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Why is painting cabinets so expensive?

Resurrect Wood Refinishing refinishes cabinets instead of painting them. Since it is common for these terms to get mixed up, this article assumes the word “painting” refers to changing cabinets to a solid color. The refinishing process is similar to painting. We encourage you to check out our other articles to understand the difference between painting and refinishing and why our technique is higher quality. 

To answer the question, painting kitchen cabinets seems expensive compared to other paint jobs like walls, ceilings, and baseboards. This is because of surface area, product, labor, and correct technique. A 10×10 kitchen feels small, but every cabinet has about three times more surface area than a section of a bedroom wall or ceiling. Attention to detail is required and many mistakes cannot be “painted over,” like most flat surfaces. Where a wallpainter can just brush another coat, cabinet refinishers will likely have to scrape, clean, sand, and start over an entire section if there is a fault. Mastery of painting cabinets requires years of experience and knowledge. Skilled labor costs are more expensive than the average wall painter. 

How much should it cost to have cabinets painted?

Painting kitchen cabinets should be ⅓ the cost of purchasing new cabinets completely. Some painters can offer great deals at the expense of hired help. What may appear to be a great deal from a one-man operation can result in delays and miscommunication. 

Is painting cabinets cheaper than replacing?

Painting cabinets is significantly cheaper than replacing cabinets altogether. It is less waste to the environment and adds significant value to the home at ⅓ the cost.

Can I just paint over old cabinets?

Old cabinets can be painted. Proper preparation is required for a successful paint job. This not only involves cleaning the surface, but identifying if there are cracks, rot, and any other faults in the old wood. These need to be addressed before painting or they will show through when the job is complete.

Do you paint the inside of kitchen cabinets?

Typically you do not paint the insides of your cabinet boxes. The only time it is necessary to paint the inside of kitchen cabinets is if there is a see-through glass door covering the interior. Otherwise, the standard is to paint up to and around the face frame of the cabinet box.

How long does it take to paint cabinets?

Resurrect Wood Refinishing refinishes cabinets instead of painting them. Since it is common for these terms to get mixed up, this article uses the word “painting” in reference to changing cabinets to a solid color. The refinishing process is similar to painting. We encourage you to check out our other articles to understand the difference between painting and refinishing and why our technique is higher quality. 

To answer the question, painting cabinets to a different color takes about 3-5 business days if done correctly. The schedule is all dependent on preparation, proper application, and mastery and knowledge of the correct product. Resurrect Wood Refinishing uses a non-odorous, water-based polyurethane acrylic that not only bonds quickly to the surface, but has a fast cure time allowing the homeowner to resume normal kitchen use when the job is complete. 

Is painting kitchen cabinets difficult?

Painting kitchen cabinets is an overwhelming endeavor with high risk. To the inexperienced do-it-yourselfer, what was hoped to be a shortcut can turn into irreparable damage to good-quality cabinets. Painting kitchen cabinets requires a deep understanding of the necessary products. A high-quality spray gun is the only way to achieve a professional finish. Anything done by brush will create an uneven appearance with brush marks. Proper masking of the surrounding environment and preparation of the cabinet surface is a must. Mistakes and errors will be noticeable and cause a lot of additional time to correct.

How many gallons of paint does it take to paint cabinets?

A standard 10×10 kitchen with about fifteen cabinets should only need one gallon of product. This does not include the compatible primer needed for prep, or the finish needed to seal the product for protection.

How many coats of paint should you put on cabinets?

Painters typically spray two to three coats of paint primer, three coats of paint, and then a heavy amount of high-gloss finish at the end. Refinishing cabinets typically require two to three coats of water-based primer, an average of three polyurethane acrylic, and then one to two coats of the proper amount of finish. The product we use is thin yet incredibly durable. Our product bonds much more naturally than paint, requiring less coats to create a clean, sharp profile, unlike paint. 

Can you paint cabinets while still attached?

Yes, it is very easy to paint cabinets while they are still attached if you know what you are doing. Resurrect Wood Refinishing is one of the only companies in the Central Florida area that prioritizes non-toxic chemicals since we are working in customers’ homes. We take careful measures to mask everything off to protect the rest of the kitchen while we are working.

