Here Is Why Cabinet Refinishing Is Best Left To Professionals

Derek Obringer • April 26, 2023

Refinishing your cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen or bathroom an updated, high-end look without the expense of replacing them. Rather than attempting a DIY project or trusting the work to an inexperienced painter, it's best to hire a professional with proven experience in cabinet painting. With the right expertise, you can be sure that your refinished cabinets will look great, and maintain their appearance longer.

Hire a Professional Cabinet Refinisher For Color and Design Help

Choosing a color of paint for your cabinets can be frustrating. You may have an idea of what color you want, or whether you want a high gloss, eggshell, or semi-gloss paint. A professional will know without a doubt which finish is best for your cabinets and will recommend a finish that is less likely to chip or collect grime and dirt.

If you are unsure of the color or design you would like for your cabinets, a company that paints cabinets professionally has been in and out of houses all around Pittsburgh, and knows what other homeowners are doing with their kitchens, and what colors go together well. Some colors of paint on the walls or cabinets can reduce the perceived size of the room. Other finishes put on cabinets will not repel dirt as well as others, and since your cabinets are used many times in a day dirt can build up fast.

Hire A Professional Cabinet Refinisher For Proper Surface Preparation

Proper surface preparation is essential in order to achieve a professional-level finish when painting cabinets. A trusted professional cabinet refinisher will be able to properly prepare the surfaces of your cabinets, including cleaning and sanding them, in order to ensure that the new paint adheres properly and the finish is even and smooth. If you are thinking about a DIY job, and do not have experience preparing the surface of your cabinets for a new coat of paint, you are likely doing this in your time off work, and will want it done quickly, and may take shortcuts. This is the most important step in the cabinet refinishing process, and should not be skipped or taken lightly if you want to decrease the likelihood that the paint peels, or scrapes off.

Proper preparation for cabinet refinishing also includes removing doors and drawer fronts to keep your appliances and other areas that do not require paint clean and that every hard-to-reach surface gets prepped and painted correctly.

Professional Cabinet Refinishers Already Have The Right Tools and Skills

Professional cabinet refinishers have the right tools and skills to ensure that the cabinets look great and last for years. They employ experienced painters who know how to use the tools they bring to do each specific job. Why spend money on painting equipment that you will only use once, and have no experience using? You can spend more money on tools and supplies while you are learning to paint your cabinets and end up with results you are not happy with. If you are not concerned with results and want a new experience, don't let us discourage you!

Hire A Pittsburgh Cabinet Refinisher For A Faster, Quality Job

Hiring a professional cabinet refinisher in Pittsburgh is the best way to get a high-quality, faster finish to your cabinets. A professional can walk into your kitchen and tell you how long it will take and how much it will cost for them to deliver outstanding results. If you choose to do it yourself, unexpected obstacles along the way can increase the cost, as well as the time needed to complete your cabinet refinishing project. This is not to say that professional refinishers don't encounter the unexpected. With the experience of painting hundreds of cabinets in houses around the Pittsburgh area, over time, there are fewer surprises, and our experts start each job looking for what could go wrong so we can have everything laid out before actually starting the cabinet refinishing process.

Professional Cabinet Refinishers Have A Process

Professional cabinet refinishers have a tried-and-true process to ensure that the cabinet painting job is done correctly and with long-lasting results for every homeowner. As with any project, whether it is a vehicle, a kitchen, landscaping, a deck, or a new roof, there is a particular order that works the best, a specific tool that helps you avoid a particular problem, and supplies that are proven to deliver an exquisite result.

Experience tells a professional cabinet refinisher which task needs to be first, which step in refinishing needs the most time, and what materials to use. Repeating a tried and true process that has been improved over time is what sets a refinishing professional apart from a DIY job or the work of a handyman.

Experienced Cabinet Refinishers Know When Cabinets Should Not Be Refinished

Some cabinets are made from materials or have surfaces that are not going to be receptive to paint, no matter what you do to them. This is often the case with cheaper cabinets that have a vinyl sticker on them or a low-cost veneer. if you sand some cheap cabinets during preparation, they have many disadvantages as compared to solid wood, and other refinishing methods are advisable.

