Affordable Kitchen Upgrades: Refacing vs. Painting Cabinets

A kitchen is often considered to be the most important and busiest area of our home. It should look great every time you enter in. Unfortunately, it starts looking outdated, less functional, and cluttered over time.
You don’t need to break the bank to modernize your kitchen. Smart planning, affordable solutions, and creative is what you need to achieve a stunning makeover of your kitchen.
Cabinet Refacing and Cabinet Painting are two among the most affordable solutions for kitchen makeover. Each has its benefits and drawbacks.
This post involves a detailed information about refacing vs painting cabinets. It will help you make the right decision for your space.
Which One Works for Your Kitchen Look?
Sometimes, a kitchen requires a bit of a simple refresh. If the layout is functional and your cabinet boxes are solid, replacing them is not required. You can simply opt for cabinet refacing or painting.
Do I need to paint or reface cabinets? The answer depends on your budget, cabinet, and the style you desire. The decision between painting cabinets and refacing can be challenging, particularly when you don’t know the way they work.
What Is Cabinet Refacing?
Cabinet refacing is about replacing the exterior layer of cabinet doors and drawer fronts. It doesn’t affect the interior or the design. The only thing that changes is the surface and it gives the appearance of new cabinets.
Kitchen cabinet refacing in Mississauga professionals typically take old doors off, cover the cabinets with veneer, and install doors that are in line with the existing ones. They also replace hinges and handles if required. It is clean and the kitchen remains functional most of the time.
As a result, your kitchen looks entirely different without tearing anything down. When your cabinetry is structurally in a good condition and you want to reface them, cabinet refacing Mississauga is a great choice.
What Is Cabinet Painting?
Cabinet painting is the process of applying a new coat of paint to the doors and frames of your cabinets. It is usually faster and affordable than replacing the cabinet. But it is also contingent on the grade of your current wood or the material you are using.
In comparing the benefits of painting vs refacing cabinets, painting is the best when your doors are smooth and not damaged. A coat of paint gives them a clean appearance and new finish.
Painting is an excellent option if you are looking for an update in colour, but not a complete transformation.
Which One Lasts Longer in a Busy Kitchen?
Kitchens can endure a lot. From cooking to cleaning and the daily hum of traffic, the cabinets will go through quite a bit. When comparing between painting vs refacing cabinets it is a good idea to consider how each one will stand the test of time.
- Cabinet refacing covers the frame of your cabinet with a tough material such as wood veneer or laminate. They are made to resist scratches, chips and wear more effectively than paint. If you have pets, kids, or if your kitchen stays busy all day long, kitchen cabinet refacing in Mississauga is likely to be a durable option. You don’t need to touch it frequently. This means less stress and more durability.
- Cabinet painting makes the space look stunning if done properly. But they require more attention. In areas with high contact, such as corners or near sink, it is possible that the paints could damage faster. If the area is not prepared or sealed correctly, the surface could be more prone to chipping or fade faster.
Painting and refacing are better suited for areas with less traffic. Also, if your kitchen is prone to many activities, cabinet refacing in Mississauga could be the best choice. But painting is a good for quick cleaning.
Design Flexibility: Do You Want a Whole New Look or Just a Colour Change?
Kitchen renovation is not tough if you make mindful decision. If you are not happy with the look of your cabinets, it is good to know what refacing and painting has to offer.
- With cabinet refacing, you are not just changing the colour, you are receiving a completely new look. Flat panel, shaker doors, woodgrain look – you can switch things up. Kitchen cabinet refacing in Mississauga is a good choice. Swapping out those drawer and door fronts can totally transform the space, making it look sleek, tidy, and stylish. Plus, you pick new textures, finishes, or even cool hardware to make it feel like a brand-new kitchen. It’s like a mini makeover without the huge hassle!
- With cabinet painting you only change the color. If the doors of your cabinet are in good shape and still working for you, painting them is sufficient. On the contrary, if you are bored of the raised panels or have outdated design, painting alone can’t solve that. When it comes to the cabinet refacing vs painting, paint is the best option for a basic refresh and not the complete change.
Time and Mess: How Fast Can This Really Get Done?
Timing is important if you are in your house during the renovation process. Indeed, you will not want your kitchen remains massy for months. So, let’s look at the duration each option may take.
- The process of cabinet refacing is quicker and cleaner. New doors and veneers go up fast with little dust or noise. There is not strong smell. You can usually keep using your kitchen during the ongoing refacing process. The kitchen refacing projects can be completed within a couple of days with no disruption.
- The process of cabinet painting takes more time. The process involves cleaning, sanding, priming, painting, and sealing. The drying time between coats is also an addition. You are likely to experience dust and fumes into your kitchen and won’t be able to use kitchen for a few days. When comparing refacing vs painting cabinets, painting takes more patience and preparation.
Eco-Friendliness: What’s Better for the Planet?
If you’re looking to live a more sustainable lifestyle in your home, both options are better than full replacements. You’re keeping the cabinet structure, which means less waste.
- When you reface cabinets, you can introduce new materials, such as doors, veneer, and even hardware. But you are not throwing out all of it, and a lot of companies are now offering eco-friendly products designed to last. Refacing kitchen cabinets Mississauga is a great way to strike a combination of updating and reuse. Refacing helps reduce waste from landfills and extends the durability of furniture you already have.
- When you paint cabinets, you use fewer materials. You redesign them with a fresh coat of paint. But it is important to understand that the paint you use might emit high VOCs. These are organic chemical compounds that can harm air quality. The use of low VOC water-based paints makes painting a safer alternative to refacing. If you are looking for an easy and low-impact upgrade, painting is typically more sustainable. Make sure that the preparation and materials are properly applied.
When to Choose Painting or Refacing
Here’s a quick guide:
Choose painting if:
- You like your cabinet style
- The surface is smooth and clean
- You want a colour change only
Choose refacing if:
- You want a new door style
- The surfaces are damaged
- You want a longer-lasting update
The decision among painting or refacing cabinets typically is based on your current situation and the final look you’d like to achieve.
Final Thought
If you’re looking for affordable kitchen renovations, painting and refacing can provide excellent value. It is not necessary to remove your kitchen to freshen it up.
If your cabinets are solid and your layout is functional, consider whether you intend to alter the color or the whole design. This one question will determine whether you should paint or reface cabinets.
There’s no universal solution. Certain homes appear better when they have a new coat of paint. Other homes shine when you complete a renovation of the cabinet. Have a look around your kitchen, what you want to achieve, and how you will use the space.
When you decide to paint or reface cabinets, make sure the design is appropriate for your needs. Contact Apolo Painting for the most reliable solutions. A smart renovation doesn’t just make a difference in the appearance but the feeling of your home as well.