Are kitchen cabinets a good investment?

According to a 2022 research report by the Housing and Community Development department in Loudon County, Virginia, homeowners should take confidence in a 90% return on any investments made into home renovations if the home is sold within 3 years of the update. This 90% is an average based on the entire home, from patio repairs and new bathroom vanities, to floor installs and cabinet redesigns. Many reasons why homeowners should not expect a full return on investment (ROI) is based on the market value of the materials. For example, if a customer was persuaded to purchase a specific style of laminate cabinets that are incredibly popular, the product will most likely be overpriced due to demand. This renovation would increase the likelihood to sell as the National Association of Realtors reported in 2022 that ⅓ of buyers who purchased in 2021 decided to do so based on an already updated home, “looking to avoid renovations and problems.” 

Kitchen cabinets are a great investment before selling because the time and cost can be intimidating to new homebuyers. Having the work already completed makes the property desirable to purchase. A typical kitchen cabinet renovation can take up to 3-5 months depending on material availability and a laborer’s work schedule. This can be daunting for homeowners who are wanting to sell quickly. There are alternative methods like cabinet refinishing or installing new cabinet doors that can cut the time frame down from months to a single week. 

What is a good budget for kitchen cabinets?

The extent of the budget is dependent on what upgrades are sought for at the time of selling. For certain, whether the homeowner rips out and purchases new cabinets, or refinishes existing cabinets, they can expect a 90% return of investment. Any additional profit to that budget is based on creative decisions on how to approach investing into their kitchen cabinets. For example, refinishing existing kitchen cabinets to a popular color is ⅓ the cost of purchasing and installing new cabinets. The 90% ROI data is based on the assumption that the homeowner purchased new cabinets. As of this article, the general price range for a 10×10 MDF white kitchen cabinet design purchased at Big Box Home Improvements Stores is currently $15,000-$19,000 (White cabinets are most desired by potential homebuyers). When the homeowner sells the home, they should expect about $13,500-$17,100 in return. However, if the homeowner decides to refinish and improve the existing cabinets for ⅓ that cost ($5,100 – $6,460) the ROI has now increased since they paid less for the same end goal. They can expect a 165% ROI, profiting approximately $8,400-$11,286 when the home sells. 

It is obvious then that this is no longer a budget concern but a profitability strategy. If guaranteed a 90% ROI in whatever form of kitchen cabinet renovation, it only makes sense to pursue the service that is less cost effective yet yields the greatest profit margin. This is the benefit of kitchen cabinet refinishing. 

Why do kitchen cabinets cost so much?

Kitchen cabinets are expensive because of labor and material costs. Technicians require weeks for demolition, electrical, and installation. That service alone is expensive since it takes time and risks accidents and repairs. Kitchen cabinets themselves are expensive because they are highly coveted by both homeowners and potential homebuyers. Big Box Home Improvement stores have not only kept  the service high-valued, but have lowered the standards of the quality in craftsmanship. The solid wood cabinets that sold up to the early 2010’s, have now been replaced by MDF built cabinets, or even laminate. This allows these companies to make profit since they now have less production costs and can sell it for the same amount. Laminate and MDF are poor quality, risking peeling, chipping, and scarring due to normal wear and tear. There is little one can do to repair these faults since they are not real wood. Despite this, kitchen cabinets are currently being sold for $15,000-$19,000 for a 10×10 kitchen design.

Is it worth it to update kitchen before selling?

Since there is a 90% ROI and ⅓ increase in potential buyers, it is advisable to renovate the kitchen before selling. There are options available to cut down costs and time, and even opportunities to increase the return of investment. The 2022 Remodeling Impact Report by the National Association of Realtors concluded an average of 147% ROI for refinishing kitchen cabinets, hardwood floors, and even front doors. Homeowners can take confidence in any investment they make to the kitchen before selling.

