Question 1

What paint do you use for cabinet refinishing, and how durable is it?

Accepted Answer

We use professional-grade waterborne alkyd enamels — specifically Benjamin Moore Advance and Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim — both of which cure to a hardness that rivals factory-applied finishes. These products are self-leveling, meaning brush marks flow out as the paint dries, and they develop exceptional resistance to chipping, household chemicals, and daily wear. They are the same products specified by high-end kitchen designers and custom cabinet shops throughout Bellevue and Medina.

Question 2

Will refinished cabinets look as good as new custom cabinets?

Accepted Answer

When done correctly, the finish quality is genuinely indistinguishable. The key is spraying doors and drawer fronts off-site in a controlled environment — no dust, no brush marks, no overspray. The result is a smooth, furniture-grade surface that often looks better than many factory-finished cabinets. We've refinished kitchens in Mercer Island and Clyde Hill estates where the owners told us they couldn't tell the difference from their new custom millwork.

Question 3

Can you refinish high-end wood cabinets — walnut, cherry, white oak — without losing the wood character?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For premium wood species we offer a clear or tinted conversion varnish that protects the natural grain while enriching the color. Alternatively, we can apply a lightly tinted glaze or whitewash over the existing wood for a Scandinavian or transitional look that's popular in newer Sammamish and Issaquah homes. We always provide a sample door for approval before committing to the full kitchen.

Question 4

How long does cabinet refinishing take, and will we be without our kitchen?

Accepted Answer

Most kitchens are completed within 4–6 business days. Cabinet boxes are always painted in place, so you retain access to shelving and storage throughout. Doors and drawer fronts are off-site for 2–3 days for spraying and curing, during which you'll have the cabinet boxes open but functional. Many of our clients on the Eastside schedule the project around a short trip to make it seamless.

Question 5

Is cabinet refinishing worth it compared to replacing cabinets entirely?

Accepted Answer

For structurally sound cabinets with good bones — which describes most kitchens in higher-end Seattle and Eastside homes — refinishing delivers 85–90% of the visual impact of new cabinets at roughly 15–25% of the cost. When paired with new hardware and countertops, a refinished kitchen is often completely transformed. The only time we recommend against it is when box structures are damaged, drawer boxes are failing, or the layout itself needs to change.

Cabinet Refinishing
Like-New Kitchens at a Fraction of the Cost

Seattle Metro and Eastside Cabinet Refinishing Services

Our Process

In-Home Estimate & Color Selection

Cabinet Disassembly

Surface Preparation

Professional Spray Finish

Reassembly & Hardware

Frequently Asked Questions

Areas We Serve

Other Services We Offer

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Cabinet RefinishingLike-New Kitchens at a Fraction of the Cost