Ever stood in your kitchen, sipping your morning coffee, and eyed your cabinets, wondering if they could use a fresh coat? Refinishing might pop into your mind as the ideal solution. However, before you jump into the refinishing process or call in the experts, let's take a closer look at what this revamp entails. Let's decipher if giving those custom made cabinets a makeover through refinishing is truly the right call, or if another approach might serve them better.
Is refinishing cabinets a good idea?
Each kitchen has its own unique configuration, materials, and budget, so before you can determine if cabinet refinishing is right for you, consider your particular situation and ask yourself:
- Do you intend to keep existing cabinets, changing only their color?
- Are your cabinets made of solid wood or laminate?
- Do you want to update features like countertops, islands, glass doors, etc.?
- Are you prepared to have your kitchen “out of service” for weeks?
Definition: To Re·fin·ish
Refinishing wood cabinets is an involved and painstaking process in which the paint, varnish or stain is removed from the surface by sanding or use of a chemical stripping agent. Once the old finish is gone, a new one is applied.
Reason #1: Cost and Labor
If you’re happy with your kitchen’s layout and style of cabinetry and they’re made of solid wood, cabinet refinishing would be an option. However, laminates cannot be stripped or sanded and MDF can only be repainted or refaced. You can save money by doing the cabinet refinishing yourself, but the process is labor intensive, requiring the use of caustic chemicals. If you hire a professional, the cost is less than replacing the cabinets but probably at least as much as refacing them.
Reason #2: The Finished Look
In order to refinish your solid wood cabinets they must be in good condition with no warping or splitting. Even under the best conditions the process of sanding and stripping weakens the wood surface making it less forgiving which may result in an inconsistent finish. Remember also that you can only refinish darker – lighter is only possible if you bleach the doors first.
Reason #3: The Life of Your Cabinetry
Once the cabinet refinishing is complete, maintaining the finish becomes a challenge. Refinished cabinets are vulnerable to color changes due to heat, direct sunlight, and water from sinks and dishwashers. If MDF swells from moisture, the paint can peel and crack.
Put on a Happy Face
Consider refacing as an alternative to refinishing: The cabinet boxes, doors, and drawer fronts are replaced with new ones and a thin, strong veneer is applied to cabinet sides, frames and moldings. This means you’ll have perfectly matched kitchen cabinets throughout that are long lasting, durable, cost-effective and beautiful!
Where can I find expert custom made cabinets near me?
From the laborious task of refinishing to the vulnerability of the finished product, every aspect demands thoughtful consideration. But fret not! With the Kitchen Magic team at your corner, you’ll have the cooking space you’ve always dreamed of. Call (866) 525-0012 today to discuss your plans.