It may be that there is water damage to your cabinets, or there are other structural problems. If your cabinets do not have that much life left in them, it may not be worth the money to simply just change their appearance. Cabinet refinishers can repair your cabinets, but a true expert with your best interests in mind will recommend new cabinets if repairs and repainting costs are getting too close to the cost of new cabinets.

If the contractor you are talking to cannot offer a trained professional to repair your cabinets during the refinishing process, you may be thinking about getting a second company involved, and this adds up quickly. Find a true expert that can take care of the entire project.

Cabinet Refinishing Professionals Often Provide Warranties

Cabinet refinishers who have been working for years, are accustomed to the work and have confidence in their work. A confident cabinet refinisher knows that his work will stand up to the test of time, and will likely offer a limited warranty to offer even further value to every job. This protects the consumer and the refinisher.

Before You Hire a Cabinet Refinishing Professional, Ask The Right Questions

As you consult with cabinet refinishers for a quote, make sure to ask them the right questions.

What Is Your Track Record With Painting Cabinets? - If you found someone who paints home interiors, but does not have cabinet refinishing on their website, vehicle branding, or business cards, it is likely not a service they are pursuing. If they are not advertising that service, that means they are not making enough money on it due to lack of a process, it takes too long because they don't have the right process, or they don't have as much experience, which means there is no proven process. A cabinet refinishing company with a proven process will be confident in their work, and be happy to advertise their capabilities to get the work. If it is just a job they do a couple of times a year when interior and exterior walls, trim and woodwork is slow, they may not be the correct choice.

What Paint and Other Products Do You Use? - A professional cabinet refinisher will not cut costs by using cheap paint. They will know that cheap products do not produce lasting results, and will not recommend lower quality to their clients since their name is attached to their work.

Are You Licensed and Insured? - Your home is important to you, and so is your investment in cabinet refinishing. It is important to know whether the company that is working on your house is fully licensed and insured. Even if this is not required by your state, knowing that they went the extra step to solidify their expertise in their field goes a long way. You want to know that in the unlikely event that something happens during the project, this company is able to take care of any damages or collateral issues that come up that are their fault, so you are not liable for their mistakes.

Can We Stay In Contact During The Project? - One of the most frustrating things for customers during a painting or remodeling project is not being able to get ahold of the people that are working in their homes. If you have questions or an issue during or after the refinishing project, you will want to be assured that you can get ahold of your cabinet refinishing professional to address your concerns.

Consider Obringer's For Superior Cabinet Refinishing Services

Obringer's is fully licensed and insured and has experience with full remodeling projects, as well as interior and exterior painting. If your cabinets need repair before painting, our cabinet experts can handle the job. Obringer's prides itself in quality, competitive cost, speed, and outstanding customer service. We are with you the whole step of the way. We apply a lean business model to every project we work on to ensure that resources, including time, materials, and our reputation, are not wasted. Call Obringer's Painting and Remodeling today for cabinet refinishing in Pittsburgh!

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Author: Derek Obringer

Owner & Founder of Obringer's Painting and Remodeling, Derek Obringer brings attention to detail, together with experience, and superior customer service into each and every home that his company does work.

Painting And Remodeling Blog

General Contractors vs. Kitchen Remodeling Contractors: Which One Do You Need?

