Get matched with top cabinet refacers and refinishers in Elgin, ND

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.

The difference between resurfacing and refinishing is that refinishing only works on solid surfaces that are in good condition, whereas resurfacing will restore a cracked or worn surface to its original, blemish-free state. Refinishing will leave you with a smooth and glossy surface you can’t get from resurfacing alone. If that’s the look you’re going for, contact a local concrete finishing contractor to achieve it.

Removing the original paint or stain before refinishing is a good idea, as it ensures the new finish bonds strongly to the wood. If you skip the stripping or sanding step, the new finish may peel or flake away from the railing easily. Using a wood stripper will completely remove the old stain or paint while sanding will help to prime the surface.

Small to medium-sized cabinetry typically takes three to five days, whereas large cabinetry takes around seven days. The complete process includes:

• Removing cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware.

• Removing the existing stain or paint.

• Sanding cabinet frames, doors, and drawers.

• Staining each side of the cabinetry one at a time. You’ll have to wait for the first side to dry before staining the other side.

• Waiting for the doors, drawers, and frames to dry fully.

• Reattaching hardware and hinges.

• Putting the doors and drawers back on the cabinet boxes.