Cabinet Refinishing is a great option for homeowners who want to refresh their kitchen without the cost and disruption of replacing cabinets. This process includes cleaning and sanding wooden surfaces, repairing any damage, and applying a new stain or paint.

It’s important to make sure your surfaces are free from grease and dirt before painting, using synthetic steel wool and trisodium phosphate (TSP). This will help ensure that your new finish adheres properly. Contact San Jose Cabinet Refinishing for professional help.
Staining is a cost-friendly option for homeowners looking to breathe new life into their kitchen’s cabinets. This transformative process artfully blends creativity with functionality, allowing you to craft an updated look that seamlessly integrates into your home’s design scheme while elevating the overall kitchen experience.
Whether you choose to spruce up your cabinets with a light refresh or go for a more dramatic color change, this rewarding project can be completed in stages and delivered at an affordable price point. The first step is to remove the cabinet doors and hardware, clean and sand the surface, then apply two coats of stain. Once the stain has dried, the cabinet boxes can be reattached and any necessary touch-ups can be made.
Before beginning, it is important to set up a workspace with plenty of ventilation as the staining process creates a lot of fumes. Be sure to wear gloves to prevent getting stain on your skin and eyes, and to work in small sections for the best results. It is also helpful to use a foam sanding block to lightly scuff the cabinets and wipe them down with a tack cloth to ensure a smooth, even finish. Once your cabinets have been stained and are completely dry, you can apply a polyurethane sealant to protect the new finish and increase durability.
When staining your cabinets, it is a good idea to use a gel stain. This type of stain comes in a variety of colors and provides a more consistent color than liquid stains, which can sometimes be blotchy on certain woods. It is recommended to apply a slip coat of mineral spirits before applying the stain, as this helps the stain to glide on and spread evenly while reducing overlap marks. Be sure to follow the grain of the wood when staining your cabinets, and do not apply too much stain as this can lead to blotching and unevenness.
Another benefit of staining is that it does not require as much maintenance as painting. Because the cabinets are naturally durable, you will not have to wipe them down as often and they will be less prone to long-term damage or unwanted stains. However, it is important to touch up any scratches, nicks, or dents with a matching color as they occur so that your kitchen continues to look its best.
Painting
Painting cabinetry is an easy way to update your kitchen without the expense of new cabinets or a major renovation. If you decide to go the DIY route, it’s important to carefully prepare your cabinetry. Patch any visible holes or nicks with wood filler and lightly sand before priming and painting. Choose a high-quality oil or latex primer depending on the type of wood. Then, when the primer dries, you can paint. Before you get started, mark each piece of cabinetry with a label to keep track of what goes where. This will make it much easier when you reassemble the cabinets later on.
During this process, you can also do other touch-ups like repairing hinges and handles. However, if you want to change the look of your entire kitchen, a complete color change is a more dramatic option that will require more time and effort than simply refinishing.
A cabinet refacing project is more extensive than a refinishing job because it involves removing the inside of your cabinetry, including the hardware and hinges. Despite the extra work involved, refacing is still less expensive than replacement.
To prep for the paint, you’ll need to clean the cabinet surfaces with a mild degreaser solution like trisodium phosphate (TSP). This chemically emulsifies grease and grime and will help your new finish adhere to the surface. After cleaning, sand the cabinetry with medium-grit sanding sponges or 180-grit sandpaper on a random orbital sander to scuff up the existing finish and provide a good substrate for your new coat of paint. Be sure to sand with the grain and wipe off any remaining dust with a damp cloth.
If you’re going with a solid-color paint, use a high-quality acrylic enamel that is moisture-resistant and stain blocking. This will ensure your paint lasts longer than it would with a traditional alkyd base. When painting, start with the inner panels and recessed areas. Then, work your way outward, taking care to overlap slightly onto the stiles so they don’t show through the final coat of paint. Aim for uniform coverage and don’t over-thin your paint, as this can cause drips and runs.
Varnishing
A cabinet’s sheen can be a focal point for your kitchen, adding a pop of color and highlighting the details. Cabinet varnishes are available in matte, satin, and semi-gloss sheens to suit your kitchen’s style. Varnishes also protect cabinets from everyday wear and tear, scuffing, and UV rays that can cause discoloration.
When choosing the right type of varnish for your cabinets, consider the amount of shine you want and how durable you need it to be. For example, a gloss finish will be reflective and can camouflage flaws, but it’s also more susceptible to damage. On the other hand, a semi-gloss finish can hide small dings and scratches, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas.
Before applying varnish, sand the surface of your cabinets with medium-grit sanding sponges or 180-grit sandpaper. After sanding, vacuum and tack the cabinets to remove dust particles and lint. This will prep the cabinets for a new coating and help ensure that it adheres well.
To apply the first coat of varnish, work in smooth, even strokes or rolls, following the grain of the wood to avoid drips and runs. Use only about 1/3 of your brush’s surface to prevent over-application and excessive build-up. After applying the first coat, let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once the first coat of varnish dries, you can add more coats as needed to achieve your desired sheen. It is recommended to apply at least two coats of varnish, but up to four may be necessary depending on the level of protection you require.
Compared to replacing your cabinets, refinishing is a much more eco-friendly option. Replacing cabinets often requires tearing out perfectly functional units, which can contribute to waste and a need for additional materials. Refinishing is also a more cost-friendly way to refresh your cabinets, offering the same transformational impact without the cost.
Refinishing can transform the look of your home, bringing together your personal style and functionality to create a dynamic space. To learn more about refinishing your cabinets or to speak with a professional, contact us today.
Cleaning
Cabinets are essential for kitchen storage and organization, but they can quickly become discolored from grit, grime and oil splatters. To keep them looking fresh, clean your cabinets regularly. This should be done weekly for a quick touch-up and one to two times per year for a deeper cleaning. To do a deep clean, empty cabinets completely and then dampen a microfiber cloth with a safe, grease-cutting all-purpose cleaner or a mixture of dish soap and water. Wipe the inside and outside of each cabinet, paying special attention to grooves and trim where grime may hide.
For painted or thermofoil cabinets, wipe with a soft cloth to avoid scratching the surface. If you have a stubborn, sticky grease stain, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on the cloth and rub gently. This will remove the grime without damaging the finish, ensuring your cabinets look like new.
If you have wood doors, wipe the insides and outsides regularly with a soft cloth or sponge and a safe, all-purpose cleaner or a mixture of mild dish soap and water. For best results, make sure the cloth is dry before re-inserting into the door hinges. To keep wood cabinets looking their best, consider applying a wood furniture wax every six months to help protect the surface.
When it comes to refacing or replacing cabinets, the key is to choose the right material for your home and style. A consultation with a professional can help you determine which option is best for your kitchen.
If you’re considering DIY kitchen cabinet refacing, be sure to lay plenty of drop cloths to protect countertops and appliances. Also, label or number your cabinet doors if you’re removing them to be sure they get back in the right place once the project is finished. If you’re using a chemical stripper, wear gloves and eye protection to avoid harmful fumes. Finally, when refacing or painting cabinets mounted vertically, be sure to use a gel or semi-paste type of paint stripper so it doesn’t drip as much on the walls.