Cabinet Refinishing or painting, is one of the most cost-effective ways to give your kitchen a fresh, updated look without the stress or expense of a full remodel.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we offer a few different finishing options that are tailored to how your cabinets currently look and how dramatic of a change you’re after. Whether your cabinets have been painted before or you're working with stained wood, there’s a finish that can bring them back to life—or give them a completely new look.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the five professional-grade cabinet finishes we offer, explain the processes behind each one, and give you a sense of what to expect in terms of durability, cost, and appearance. After reading this article, you will have the confidence to choose the best finish for your cabinet refinishing project.
Types of Cabinet Finishes
Protective Finish
The most affordable option for refinishing cabinets is applying a strong, clear protective finish over the top of your current finish or natural wood. This finish is for people who like the look of their current cabinets currently but want an extra layer to help eliminate further damage to the finish.
Painting Cabinets (Solid Color)
When you want a brand-new look, the Solid Color Finish is one of our most popular options. While many people call this “cabinet painting,” it’s much more than just applying a coat of paint.
At Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, NE, we don’t use standard hardware store cabinet paint. We use a 2K pigmented poly, which is an advanced finish specifically formulated for cabinets and furniture. This product hardens into a surface that’s similar to a hockey puck in toughness—no joke.
Here’s the process we use when applying products:
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Step 1: Apply a resurfacer to give us a smooth, clean base.
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Step 2: Apply two coats of primer to block out any previous stain or discoloration.
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Step 3: Apply two to three top coats of our 2K poly finish in your chosen color.
All together, it’s a 5–6 layer system, and the result is a professional-grade, satin-smooth cabinet surface that looks and feels brand new. We sand in between each layer to ensure the next coat adheres to the surface before it.
It’s far more durable than standard cabinet paint and is a favorite for full-color transformations.
Staining & Toning Cabinets
If you like the natural wood grain of your cabinets, but want to deepen the color, our stain finish allows you to go a few shades darker without covering up the wood.
Another option is toning. Toning is similar to staining, but with darker dyes. Toned cabinets are great for those who want their cabinets to be darker and have a more modern look. The darker the color, the less grain will show through as it closes the gap from the blonde wood to the dark grain.
We can go slightly darker than the current shade of the wood or significantly darker depending on your preference. The final effect still lets the natural wood show through, but with a richer, more elegant color.
It’s typically a 7-8 layer process and costs more than our solid color finish due to the layering and detail involved.
Glazing Cabinets
If you're looking for cabinets with texture, character, and dimension, our Glazed Finish is the most custom, hands-on option we offer.
There are two options for glazing cabinets. You can choose one or both together, like in the image above:
- Starts with either a solid color or a stained base. We then brush on a glaze, usually a stained tone, into the surface that goes along the pattern of the wood.
- Starts with either a solid color or a stained base. The glaze is applied into grooves and corners, creating shadows and contrast that add richness and texture.
This is our most labor-intensive and highest-priced finish, with 7 or more layers depending on the style. Because it involves a lot of detailed handwork, it delivers a one-of-a-kind look that really sets your cabinets apart. Many homeowners love this option for rustic, traditional, or high-end kitchen designs.
Best Product for Cabinet Refinishing
None of these finishes would be durable or worth the money without a strong product, like a 2K poly. High-quality products will make the cabinets easy to clean and withstand scratches and nicks.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we use and stand by Milesi. Milesi is a clear or pigmented poly that uses a two-component (2K) water-based technology.
Milesi is chemical, moisture, and abrasion resistant. Milesi leaves a fine and durable finish.
We have spent years of trial and error searching for a product that can withstand wear and tear while still looking great for any finish. We have found that any other type of cabinet or woodwork paint is not durable and breaks down easily.
There are many products on the market for protective coatings for cabinets. Many clear finishes found at hardware stores also get soft after a while, which makes the finish peel and chip off within a few months of applying.
Cabinet Painting in Omaha, NE
When made to be durable, any of these finishes add tremendous value to your kitchen or bathroom. Cabinets are one of the first things people notice when they look in a kitchen.
Something to keep in mind when thinking about refinishing your cabinets is hardware. What do you want your handles, hinges, and knobs to look like? If you're remodeling your kitchen, what finish do you like best with your countertops or backsplash?
It’s essential to think about how you envision the final product and what you think would be best for your space. These decisions can be overwhelming. With Brush & Roll Painting, we offer an hour of free color consultations to ease the decision-making process of your cabinet project. Get started with your cabinet transformation by hitting the button below.
Next, explore our cabinet painting pricing calculator. This will provide you with a general estimate tailored to your specific needs and preferences. By inputting key details about your project, such as the size of your kitchen and the type of finish you are leaning towards, you can gain a clearer understanding of the potential costs involved. Click the button below to access the calculator and take the first step towards transforming your cabinets!
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