What is the difference between cabinet refinishing and cabinet painting?

Cabinet refinishing and cabinet painting are both ways to update your kitchen's look without replacing the cabinets entirely, but the process, durability, and finish quality are significantly different.

Cabinet Painting

Cabinet painting involves cleaning, lightly sanding, priming, and applying new paint over the existing cabinet surface. It's a less intensive process that works well when cabinets are in good structural condition and the existing finish is sound. Cabinet painting typically uses brush-and-roller application or light spray, and the results can look great — but the finish isn't as smooth or as hard as refinishing.

Cabinet Refinishing

Cabinet refinishing is a more involved process. We strip or sand the existing finish down to bare wood, fill the grain with professional wood filler, apply primer, and then spray multiple coats of a professional-grade finish — typically catalyzed lacquer or conversion varnish. The result is a factory-smooth surface that's harder, more durable, and more resistant to chipping, scratching, and moisture than painted cabinets.

Which Should You Choose?

• Choose cabinet painting if your cabinets are in good shape, you want a colour change on a tighter budget, and you're looking for a refreshed look that will last 5–7 years.
• Choose cabinet refinishing if you want a factory-quality finish, maximum durability (10–15+ years), or if your cabinets have worn, peeling, or damaged finishes that need to be stripped back to bare wood.

During your free estimate, Mourad will assess your cabinets and recommend the right approach based on their condition, your goals, and your budget.