Cabinet Refinishing San Jose CA is a simple way to update your kitchen. However, proper prep work is essential to ensure a smooth and durable finish. This includes cleaning, sanding, and priming.
The amount of time required to complete these tasks can impact the overall project duration. Whether you’re opting for a premium finish (3+ coats or glaze), additional coatings require adequate drying time.
Preparation
If your cabinets are looking worn and dull, cabinet refinishing can revitalize the look of your kitchen. The refinishing process involves sanding down your existing cabinets and applying a fresh coat of stain or paint. The result is a brand-new look for your cabinets without the cost and hassle of replacement. Refinishing is ideal for wood cabinets, but it can also be used on cabinets made of engineered or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) materials.
Before beginning the refinishing process, it is important to clean the cabinets thoroughly. Use a mild cleaner formulated for cabinets and a soft cloth or sponge to wipe away any dirt, grease, dust, and grime. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the finish. After cleaning, allow the cabinets to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
It’s also a good idea to remove any hardware from the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. This will prevent any scuffing or scratches during the refinishing process. If you have a screwdriver, this can usually be done with relative ease. However, if your cabinet hardware is secured with screws that require a drill or other tool, this may be a more involved project.
Once the cabinet surfaces are free of dirt and grease, it’s time to start sanding. This can be a messy and labor-intensive job, but it is necessary to create a smooth surface that will accept the new stain or paint. If you’re not comfortable sanding the cabinet frames yourself, a professional can handle this task for you.
If you’re not happy with the overall look of your cabinets, refacing is an option that allows you to change the color and style of your door and drawer fronts. Refacing can be expensive, but it’s a great way to completely transform your kitchen.
While refinishing and refacing are both effective ways to update your cabinets, it’s important to consider your long-term goals for your kitchen. Refinishing is a quick, budget-friendly solution, but it will likely show wear and tear within a few years. Refacing, on the other hand, is designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily cooking and entertaining.
Painting
Cabinet refinishing takes days rather than weeks, reduces the risk of structural damage or mold, and delivers a dramatic visual upgrade for 70-90% less than a full kitchen replacement or gut remodel. Refinishing also extends the lifecycle of existing carcasses and hardware, and modest upgrades like new pulls amplify perceived value without the high cost of replacement components.
The painting phase includes thorough cleaning, deglossing, and light sanding of all surfaces, followed by priming and multiple coats of paint. Typical cabinet paint application processes take 2-4 hours per surface, with 24 hour drying times between coats. Larger kitchens and/or more intricate raised panels may require longer dry times, depending on the type of finish chosen.
A skilled professional can produce a much smoother finish than an amateur, even with spray painting. A pro knows how to set and adjust the pressure and distance between the gun and the surface, how to avoid splatter and drips, and when to add leveling additives for tougher finishes. They can also address any woodwork repairs and apply a urethane or conversion varnish topcoat for durability.
When working on your own, be sure to follow the product instructions carefully for proper use and safety, and consider hiring a local professional for a sprayed finish with an extended workmanship warranty. Pros offer itemized quotes, expert recommendations on products and techniques, and a realistic timeframe to complete the job, balancing durability and appearance with project scope and budget.
Before painting, make sure all doors and drawer fronts are removed and labeled for reinstallation. Masking the remaining frames and trim will help protect them from overspray. It’s important to wear a respirator and goggles when working with paint and solvents.
Regular cleaning with a mild cleaner will keep cabinets looking good and prolong the life of the refinish. Avoid using harsh chemicals, which can strip the finish and lead to dullness and discoloration. Always test cleaning solutions on a small, inconspicuous area of the cabinet before applying to all surfaces.
Drying
After a thorough cleaning, sanding, and etching (if necessary), cabinet paint can begin to dry. It may take several days for the finish to fully harden and achieve maximum durability. Proper ventilation is critical to accelerating drying times. Opening windows, strategically placing fans, and using exhaust systems all help promote airflow and speed up the process. The type of paint used also influences curing times. Oil-based paints tend to take longer to cure than water-based finishes.
When the final coat of paint is applied, it’s essential to let it fully cure before reattaching doors and hardware. This ensures that the paint is able to withstand the constant movement and wear and tear that occurs in the kitchen. Ensuring that the paint is completely cured can also help prevent early chipping and other issues.
If you’re going for a premium finish (3+ coats, glaze) or opting to add a decorative element such as antiquing, expect the process to take significantly longer. The additional steps involved require more application time, which in turn extends the drying period.
The condition of your cabinets is another important factor in determining whether refinishing or refacing is the best approach for you. Refinishing is a great option for updating dated or worn-out cabinetry, and it’s especially useful in addressing minor damage or blemishes. If your cabinets are showing signs of wear or have serious dents and scratches, however, refacing is the better option.
A professional cabinet refinishing company can help you make the right choice and plan for a timely, stress-free project. By working with experienced professionals, you can rest assured that your finished project will look great and last for years to come. Contact us to discuss your options and get started with a free, no-obligation estimate.
Installation
Cabinet refacing and refinishing are two of the most common ways homeowners update their kitchens or baths. They differ in cost and impact, but both offer big changes to the look of your cabinets. Which one you choose depends on how much change you want to make, and which material your cabinets are made from. Depending on your goals, it may be more cost-effective to refinish or replace your cabinet doors and drawer fronts than to buy and install new cabinets altogether.
To refinish your cabinets, the existing door and drawer fronts will need to be removed and sanded before they can be reinstalled. This step can take 2-4 hours per cabinet. During disassembly, it is important to carefully label and organize the hardware to save time during reassembly. Thorough cleaning and sanding can also take a few hours, but will ensure the surface is smooth and ready for paint. The paint itself will typically take 2-4 hours per coat, with 24-hour drying times between each application. Adding a glaze or multiple coats of paint can increase drying and curing times, which can extend the overall project duration.
The type of finish you choose can also impact the total project duration. Quick-drying paints can reduce wait times, but high-quality finishes require more time to dry and cure properly. This can extend the project length by a few days or even weeks.
It is essential to take into account the skill level of the painters as well as their experience with this particular task. An experienced professional can work more quickly and confidently, which can significantly decrease the project duration. Beginners, on the other hand, will need to learn how to complete the job effectively, which can add several days to the timeline.
While refinishing can be a great option for many homeowners, it is not appropriate for all cabinet materials. If your cabinets are made from Thermofoil (the vinyl wrap that often peels when exposed to heat) or laminate, it is not possible to refinish them. In this case, it is recommended to opt for refacing instead, which can be a more affordable alternative to replacing your entire cabinet set.