Author: Resurrect Wood Refinishing

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.

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.

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}

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

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.