Myths and Facts about Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing and Painting

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With the holiday season approaching, many individuals are considering ways to spruce up their homes to welcome friends and family. However, not everyone has the means to purchase new furniture or undergo a complete renovation. Not only can renovations be costly, but with the added expenses of gifting and travel, it may seem unfeasible.

The good news is, there are alternative methods to update your home and impress your guests. Simply upgrading your kitchen cabinets can significantly transform the appearance of your kitchen. As cabinets tend to take up a significant amount of wall space, giving them a fresh coat of paint or repairing any imperfections can make a big difference. Despite common misconceptions, refinishing kitchen cabinets is a viable option for homeowners.

Let’s debunk the most prevalent myths surrounding cabinet refinishing and uncover their truth.

kitchen cabinet refinishing

Refinishing kitchen cabinets can transform the look of your kitchen.

Myth #1: Project is Costly and Time-Consuming

Kitchen cabinet refinishing is more cost-effective than a full renovation, despite common belief. The duration of the project can vary depending on the season and contractor availability, but typically only takes 2-3 weeks to achieve a brand-new appearance for your cabinets. This process is usually one-third of the cost of completely replacing your cabinets and can be completed in a significantly shorter amount of time.

Myth #2: No Impact on Home Value

The expectation when making upgrades to your home is that it will ultimately increase its value when it comes time to sell. While replacing carpet with hardwood flooring or completing a basement renovation are effective ways to boost value, they may not be feasible for everyone during this time of year. Alternatively, refinishing kitchen cabinets can also have a positive impact on a home’s value. Research shows that renovating an entire kitchen can yield a 70% return on investment upon selling, as long as the chosen colors and styles are neutral and appealing to potential buyers. Therefore, opting for kitchen cabinet refinishing is a smart approach to increasing your home’s worth.

Myth #3: Sanding is Not Required

To achieve a smooth and even finish for your cabinets, it is necessary to clean, repair, and sand them. Sanding is crucial as it creates a dry and smooth surface for the paint to properly adhere to. Failure to sand your cabinets before painting can result in the paint peeling off or appearing uneven, leading to disappointment.

Myth #4: Priming Is a Waste of Time

Similar to painting walls, priming is a crucial stage in the process of painting kitchen cabinets. It conceals the natural wood color and prevents it from seeping through the paint. Neglecting to prime may result in a yellowish hue showing up under the paint, giving the cabinets an aged appearance. If you are unable to handle such a project, some experts can take care of removing the cabinet doors and drawers, sanding, priming, and painting them to appear as good as new before reinstalling them in your kitchen.

Myth #5: Can’t Refinish Damaged Furniture

If any of your kitchen cabinets have sustained damage, you may believe that the only solution is to replace all of them to achieve a uniform appearance. However, this can be a costly and time-consuming undertaking, and it may not even be required. Rather than completely renovating your kitchen, you can restore and refinish the affected cabinets.

Myth #6: Time-saving Technique – Painting around the Hardware

It may seem like a convenient option to save time by painting around the hardware, but if you end up having to repaint your cabinets, you will inevitably see where the hardware has caused the paint to wear off. To prevent this issue, it is necessary to remove the hardware before painting.

Myth #7: The Scent of Paint Lingers for Multiple Days

The kitchen, being the central area of the house, is where you likely spend most of your time. It can serve as a cozy and inviting space for you, your loved ones, and your friends to gather and share a meal. If you have concerns about the newly refinished cabinets emitting an unpleasant odor in your home, you can rest assured.

Our team of experts can give your home a rejuvenated appearance and design without any foul smells that may cause discomfort. This is made possible by our use of environmentally friendly, water-based, and low-VOC lacquer and solvents. These materials do not leave behind any lingering paint odors or fumes, allowing you to immediately enjoy your newly remodeled kitchen.