4 Types of Omaha Cabinet Refinishing Contractors & Their Processes

Think about two completely different people training to run a marathon. They both come from different backgrounds and athletic history. It’s safe to assume their journey to the finish line isn’t always the same. This can be applied to the concept of refinishing cabinets. 

Painting companies have different processes of doing what they do. Whether they have learned this process from years of experience or a YouTube video and a few projects under their belt, they have a process that they are offering to do on your cabinets. It is your job to determine the best process for your cabinet project.

At Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, NE, our expertise dates back to 1996 when we opened. We have learned a lot through the years and found a proven process and products guaranteed to stand the test of time. 

We know our process is different from most. We know it is different from what everyone is looking for. 

This article will highlight various processes that contractors use across the board. Using this information, you can determine which process is best for your cabinets to be refinished. Knowing what is best for your cabinets will help you find the best company to do them for you. 

Before We Get Started…

While comparing Cabinet Refinishing estimates, you may see thousands of dollars in differences. Always be aware of contractors trying to oversell you with no value, but know the price typically reflects their process and the product that they use. 

Beware, the prices below are estimates and based on a complete kitchen cabinet refinishing project. We recommend determining the average cost of refinishing your kitchen cabinets and understanding what influences the price.

Below are just some of the processes being done by contractors. These are standard processes that we have seen through our 25+ years of experience. 

Each cabinet refinishing contractor you find will likely have a different process with different products. Their process should be in writing, usually on the same document as your estimate.

If you do not see their process in writing, it is best to ask them to review the scope of work before agreeing to any estimate. Ideally, contractors are transparent with you about their process and the products that they use. If not, they might not be the best painter for your project.

Types of Cabinet Refinishing Contractors & Their Process

The Spray and Go

Typical Scenario- This type of contractor or company is the one that strives to get jobs done as fast as possible and move on to the next. They may ask to use your basement or garage to work on the surfaces rather than having their separate place designated for refinishing. 

They typically spray the surfaces quickly and are done within a few days. The work initially looks alright, but there may be a few messy spots here or there.

After 6 months on a heavily used kitchen, the damage begins to be noticeable with wear and tear around handles. This wear and tear will quickly spread across cabinet doors and drawers, eliminating the finish. 

Cost - $1,000 - $2,500

Process

1. Depending on the surface, they will sand a few areas of the cabinets
2. Spray 1 coat of primer on the cabinets
   1. Priming products include sticks, shellac
3. Spray 2 coats of cabinet/woodwork paint
   1. Products include Proclassic by Sherwin Williams or Advance or Command by Benjamin Moore
   2. Products are not KCMA or AWI-rated

The Fast Learner

Typical Scenario- This work comes from a single independent contractor, possibly new to the painting industry. Perhaps they’ve shadowed some people in the past and learned the basics, but now, on their own, they are doing what they can to make ends meet. They usually spend a few days on a cabinet refinishing project and use materials that are easy to buy and use.

Cost- $2,000 - $4,000

Process 

1. Sand the doors and drawers
2. Spray 1 coat of primer on the cabinets
3. Lightly sand the primer 
4. Spray 1-2 coats of cabinet paint (lacquers, Pittsburgh Paints, Proclassic by Sherwin Williams, or Advance or Command by Benjamin Moore)
   1. Products are not KCMA or AWI-rated

A Semi-Professional

Typical Scenario- This job comes from a company that has a few years under its belt. They have mixed reviews but have helped customers find what they want.

Cost- $3,000 - 5,000

Process

1. Remove cabinet doors and drawers
2. Clean the wood with soap and water
3. Sand the surfaces
4. Apply 1-2 coats of primer (brush or spray at home; spray doors and drawers in another location).
5. Apply 1-2 coats of cabinet paint (brush or spray at home; spray doors and drawers in another location).
   1. Products include pre-catalyst lacquer, lacquers, Kem Aqua Plus, Pittsburgh Paints, Pro-classic by Sherwin Williams, or Advance or Command by Benjamin Moore)
   2. Products are not KCMA or AWI-rated
6. Install the doors back on the cabinet boxes

The Experienced Professional

Typical Scenario- This is a well-established company with plenty of great reviews. They will take their time during each step of the process. They will provide excellent communication throughout the whole process.

You can ensure this job is done in detail and will last 15+ years.

Cost- $6,000 - $9,000

Process

1. Remove cabinet doors and drawers, transport them to a climate-controlled shop
2. Clean all the surfaces with denatured alcohol
3. Sand surfaces with the necessary grit 
4. Apply 1 coat of a resurfacer (brush at home on the boxes, spray at the shop)
5. Sand the surface
6. Apply 1-2 coats of primer (brush at home on the boxes, spray at the shop)
7. Sand the surface
8. Apply 1-2 coats of a 2K Polyurethane mixed with pigment or stain (brush at home on the boxes, spray at the shop)
   1. Products include post-catalyzed or conversion varnished products: Milesi, Renner, Kem Aqua,  General Finishes’ Enduro Poly, Conversion varnishes
   2. Products are KCMA or AWI-approved
9. Check for touch-ups and final details
10.  Carefully package up the doors and drawers to be installed back onto the boxes at the home

Which Process Are You Looking For?

There is no right or wrong answer to which cabinet refinishing process is the best. The question is, which one is the best for you?

If you’re looking for durable cabinets lasting 10-15+ years, you may consider investing in a more detailed process and high-quality products. On the opposite side, if you are looking for a quick refresh that is inexpensive, a less detailed cabinet refinishing job may just be what you need.

Next, learn about our cabinet refinishing process at Brush & Roll Painting in detail. As mentioned before, we know our process is a little different than most, but we can promise a durable finish and a 9-year warranty we stand behind.

If you’re interested in what we can provide, schedule an estimate below.