Footnote

1 https://www.loudoun.gov/DocumentCenter/View/153842/Home-Improvement-Information?bidId=
2 https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers
3 https://www.homedepot.com/services/c/cabinet-installation/4954fb9e1?vfrom=related-section
4 https://cdn.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2022-remodeling-impact-report-04-19-2022.pdf

Does your company do work for the Theme parks and Hotel Resorts?

Resurrect Wood Refinishing is able to assist in any of the Central Florida theme parks, and hotels. Our wood refinishing services have been selected for several resorts and commercial venues in need of facelifts or creative restoration. Quality wood is expensive and requires a new coat of durable finish to withstand the high traffic of commercial spaces. According to Forbes magazine, a wooden countertop “will last around 20 years, which compares to other countertops like granite… but needs monthly resealing to have a long lifespan.” Whether it is a golf resort pro shop or themed hotel room, Resurrect Wood Refinishing has the flexibility and skill to work with commercial clients. Our services include color correction and re-application of finish, staining, glazing, distressing, and even changing the color completely if that is the goal of the project. 

Can RWR work around our business schedule?

Resurrect Wood Refinishing offers a free in-person estimate with the project manager. Samples of our work are provided as well as any credentials, licenses, insurances, and any other employee information requested. Off-season work is preferred for the best cure time of our refinishing product, but we are ready to be flexible for any last minute needs. 

Does RWR company offer an annual touch up service for Theme Parks and Hotel Resorts?

Yes! Resurrect Wood Refinishing uses a proprietary blend of a polyurethane acrylic. It is a custom wood finish that is tinted in-house for any stain or solid color. Since it is not available for purchase at retail, our company leaves the project manager with enough product for minor accidents or for future touch-up services. All information about the project is kept on file and can be accessed should new product be required.

Footnote

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/butcher-block-countertop-pros-cons/

Can You Fix Worn Spots on Kitchen Cabinets?

Resurrect Wood Refinishing is one of the only companies in the Central Florida area that is capable of a Original Finish Refinish. “Traditional Refinishing” is the process of fixing worn spots on stained wood without changing the color. This process can be applied to not only kitchen cabinets, but stairs, built-ins, vanities, front doors–anything and everything that is solid wood. Scuffs and marks are touched up with solid pigments, and faded finish can be resurrected.

The process requires attention to detail, an superior eye for color, artist brush technique, patience, and proper application, making Resurrect Wood Refinishing one of the only companies proud to offer such a service.

How do you fix discolored wood cabinets?

Traditional Refinishing begins with matching the right color. The product we use is a proprietary blend of water-based finishes, unlike varnishes or heavily pigmented stains that can be purchased at “Big Box” home improvement stores. This finish is tinted onsite and cannot be premixed since it must match the existing cabinetry. Understanding the perfect ratio between color pigments and solution conditioner is crucial. A stain mixture that is uneven can result in a painted look.

Once the stain has been created, the surface is then prepared through a process of cleaning, sanding, and Color-Correcting. Color-Correcting is addressing every little worn spot or chip with an artist brush and a tray of pigments. Harsh lines from discoloration are balanced out, disappearing completely once a new coat of stain is applied. 

How do you fix a chipped wood cabinet?

Besides discoloration, chipped spots are common during the lifetime of any kitchen cabinet. Whether it’s scratch marks from dogs or the accidental cooking catastrophe, Resurrect Wood Refinishing is capable of finding a solution. Most of the time these spots can be sanded out. However, if it’s an MDF surface that has been damaged, like a side panel veneer, our carpentry department is capable of cutting a new piece of ¼ inch wood veneer to cover up the issue. It is important for any technician to understand what is veneer and what is solid wood. If a chip on a veneer is sanded, the damage can become irreparable once the MDF underneath has been breached. 

Can you Stain veneer wood?

Once the custom veneer is installed, it is then stained to match the rest of the kitchen. Our product allows the wood grain to remain visible. Our color balancing and toning will make it the perfect color for your home.

Can Anyone Refinish Cabinets?

Anyone is capable of refinishing cabinets but only a select few can refinish well. It may seem pretty straightforward to refinish based on a Do-It-Yourself YouTube video, but quality work requires practice and experience. Do you really want to risk your kitchen cabinets with a first try?

