Best Way to Refinish Cabinets for a Polished Look

Do you want to upgrade your kitchen? You can breathe new life into your space by refinishing your cabinets. Applying a high-gloss finish can elevate your kitchen and make it appear new again.

Explore the different methods and the best way to refinish cabinets for a polished look.

The Allure and Challenges of High-Gloss

A high-gloss finish naturally reflects light, making your space feel larger and more open. The smooth finish adds a sleek and sophisticated appeal to any modern kitchen.

In addition to their stunning look, high-gloss finish kitchen cabinets are easy to clean — all you need to do is wipe the surface with a moist cloth. The finish is highly durable and resistant to moisture, providing long-lasting performance.

The only challenge with high gloss is achieving a flawless, professional-grade finish. The process requires meticulous surface preparation and impeccable paint application skills.

Method 1: DIY Refinishing

The first and lowest-cost method for refinishing your cabinets with gloss paint is to do it yourself. DIY refinishing involves several steps, including:

Remove cabinet doors from their hinges and take off any fixtures, such as handles or knobs.
Thoroughly clean the cabinets to remove dirt and grime, then leave them to dry.
Sand the surfaces to remove the existing sheen and scuff them for better adhesion of the new finish.
Apply primer to create an effective bonding surface for the gloss paint.
Apply multiple thin coats of the gloss paint and allow each to dry completely before applying the next.

Drawbacks of DIY Refinishing

While this method offers initial cost savings compared to professional refinishing, it has significant drawbacks.

The project is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Achieving a flawless high-gloss finish requires specialized tools and the knowledge to use them effectively.

If you’re inexperienced, you risk potential imperfections, such as visible brush strokes, an uneven finish or dust particles getting trapped in the paint.

Additionally, DIY finishes often lack the durability of professional applications. Your new gloss finish kitchen cabinets might experience wear and tear quickly.

Method 2: Factory-Finished Cabinets

For the second method, you’ll need to replace your existing cabinets completely. This involves purchasing new cabinets that already have the desired finish applied by the manufacturer.

Brand-new cabinets offer a consistent, smooth and durable finish that is difficult to achieve with the DIY method.

Drawbacks Of Factory-Finished Cabinets

The most significant drawback of this method is the high cost. Replacing cabinets is a major expense compared to refinishing.

You may also have trouble finding the exact finish you’re looking for since customization options are often limited to the manufacturer’s offerings. The high-gloss paint on the cabinets may not perfectly match your existing décor.

Another disadvantage to consider is the lead times for ordering and installation, which can delay your project. The installation itself can also be disruptive to your home life.

Method 3: Professional Refinishing

The third method you could choose is hiring professionals from Shoreline High Gloss to refinish your cabinets. Leaving the project to our high-gloss painting experts comes with various benefits, including:

Expert preparation: We prepare your cabinet surfaces through meticulous cleaning, sanding and priming. Proper preparation is crucial for a lasting finish.
Professional application: Our experts use specialized spraying techniques to achieve a flawless and even high-gloss finish on your cabinets.
High-quality materials: We use premium-quality, durable paints and coatings with excellent wear and tear resistance.
Customizations: When we refinish your kitchen cabinetry, we offer a wide range of colors and sheens to ensure the best fit for your space.
Long-lasting results: With our professional refinishing services, you can expect durable results with a showroom-quality finish that lasts.
Cost-effective solution: Professional refinishing with our paint experts is often more cost-effective than replacing cabinets entirely.

The Shoreline High Gloss Painting Process

At Shoreline High Gloss, we’ve developed a high-gloss painting process that ensures an impeccable outcome. We begin by protecting your home and valuables, from taping windows to papering floors. Our professionals prepare your cabinet surfaces expertly, eliminating even the smallest imperfections. We prime all surfaces before painting.

As a Fine Paints of Europe Master Certified Painter, our expertise in high-gloss finishing and painting allows us to provide a final result that meets the highest standards. Once we’re done, we deep clean your space so you can start enjoying your revamped kitchen.

Which Method Is Right for You?

Choosing the right option will come down to several considerations. These include your budget, skill level, desired quality, as well as the time and effort you’re willing to commit to the project.

Professional refinishing from Shoreline High Gloss is the best way to refinish cabinets for a polished look.

What Is the Best Way to Refinish Cabinets for a Polished Look?