Get matched with top cabinet refacers and refinishers in Carrolltown, PA

When it comes to painting kitchen cabinets, most professionals tend to use latex paint. However, acrylic paint is also a great option, especially if you're working with wood. Along with the paint type, you'll also want to think about the finish. For kitchen cabinets, the best paint finishes are usually semi-gloss or high-gloss. These finishes are incredibly durable, which is important in high-traffic areas like kitchens. Matte finishes, on the other hand, are less durable.

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.

It can take as little as 30 to 60 minutes for wood filler to dry, but some products take up to four hours. Always read labels to ensure you're following the manufacturer’s instructions. Water-based wood fillers typically take longer to dry than oil-based or epoxy-wood fillers, especially when applied to large areas or deep cracks. Wood putty won’t dry completely, remaining slightly pliable.

Yes, you can refinish cabinets without wax or orange oil. The refinishing product will work regardless of wax and oil coats, but it might not shine as much. Adding a coat of penetrating oil will bring out the grain in the wood, and the wax will help prevent wear. Also, the protective qualities of wax and oil for hardwood make it a good idea to incorporate into the restoration process.