. Keeping the brush strokes as short as possible is also crucial for a smooth, consistent finish.

Refinishing your cabinets is an affordable and time-efficient way to dramatically transform your kitchen without spending money on a full replacement project. It can also increase the value of your home, give you more customization options, and provide a longer lifespan than replacing old or outdated cabinetry.

Paint

Paint is sprayed on evenly and brushed or roller applied to create a smooth surface. This phase may require several coats and adequate drying time between each application. Choosing the right type of paint is important for a long-lasting finish that will stand up to normal wear and tear. For example, oil-based paint is a good choice for a natural look that resists stains and water damage, but it requires more time to dry. A more durable option is latex paint, which offers a clean modern look and can handle light scratches.

Cabinet refinishing professionals provide expert advice on color and sheen options that will complement your kitchen and stand the test of time. They can also recommend hardware and finishes that will best fit your personal style. This is an opportunity to reshape the entire heart of your home, so make sure that you consider trends carefully and opt for a style that will be timeless.

This is also a great time to address minor damages, like dings and scratches, and fill them for an even appearance. The result is a fresh, updated kitchen that can stand up to years of use and still look good!

A professional will spray the cabinets to ensure a clean, consistent finish. This is a key difference between DIY or amateur projects, which tend to leave brush strokes and uneven coverage. Once the paint has cured, a final sealer or urethane topcoat can be applied for additional protection and durability. This is also an opportunity to add an accent color, such as a back splash or countertop, for a unique touch. This is a great way to tie your new kitchen together with the rest of the house!

Sealer

Refinishing is a popular choice among homeowners looking to revitalize their kitchens. It offers significant cost savings (50-70% compared to cabinet replacement) and a more sustainable approach by preserving existing materials. In addition, it can be a great way to customize your cabinets and achieve a unique aesthetic that complements your decor. However, a successful transformation requires careful preparation. If not done correctly, the new finish may bubble, crack, or peel over time.

To ensure a long-lasting, professional-quality result, the surface of each cabinet is thoroughly cleaned and prepped before painting. This includes removing all hardware and carefully masking off areas you don’t want to paint, such as countertops, backsplashes, and other appliances. Next, the cabinet surfaces are lightly sanded to create a smooth base and give primer and paint a good grip. Any small dings or surface repairs are then filled and leveled.

The sanding process is crucial for achieving a consistent and smooth finish. Once the sanding is complete, all surfaces are vacuumed and wiped down with a damp cloth to remove any residual dust or dirt. This step is particularly important for high-traffic areas like kitchens.

Lastly, the cabinets are sealed with an optional urethane or clear coat for added protection and durability. This optional step can also help prevent water stains and other common problems.

Once the final coat of sealer is applied, it’s time to reinstall the doors and drawer fronts. This process is carefully supervised to ensure all pieces are aligned properly, ensuring smooth operation and a uniform appearance. Once everything is cured and ready for use, the cabinet doors are reinstalled and all hinges are tightened to ensure proper functioning.

Installation

Cabinet refinishing is an excellent way to update your kitchen without the cost or mess of a complete remodel. It’s also an environmentally friendly option, reducing waste and the need for new materials.

Before the refinishing process begins, your N-Hance professional will visit your home and inspect your cabinets in person. They’ll take measurements and consult with you to discuss your goals for the project. This includes helping you choose a color that suits your style and coordinates with your countertops, backsplash, and appliances. Lighting is an important factor, and viewing color samples at different times of day can help you ensure you’re happy with the final result.

When the paint or stain is dry, a clear urethane sealant can be added for extra durability. This protects the finish from moisture, stains, and wear, which helps keep your refinished cabinets looking new. The sealant also adds a glossy, rich appearance that enhances the finish.

Refinishing isn’t just about transforming your cabinets from outdated to trendy, but rather about creating a timeless design that will stand the test of time. Your refinishing professional can provide input on current colors and finishes that blend modern styling with timeless neutrals to give you a look that will be in style for years to come.

Whether you’re looking to update your kitchen for yourself or for sale, a professionally refinished cabinet is an excellent investment that will pay off. It can increase your home’s value, and you can enjoy your upgraded space while you’re living there. With a little prep, the refinishing process isn’t as messy or time-consuming as many homeowners assume. And if you’re working with a reputable professional, they’ll make sure to clean up afterward and leave your kitchen in better condition than it was before.