Should You Refinish Or Repaint Your Kitchen Cabinets?

Should you refinish or repaint your kitchen cabinets? What are the differences? And, more importantly, which one is better?

Many think that repainting and refinishing are one and the same, but the truth is, they’re two very different projects that share a similar but not identical result.  

Check out our guide to refinishing versus repainting so you can know the differences between them and find out which is best for your cabinets!

What Is Cabinet Painting? 

Cabinet painting is a simple process where you paint over whatever finish is currently on your cupboards. Sometimes, it also includes sanding and damage repair. 

What Is Cabinet Refinishing? 

Cabinet refinishing is a multi-step process that takes your cabinet’s finish off right down to the original surface and ensures the surface is as good as new before putting on a brand-new factory finish. 

What Are The Main Differences Between Refinishing And Repainting Kitchen Cabinets

Again, there are many critical differences between repainting and refinishing your cabinets that make them completely different projects. Let’s talk about some of those differences. 

Cost

The cost to paint your kitchen cabinets is typically lower, especially if you do it yourself. The costs are around the same even when you have it done. However, note that costs depend on factors like square footage, materials, and even the individual company. 

Here are the national average costs of repainting versus refinishing your cabinets. 

• Average cost to paint your cabinets: $3-10 per square foot

• Average cost to refinish your cabinets: $4-10 per square foot

Process

While the broader scopes of the painting and refinishing processes may seem the same, the steps make refinishing a much more complex project.

Typically, cabinet refinishing is an 8-step process, while painting is really only one or two steps. 

Results 

Depending on the finish, the results could be the same as repainting, but only colorwise. Really, refinishing provides a much better base for paint and wood stains to go on like a second skin and then look their best and brightest for years to come. Nothing beats a blank canvas. 

Refinishing also lasts much longer than painting. Paint lasts up to 5 years, at most, while most refinishing treatments can last 15 or more years (and make the cabinet wood last longer, too). 

Verdict: Refinishing Is A Better Value 

You see, repainting is more of a bandaid or a coverup while refinishing can actually restore the way the wood is underneath and is a much more durable finish than ordinary paint. The costs may be similar, but trust us when we say you’re getting the most out of that budget by calling in the expert cabinet refinishers at Quality Cabinet Coatings.