--- title: The Best Way To Refinish Cabinets description: Are you considering having your cabinets refinished? Whether you are looking for cabinets to be painted or stained, use this article to ensure that they will be durable for a long time. image: https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hubfs/Olafson%20After%202.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/best-way-refinish-cabinets#maincontent) [ «  Learning Center ](https://brushandrollpainting.com/learning-center) # The Best Way To Refinish Cabinets May 10th, 2023 2 min read By [Kaylea Kuhlman](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/author/kaylea-kuhlman-content-manager) ![Light green cabinets in medium sized kitchen. ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Olafson%20After%202.jpg?width=1280&height=960&name=Olafson%20After%202.jpg) Cabinet refinishing is a great way to update and invest in your home. However, cabinet refinishing can be a complicated process and must be done correctly to make the investment worth it. This means having a thorough prep work process and using high-quality materials that will fight against damages. At Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, NE, we have been[ refinishing cabinets ](https://brushandrollpainting.com/services/cabinet-woodwork-refinishing/)since 1996. We have found a thorough prep work process and high-quality materials that we can count on. In this article, we will discuss the important steps to cabinet refinishing that must be done on every cabinet to be durable. By reading this, you can better narrow down your cabinet refinishing company options to ensure that they can provide the quality that you and your cabinets deserve. ## Extensive prep work on cabinets A lasting and durable cabinet refinishing job begins with extensive prep work, including cleaning, repairing, and sanding.  Having a solid foundation is crucial. It’s like building a house, applying primer and foundation for makeup, a base coat for manicures, or steady building blocks as a child.  Applying products on top of damaged or dirty wood will cause it to peel or chip. ## Protective Layers on Cabinets with High-Quality Products After thorough prep work, products can begin to be applied. Like the walls of a house or coats of nail polish, every layer of a product should be durable. From the primer to the resurfacer or final coat, each should be a quality product.  At Brush & Roll Painting, our thorough process includes sanding between each layer. This gives the next layer proper adhesion to the previous.  Cabinet paint from the hardware store, woodwork paint, or acrylic paint is not a durable layer for cabinets. These products tend to get soft quickly, especially in most touched areas like around the handles or knobs. At Brush & Roll Painting, we have found our number one cabinet refinishing product to be Milesi. Milesi is a 2K polyurethane and can be mixed with pigment, stain, or tone, to create durable layers on cabinet doors.  This product is only recommended for professionals, as it has to be mixed and used within a certain amount of time. This product is moisture, abrasion, and chemical resistant. ## Cabinet Refinishing is not DIY-friendly Cabinet refinishing can be an extensive process, not recommended for at-home projects. It can be simple, with just a few coats of paint and some cleaning, but the finished product will just look like painted cabinets. This will lower the value of the cabinets as the wood is not protected. When all the steps are taken and proper materials are applied, it should look and feel like it came brand new from a professional factory or a fine piece of furniture. Its beautiful look, smooth feel, and protective layers will raise its value tremendously. Cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms get used extensively day to day, so investing in a high-quality process and products are going to make money worthwhile. Refinishing is more than a weekend project and a few YouTube videos. It takes skill and experience to perfect a prep work routine and product application. Cabinet or woodwork paints at the hardware store may look nice for a few months. But later down the line, you will see the product fail. When professional-grade products are used properly you will see and feel the difference, not only instantly, but for years to come.  [The Ultimate Guide to Cabinet Refinishing.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/cabinet-refinishing-guide) ## Invest in your cabinets In conclusion, to ensure a high-quality cabinet refinishing job, make sure there is an extensive amount of prep work done and the products used are high-quality. Cabinets are the heart of the kitchen and deserve to be invested in and taken care of. To have your cabinets refinished correctly in Omaha, NE, learn more about our[ services at Brush & Roll Painting](https://brushandrollpainting.com/services/cabinet-woodwork-refinishing/). We take pride in giving our customers an amazing experience in their dream homes. Next, learn about [everything you need to know about cabinet paint. ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/cabinet-paint-truth)This product may be a red flag for your cabinets if you are looking for long-term durability.  [ Kaylea Kuhlman ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/author/kaylea-kuhlman-content-manager) Kaylea is the Content Manager at Brush & Roll Painting, where she leads the company’s marketing strategy, content creation, and brand messaging. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a degree in Journalism and Media Communications and a minor in Marketing, combining strong writing skills with a clear understanding of how to connect with homeowners. Since joining Brush & Roll Painting at the end of 2022, Kaylea has played a key role in shaping how the company communicates with its customers. She works closely with the team to turn real, on-the-job experience into helpful, easy-to-understand content that answers the questions homeowners are already asking. Her approach focuses on clarity, honesty, and making sure people feel confident before starting a painting project. Kaylea’s work helps bridge the gap between technical painting knowledge and everyday decision-making. Whether it’s explaining the difference between paint finishes, helping homeowners choose the right cabinet color, or breaking down what to expect from a professional painting process, her goal is always the same: to make the process feel simple and stress-free. Topics Kaylea Covers: Kaylea writes and creates content across all areas of residential painting, including: -Interior painting (walls, ceilings, trim, and woodwork) -Exterior painting and maintenance -Cabinet painting and refinishing -Deck staining and wood care -Paint colors, finishes, and design decisions -What to expect when hiring a professional painter -Common homeowner questions, concerns, and mistakes to avoid Her content is designed to give homeowners clear answers, set realistic expectations, and help them make confident decisions about their home. Topics: [ Pro Tips ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/topic/pro-tips) [ Cabinets & Woodwork ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/topic/cabinets-woodwork) Don't forget to share this post: ## Related Articles [![Exterior of house in Omaha, NE with a ladder against it in the process of being painted by Brush & Roll Painting.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Havens%20during%201.jpg?width=1280&height=721&name=Havens%20during%201.jpg) ### 9 Things To Do Before Exterior House Painting July 6th, 2026|2 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/9-things-to-do-before-exterior-house-painting-omaha) [![Basement kitchen with a fresh black paint color and smooth finish on cabinets in a home in Omaha, nE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_4532.jpeg?width=4032&height=3024&name=IMG_4532.jpeg) ### 9 Mistakes for Choosing a Cabinet Paint Color & Finish June 26th, 2026|2 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/mistakes-for-choosing-a-cabinet-paint-color-finish) [![Caulk on the outside of a home before painting in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_6018.jpg?width=4032&height=3024&name=IMG_6018.jpg) ### Why Your Exterior Caulk Is Cracking After One Year June 22nd, 2026|2 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/why-your-exterior-caulk-is-cracking-after-one-year) [![Wall of paint color swatches in a hardware store for homeowners to pick paint colors in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Post%20Image%20Size-Jun-19-2026-02-22-33-4456-PM.png?width=800&height=418&name=Blog%20Post%20Image%20Size-Jun-19-2026-02-22-33-4456-PM.png) ### Why Paint Chips Don’t Match Your Actual Paint June 19th, 2026|2 min read ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/why-paint-chips-dont-match-your-actual-paint) [![Wall with imperfections with brown paint before painting again in Omaha, NE.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Burnham%20Before%201-1.jpg?width=4032&height=3024&name=Burnham%20Before%201-1.jpg) ### Why Do My Walls Look Worse After DIY Painting? 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