Get matched with top cabinet refacers and refinishers in Friars Point, MS

Whether it’s better to stain or paint old cabinets depends on your situation, as each option has pros and cons. Paint offers a smooth, modern look, while stain highlights the natural wood grain for a charming, rustic look. Painting cabinets may cost about 15% more than staining cabinets. While paint tends to be more durable against damage because of its thick coating, stained cabinets hide inevitable dings and scratches better than paint.

Technically, you can paint over stained cabinets without sanding. There are specialty paints that are made precisely for not sanding cabinets. However, many interior cabinet paints work just as well. 

To make sure you have a smooth surface without sanding, you’ll need to degrease the cabinets thoroughly, add a bonding coat for strength, add primer, and then finally paint your cabinets. It’s still a process regardless of whether you sand your cabinets.

While it’s possible to reface or refinish kitchen cabinets yourself, it requires substantial time, money, and sweat equity. In particular, cabinet refacing requires many tools and materials, costing you between $1,645 and $6,570, depending on what you already own. Besides that, this is a project that shows imperfections easily. If carpentry isn't your strong suit, hiring a cabinet professional is best to ensure high-quality results.

With the proper maintenance and care, stained cabinets can last for 30 years. You’ll need to properly clean your stained cabinets with a gentle mixture of vinegar and warm water and repair minor cracks and scratches when required. As long as you commit to maintaining stained wood cabinets, you can enjoy their beauty for many years to come.