Not only is practice necessary, but the right equipment and product is needed for professional grade results. Most homeowners do not have access to professional grade products and tools. Many of the paint products and tools sold or leased at your local Big Box Home Improvement Stores are scaled and priced for retailer consumers. Many professional painters leave the cabinets to refinishers just based on time alone. They can paint a whole house in the time it takes to do woodwork and make three times the cost. It is simply our love for woodwork and skill for the detail that set us apart.

How much does it cost to have someone refinish your cabinets?

Resurrect Wood Refinishing strives to bid our projects at ⅓ the cost of ripping out and buying new wooden cabinets. Others may bid less but it is very important as a homeowner to figure out what they are doing to be able to provide a low-value estimate. The skill, labor, and proprietary product needed to deliver factory-finish results demand a higher cost to ensure high quality and long lasting durability. Our refinishing application and selected product (which is not found at Big Box Home Improvement Stores) guarantees a worry-free endeavor, with a promise to be able to refinish within 4-5 business days for most standard size projects.

Are cabinets worth refinishing?

Refinishing cabinets are a great way to restore the original cabinetry to their former glory. Solid wood is becoming less frequent with MDF and laminate overtaking the market. They are incredibly valuable and the cost to refinish is just a small fraction compared to starting fresh with lesser quality material.
Refinishing kitchen cabinets is a great way to cosmetically overhaul a kitchen to keep up with the latest fashions. Resurrect Wood Refinishing offers glazing techniques to influence the overall room tone as well as new doors entirely should a change in style be necessary. Refinishing cabinets are also worth the cost if one is considering selling their home. Specifically, the Orlando housing market at this time, has such a quick turnaround that homeowners can confidently expect to make a full, profitable return on their kitchen renovation.

What paint do professionals use for kitchen cabinets?

Professionals do not use paint for kitchen cabinets. Period.

If you have received a bid from a contractor to paint your kitchen cabinets, I would ask about the specific types of materials being used. Most home improvement products available to the retailer are outdated enamel and oil based paints. They just don’t have the durability for kitchen cabinets that the new professional products provide. The high traffic and use of the kitchen is generally too demanding for paint. It’s life is generally given a lifetime of 2-3 years of use. Refinishing uses a re-engineered polyurethane acrylic. It is the same level of protection used on cars and hardwood floors and only the best of product is proprietary and not available at Big Box Home Improvement Stores.

Is it better to spray or brush paint kitchen cabinets?

Resurrect Wood Refinishing is one of the high end contractors in the Orlando area that uses high-grade spraying equipment for refinishing kitchen cabinets. Spraying ensures a beautiful even coat of color, giving that factory finish look. Brushing is an alternative for solid colors, but for big projects like kitchens, it may be too daunting an endeavor, and may prove difficult to stay consistent in brushstrokes. The slightest error can leave imprints, drips, and pooling in corners of center panels.


We are strong advocates for spraying which is why we dedicate a third of the job to masking alone. We ensure that the entire room is blocked off by plastic from the rest of the home to ensure most of the dust stays within the construction zone. We also offer an Air-Scrubber rental to customers which is a HEPA filter designed for massive cubic filtering of dust and airborne sprayed products. Please continue to look through our portfolio which includes all projects done by spraying technique.

Anyone is capable of refinishing cabinets but only a select few can refinish well. It may seem pretty straightforward to refinish based on a Do-It-Yourself YouTube video, but quality work requires practice and experience. Do you really want to risk your kitchen cabinets with a first try?

Not only is practice necessary, but the right equipment and product is needed for professional grade results. Most homeowners do not have access to professional grade products and tools. Many of the paint products and tools sold or leased at your local Big Box Home Improvement Stores are scaled and priced for retailer consumers. Many professional painters leave the cabinets to refinishers just based on time alone. They can paint a whole house in the time it takes to do woodwork and make three times the cost. It is simply our love for woodwork and skill for the detail that set us apart.

How much does it cost to have someone refinish your cabinets?