By Derek Obringer • March 27, 2025

General Contractors vs. Kitchen Remodelers: Key Differences When planning your kitchen renovation, choosing the right professional is crucial. Should you hire a general contractor or a kitchen remodeling contractor ? While both handle renovations, their expertise and scope of work differ significantly. General Contractors General contractors oversee large-scale remodeling projects, such as whole-home renovations or additions. They handle structural changes, electrical and plumbing work, and permit approvals. Because they manage multiple subcontractors and coordinate various trades, hiring a general contractor is typically more expensive. They are best suited for projects that go beyond just the kitchen. Kitchen Remodeling Contractors Kitchen remodelers specialize in kitchen-specific renovations, focusing on layout, design, and materials. They often work directly on the kitchen, rather than overseeing multiple subcontractors. Because their expertise is limited to one area of the home, they provide more cost-effective solutions for homeowners looking to upgrade their kitchens without altering other spaces. Which One Do You Need? If your project involves multiple rooms or structural changes, a general contractor is the best choice. However, if your renovation is kitchen-focused and you want a more budget-friendly approach, a kitchen remodeling contractor is the way to go. Understanding these differences can help you make the right decision for your home renovation needs. Key Differences: General Contractors vs. Kitchen Remodelers When planning a home renovation, it's essential to understand the key differences between general contractors and kitchen remodelers to ensure you hire the right professional for the job. While both play crucial roles in home improvement, their scope of work, expertise, cost, and project management styles vary significantly. 1. Scope of Work The primary difference between a general contractor and a kitchen remodeler is the scope of work they handle: General Contractors: General contractors oversee broad renovation projects that may involve multiple rooms, entire home remodels, or structural changes. Their responsibilities often include: Managing large-scale renovations, including home expansions and floor plan modifications. Overseeing structural changes such as removing walls or adding new rooms. Coordinating various subcontractors, such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, to complete the project efficiently. Kitchen Remodelers: Kitchen remodelers, on the other hand, specialize exclusively in kitchen renovations. Their work is focused on: Optimizing kitchen layout design for better functionality and efficiency. Installing cabinetry, countertops, backsplashes, and appliances. Choosing the best materials, finishes, and storage solutions for an aesthetically pleasing and practical kitchen. If your project involves multiple rooms or structural modifications, a general contractor is necessary. However, if your focus is solely on updating or redesigning the kitchen, a kitchen remodeler is the better choice. 2. Expertise & Specialization The level of expertise required for a renovation depends on the type and complexity of the project. General Contractors: These professionals have broad knowledge across multiple trades, including: Structural modifications (e.g., knocking down walls or adding load-bearing beams). Electrical and plumbing work to support home expansions. Permitting and building code compliance for large-scale projects. Kitchen Remodelers: In contrast, kitchen remodelers focus specifically on kitchen design, materials, and functionality, which includes: Understanding the latest kitchen trends and space-saving solutions. Customizing cabinets, countertops, and islands for improved workflow. Ensuring optimal appliance placement to enhance efficiency. If your renovation requires significant structural changes, a general contractor is the right choice. However, if you want a kitchen tailored to your lifestyle and design preferences, a kitchen remodeler's specialized knowledge is more beneficial. 3. Cost Considerations Cost is a major factor when choosing between a general contractor and a kitchen remodeler. General Contractor: In most cases, they will charge a percentage of the total project cost, often ranging between 10% and 25%. Their services are more expensive due to the larger scale of work and involvement of multiple trades. Costs may include permits, labor for structural changes, and extensive material selections. Kitchen Remodeling Company: Offer a more budget-friendly option for homeowners focusing solely on the kitchen. Since they specialize in one area, their labor and material costs are often more predictable and controlled. Homeowners can choose from different levels of renovation, from minor upgrades to high-end, custom kitchen designs. If you're planning a whole-home remodel or structural work, a general contractor's higher costs are justified. However, if you need a cost-effective kitchen transformation, a kitchen remodeler is the smarter financial choice. 4. Project & Subcontractor Management Managing a renovation project requires careful coordination, and the approach differs between general contractors and kitchen remodelers. General Contractor: Act as project manager, hiring and overseeing subcontractors for various tasks such as flooring, plumbing, and HVAC installation. Ensure all trades work in sync to meet project deadlines. Handle any unexpected construction challenges, such as hidden electrical issues or outdated plumbing. Kitchen Remodeling Company: Typically, they work with a smaller, more specialized team of designers and craftsmen. Provide a hands-on approach by focusing on specific kitchen elements, ensuring quality control throughout the project. May still work with subcontractors (e.g., electricians or plumbers) but on a much smaller scale than general contractors. If your renovation involves multiple professionals across different areas, a general contractor is necessary. However, if you prefer a more direct and focused approach for your kitchen, a kitchen remodeler provides the expertise needed. Both general contractors and kitchen remodelers bring valuable skills to the table, but their expertise is suited for different types of projects.