What’s the Difference Between Cabinet Painting vs Refinishing?

If you’ve started researching ways to update your kitchen cabinets, you’ve probably come across a mix of terms: painting, refinishing, refacing, and it can get confusing fast. One company says they “paint,” another says they “refinish,” and yet another wants to “re-face.” You may be wondering, aren’t they all the same thing?

It’s easy to feel unsure about which option is right for your home. After all, this isn’t just about color; it’s about how long the finish lasts, how it looks up close, and how well it stands up to the daily life of a busy kitchen.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been finishing cabinets in Omaha since 1996. Over the years, we’ve worked with every type of coating and process you can imagine, from simple latex paint to advanced industrial finishes like 2K polyurethanes. We’ve seen how big the difference can be between “painting” and “refinishing,” depending on who’s doing the work and what products they’re using.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand exactly what separates painting from refinishing, how different products affect durability, and why some companies use these terms differently. You’ll also walk away knowing which questions to ask before hiring a painter, so you can make the best decision for your kitchen.

What is “Cabinet Painting”?

When most homeowners hear cabinet painting, they picture changing the color of their existing cabinets to a solid new color, like white, navy, or a soft gray. The goal is a fresh, uniform finish that covers the original wood tone.

While this is correct, in the industry, however, the term “painting” can mean very different things depending on who’s doing the work.

Some painters use traditional wall paint or enamel from a local hardware store. These products might look fine for a while, but they’re not designed for the constant handling, cleaning, and moisture cabinets experience. The result can be chipping, soft surfaces, and fingerprints that never seem to wipe off.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we use professional coatings made specifically for wood cabinetry and furniture. Our go-to product is a 2K polyurethane, a finish originally developed for high-traffic surfaces like floors and cars. It hardens to a durable, smooth finish that resists scratches and stains much better than standard paint.

So while “cabinet painting” might sound simple, the process and materials used can make all the difference in how long it lasts and how it feels.

What is “Cabinet Refinishing”?

Refinishing is often used as a broader term. It can refer to changing or restoring the surface of your cabinets in several ways, including painting them a solid color, staining them to bring out wood grain, or applying a clear protective coat.

Essentially, painting is just one form of refinishing. At Brush & Roll Painting, we often use “refinishing” to describe our entire cabinet process, no matter the final look. The only reason we use the term “painting” more often is that homeowners tend to use it as a general term for what they want done.

Here’s how the main types of refinishing compare:

• Solid color finish (painting): A complete solid color change that covers the wood grain. Great for homeowners who want a modern, uniform look.
• Staining: Adds color while keeping the natural wood pattern visible. It enhances the beauty of the wood and can make old cabinets look brand new.
• Toning: Adds a slight tint over the existing stain or clear finish to adjust the color without stripping everything down.
• Clear coating or basic refinish: Protects the existing finish while refreshing the appearance. Often used when the current color still looks good but needs more durability or sheen.

So while “painting” may sound like a separate process, it actually falls under the refinishing umbrella.

Why the Cabinet Terms Are So Confusing

A big reason homeowners get mixed messages is that every company defines these terms differently.

Some companies use refinishing to highlight the importance of the process. Others use the term painting because they associate it with cabinet paint. And then there’s refacing, which is a completely different service involving replacing cabinet doors and applying new veneers.

In Omaha, we often hear homeowners say, “I just want my cabinets painted white.” But when we talk through their goals, what they’re actually describing is a full refinishing process with professional coatings, not a quick coat of wall or cabinet paint.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we use the word “painting” mainly because it’s the common term homeowners associate the project with, which is totally valid, but our process is truly refinishing. It includes thorough prep work, spraying in a controlled environment, and using a multi-layer 2K polyurethane system that outperforms any standard paint.

The Role of Prep Work in Cabinet Refinishing

No matter what you call it, the prep work is what separates professional results from quick fixes. Cabinets need more than just a wipe-down before coating. Oils, residues, and the natural slickness of factory finishes make it difficult for paint to stick without the right prep.

Our process includes:

1. Removing doors and drawers and taking them to our climate-controlled shop.
2. Cleaning and degreasing the surfaces to remove oils and residue.
3. Light sand on all surfaces (box frames and both sides of the doors and drawers).
4. 1 coat of isolate resurfacer.
5. 1-2 coats of primer are sprayed. There is a light sand on all surfaces between each layer.
6. 1-2 coats of Milesi, a 2K polyurethane mixed with a solid color pigment, stain, or tone, are sprayed.
   1. A glaze can be brushed on after the solid color pigment
   2. Oak wood is back-brushed.

Many painters skip or rush these steps, using one-coat products or skipping sanding altogether. That’s why homeowners often notice peeling, chipping, or sticky surfaces within months.

Comparing 2K Polyurethane to Regular Cabinet Paint

To really understand the difference, let’s break down how 2K poly stacks up against typical cabinet paint:

This is why, even though we say “cabinet painting,” the materials we use have little in common with regular paint. It’s more accurate to say we’re giving your cabinets a new finish entirely.

When to Choose Refinishing Over Refacing or Replacement

If your cabinets are solid and in good shape, refinishing is almost always the smarter choice. You can save thousands compared to replacement and still achieve a completely new look.

Refacing, by contrast, involves removing all the doors and drawer fronts and covering the existing boxes with a new veneer. It can cost nearly as much as replacing everything, without necessarily improving function or layout.

Refinishing allows you to:

• Keep the quality of solid wood construction you already have.
• Update the color or style at a fraction of the price.
• Choose between stain, tone, or solid color finishes.
• Enjoy a durable surface that lasts years longer than standard paint.

That’s why for many Omaha homeowners, cabinet “refinishing” provides the best mix of quality, affordability, and longevity.

Common Questions Homeowners Ask About Cabinet Painting/Refinishing

1. How long does cabinet painting/refinishing take?
   Typically, 2–3 weeks from start to finish. Most of that time is spent in our shop spraying doors and drawer fronts, so your kitchen stays functional.
2. Can you paint over old cabinet finishes?
   Yes, but only with the right prep and bonding products. Skipping these steps can lead to peeling.
3. What do painted/refinished cabinets feel like?
   When sprayed with 2K poly, yes. The finish levels out beautifully and feels more like a manufactured finish than a brushed-on one.
4. Can I choose any color for cabinet painting/refinishing?
   Absolutely. We can color-match to any shade, giving you endless options.

Cabinet Painting and Refinishing in Omaha, Nebraska

At Brush & Roll Painting, we use the term “cabinet painting” only because it’s familiar, but what we actually do is far more durable and detailed than traditional paint jobs. Our goal is to give homeowners in Omaha a finish that not only looks beautiful but truly stands up to daily use.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been helping Omaha homeowners refresh their cabinets since 1996 using a process designed to last. Whether you call it painting or refinishing, you deserve a finish that feels smooth, wipes clean easily, and keeps its color for years.

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