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

High-performance lacquers, paints, and glazes are common materials for refinishing.

Apply a sealant to your cabinets to repel water and moisture. This will help prevent further water damage from developing, such as mold and rotting wood. Lacquer, polyurethane, and varnish are commonly used sealants with waterproofing abilities. Brush them onto your cabinets and follow the manufacturer's instructions on drying time, which can take up to several hours.

In most cases, it’s more affordable to refinish your cabinets than replace them, with refinishing costs averaging $3,000 and replacement costs around $9,000. However, there are some instances in which it’s better to replace your cabinets, like if they’re an outdated style, badly damaged and beyond repair, or a sub-par material, like fiberboard. In all other cases, it’s usually a better idea to have a professional refinish them to save money and restore their original condition.

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.