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

Many homeowners find that having their kitchen cabinets professionally painted is worth it. Pros ensure a high-quality, durable finish that can enhance the appearance and longevity of your cabinets. They have the expertise, tools, and materials to achieve a smooth, even coat, which might be challenging for DIYers. Despite the expense, the time and effort saved and the superior results often justify the investment.

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.

When deciding between stripping or sanding kitchen cabinets, the short answer is it depends on the condition of your cabinets and your end goal for them. If the cabinets are in fairly good condition and don’t have several layers of paint on them, sanding is a good option. On the other hand, older cabinets with more blemishes or marks will benefit from paint stripping, since it will give any future finishes a clean slate.

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.