Resurrect Wood Refinishing strives to bid our projects at ⅓ the cost of ripping out and buying new wooden cabinets. Others may bid less but it is very important as a homeowner to figure out what they are doing to be able to provide a low-value estimate. The skill, labor, and proprietary product needed to deliver factory-finish results demand a higher cost to ensure high quality and long lasting durability. Our refinishing application and selected product (which is not found at Big Box Home Improvement Stores) guarantees a worry-free endeavor, with a promise to be able to refinish within 4-5 business days for most standard size projects.

Are cabinets worth refinishing?

Refinishing cabinets are a great way to restore the original cabinetry to their former glory. Solid wood is becoming less frequent with MDF and laminate overtaking the market. They are incredibly valuable and the cost to refinish is just a small fraction compared to starting fresh with lesser quality material.
Refinishing cabinets is a great way to cosmetically overhaul a kitchen to keep up with the latest fashions. Resurrect Wood Refinishing offers glazing techniques to influence the overall room tone as well as new doors entirely should a change in style be necessary. Refinishing cabinets are also worth the cost if one is considering selling their home. Specifically, the Orlando housing market at this time, has such a quick turnaround that homeowners can confidently expect to make a full, profitable return on their kitchen renovation.

What paint do professionals use for kitchen cabinets?

Professionals do not use paint for kitchen cabinets. Period.

If you have received a bid from a contractor to paint your kitchen cabinets, I would ask about the specific types of materials being used. Most home improvement products available to the retailer are outdated enamel and oil based paints. They just don’t have the durability for kitchen cabinets that the new professional products provide. The high traffic and use of the kitchen is generally too demanding for paint. It’s life is generally given a lifetime of 2-3 years of use. Refinishing uses a re-engineered polyurethane acrylic. It is the same level of protection used on cars and hardwood floors and only the best of product is proprietary and not available at Big Box Home Improvement Stores.

Is it better to spray or brush paint kitchen cabinets?

Resurrect Wood Refinishing is one of the high end contractors in the Orlando area that uses high-grade spraying equipment for refinishing kitchen cabinets. Spraying ensures a beautiful even coat of color, giving that factory finish look. Brushing is an alternative for solid colors, but for big projects like kitchens, it may be too daunting an endeavor, and may prove difficult to stay consistent in brushstrokes. The slightest error can leave imprints, drips, and pooling in corners of center panels.

We are strong advocates for spraying which is why we dedicate a third of the job to masking alone. We ensure that the entire room is blocked off by plastic from the rest of the home to ensure most of the dust stays within the construction zone. We also offer an Air-Scrubber rental to customers which is a HEPA filter designed for massive cubic filtering of dust and airborne sprayed products. Please continue to look through our portfolio which includes all projects done by spraying technique.

Can Wood Ceilings Be Refinished?

Wood ceilings can certainly be refinished by Resurrect Wood Refinishing. We offer the same Traditional Refinishing, Color Change Refinishing, and Stain Refinishing services as we do with cabinetry. Like our standard practice, we are able to clean, prep, apply, and smooth out a new protective coat of finish, helping not only to cosmetically restore your ceiling, but to secure it from future accidents. Water damage is no problem as long as the source of the issue has been addressed and the surface is dry. Our technicians are able to blend accordingly to make bad spots disappear.

How do you refinish a wood panel ceiling?

Resurrect Wood Refinishing is able to refinish ceilings in a clean, effective, and on-time manner. Using scaffolding, our technicians go through every section of the ceiling, cleaning and preparing the surface as needed, with light sanding done to any spots that are rough from previous damage. The surrounding areas are masked and furniture that cannot be moved are covered in plastic. If cleaning is a big concern or if clients have asthmatic reactions to dust, Resurrect Wood Refinishing does offer an Air-Scrubber rental which is a HEPA filter designed for onsite construction work.

Once the surface is prepared, color correction is applied by fine paint brushes as needed. After that, the polyurethane acrylic is sprayed, which is either tinted with a stain or solid color finish as desired. Once the project is complete and the area is evenly refinished, Resurrect Wood Refinishing technicians take down all of the masking and clean up.

