Get matched with top cabinet refacers and refinishers in Milan, MO

For a smooth and long-lasting finish, opt for an 100 percent acrylic, semi gloss latex self-leveling paint. There are many brands and types of paint to choose from, so do research before deciding which one is best for your project. Some paints even have qualities that might save you time. For example, some paints have primer so you can skip priming separately and start painting right away. 

Liquid sandpaper is a solvent used to soften existing layers of paint and make them porous enough that you can effectively apply a new coat of paint. You rub the liquid sandpaper on, wait for it to work, and wipe it off—no literal sanding is involved. Liquid sandpaper can save time and is helpful if parts of the cabinet are hard to reach with standard sandpaper. However, like paint stripper, liquid sandpaper creates dangerous fumes and must be used with care indoors. And unlike sanding, it can’t fix any scratches or dings in your cabinets.

Many DIYers like to spray paint cabinets because it provides a more even-looking finish than painting with a brush. However, getting comfortable with a spray painter takes time and without practice, you may not spray the surfaces evenly. Take some time to practice painting with a HVLP sprayer on cardboard or scrap wood before diving into your project.

Refinishing cabinets requires a significant commitment, so even a professional will take between 40 and 120 hours on average to complete a cabinet refinishing project. In most cases, you’re looking at a week or more of work, although this depends on the number of cabinets you have and how many laborers will be working on the project. Whether you’re refinishing cabinets in your kitchen, bathroom, or office, you should plan on the room being at least partially out of commission for one to two weeks. DIY refinishing will usually take a month or two, depending on your expediency.