When your kitchen cabinets start looking tired, you face a significant decision: should you refinish them or replace them entirely? As Spokane’s kitchen refinishing specialists, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners navigate this choice. Here’s what you need to know.
The Case for Refinishing
Cabinet refinishing involves applying new paint or stain to your existing cabinets. When done professionally with spray equipment, the results can be stunning—often indistinguishable from brand-new cabinets.
Advantages of Refinishing:
- Cost savings of 50-70% compared to full replacement
- Completion in days, not weeks — minimal disruption to your life
- Environmentally friendly — keeps materials out of landfills
- Preserves quality construction — older cabinets are often better built
When Refinishing Makes Sense:
- Your cabinet boxes are structurally sound
- You’re happy with the current layout
- The cabinet style is timeless (Shaker, traditional, etc.)
- You want to update the color or finish
When Replacement Is Better
Sometimes refinishing isn’t the right answer. Consider replacement if:
- Cabinets are warped, water-damaged, or falling apart
- You want to change the kitchen layout significantly
- The cabinet style is extremely dated (think 1980s oak)
- You’re doing a complete kitchen gut renovation
The Professional Difference
The key to a successful refinish is professional-grade spray equipment. Brushes and rollers simply cannot achieve the smooth, durable finish that spray application provides. Our HVLP spray systems deliver a factory-quality finish at a fraction of replacement cost.
The materials matter just as much as the technique. We use Italian Renner coatings — a multi-layer system designed for furniture production, not adapted from wall paint. It’s a significant part of why our finishes hold up for a decade or more.
Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?
Contact Obsidian Finishing for a free consultation. We’ll assess your cabinets and give you an honest recommendation—refinish or replace—based on what’s truly best for your home.