Most ceiling projects can be accomplished within a week depending on the workload. Feel free to inquire with us directly with any questions about scheduling.

Can you stain a wood ceiling?

Wood ceilings can certainly be stained in any shade darker than the existing color. Resurrect Wood Refinishing offers a polyurethane acrylic that has a tintable property to match any translucent stain. Whether the stain color is selected from our catalogue or there is a furniture piece you are wanting to match, we can do it!

How do you lighten dark wood ceilings?

Unfortunately, stained wood cannot be lightened without sanding. Resurrect Wood Refinishing does offer a “Faux Grain” technique that is both cost effective and holds incredible results without needing to sand. Instead of staining, we would select a solid color that replicates the lightness of the wood tone you are hoping for. We then spray several coats of stain to mimic texture with an added glaze technique if required. Resurrects team has tons of experience in color and design as well as a background in the Fine Arts, and is more than willing to experiment with creative ideas to help achieve any vision a client may have. We hope you will consider us for your next ceiling project.

Is It Expensive To Buy New Cabinet Doors?

Purchasing new cabinet doors is not as expensive as buying new cabinets altogether. If the existing cabinetry is a little outdated in style but made of solid wood, it would be much less expensive to buy new doors and refinish than to replace with a lower quality. Door replacement on solid wood adds more value to the home as well. If refinishing a kitchen is about ⅓ of the cost of purchasing and installing new cabinets, then buying new doors is going to be a little less than half the cost of new cabinets. Resurrect Wood Refinishing provides customers with a wide variety of styles and wood types, from traditional maple cabinet doors to sleek shaker style. Whatever the material your cabinetry is made of Oak, Maple, MDF, or laminate, we are able to provide top quality new cabinet doors with a fresh coat of stain or colored finish in any color you can dream up. This is a great way to rejuvenate the old cabinet boxes especially if they are structurally sound and there is no reason to rip out and replace completely. Replacing is always littered with dozens of unforeseen costs and expenses, not to mention long deadlines that don’t allow you to use your kitchen for weeks on end.

Can you purchase cabinet doors only?

Resurrect Wood Refinishing is able to provide customers with this option, but it isn’t recommended. New cabinet doors will stand out against cabinet boxes with an older finish. Even if the goal of a project is to purchase doors with a full overlay (that is, cabinet doors that leave less than a ¼ inch of the box face exposed) the end panels will still be exposed, revealing an outdated color that will not match the new doors accurately.

Is it easy to replace kitchen cabinet doors?

Replacing kitchen cabinet doors is a difficult endeavor that requires experience and preparation. Not only do measurements need to be accurate, but production of doors, their delivery, is a longer process now than pre pandemic. Installing as well takes time to determine whether or not they were measured correctly. Resurrect Wood Refinishing commits to an 8 week turnaround for any client interested in purchasing new doors to ensure all steps of this process. After the doors are hung, we then return a couple weeks later to refinish the new doors in addition to the cabinet boxes.

Replacing kitchen cabinet doors is skilled work, requiring precision measuring for both door size and hinge overlay and placement of hinge holes. It’s a three part measurement after the initial door measurement. Experience is key to avoiding long turnarounds and mistakes. Hanging new doors to fit the same hinge placement is a little more straightforward then converting everything to full overlay. Both processes require excellence in skill and mathematics. One wrong move could push the project back two weeks in order for the vendor to produce a new replacement door.

What is the difference between refinishing and refacing cabinets?

Refinishing is adding a new coat of finish to adhere to the existing finish. Water Based polycrylic finishes and water based lacquers are more advanced products than paint. It is thin, odorless, durable, and as close to a factory look as humanly possible. Refacing refers to either the purchasing of new doors or reapplying a new skin of laminate over a previous one.

Refacing in the sense of a new skin of laminate is a very expensive process and in many cases not worth the cost. Laminates on MDF boards are very cheap and it would be much better for the client to consider switching to new, solid wood doors than continue to maintain a product that is already poorly designed. Laminate is prone to peeling within 5-10 years of its shelf life under normal care and upkeep, but can deteriorate much more quickly in humid climates and in higher traffic areas.