How to Choose the Right Contractor for Cabinet Refinishing: A Complete Guide

You’re standing in your kitchen, and it’s obvious—your cabinets are practically crying out for a makeover. Replacing them? That’s a time-consuming, budget-busting endeavor. But cabinet refinishing? That’s the sweet spot. With a fresh coat of paint, a quality finish, and your kitchen is transformed.

Just one catch—not all contractors are cabinet refinishing experts. A rushed or sloppy job will leave you with brush strokes, peeling paint, and regret. The last thing you want is a botched project staring you in the face every morning while you’re making coffee.

So how do you find a refinishing pro who gets it right the first time? Let’s break down how to choose the best contractor for the job—so your cabinets become a Pinterest dream, not a DIY nightmare.

Ask about Prep Work (It Matters More than You Think)

A flawless finish starts long before the first coat of paint.

If a contractor casually says they’ll “just sand and paint,” that’s a red flag. Quality refinishing demands a step-by-step prep process, including:

• Degreasing and deep cleaning
• Surface sanding to remove old finishes
• Applying primer (especially for paint)
• Using professional-grade finishes made for cabinetry

Pro Tip from Kitchens Redefined: Prep is where true craftsmanship shows. We don’t cut corners because proper prep means longer-lasting, smoother finishes.

Do Your Due Diligence to Find The Best Cabinet Refinishing Contractor For The Job

Any contractor can say they’re the best—make them prove it.

• Check Before & After Photos – Don’t just glance. Zoom in. Are the finishes smooth? Are there visible brush marks?
• Look for Real Client Testimonials – Were they satisfied with the result? Did the contractors show up on time, clean up after themselves, and communicate well?
• Ask About Projects Like Yours – Have they worked with cabinets similar to yours in size, age, or material?

At Kitchens Redefined, we’ve transformed hundreds of kitchens in the Omaha area. Our gallery of refinished cabinets speaks for itself—and we’re always happy to provide references.

Do They Offer High-Quality Materials?

Not all finishes and paints are the same, so the contractor’s choice of paint quality is vital. If a painting contractor uses the same paint that they would put on your walls, that’s a recipe for disaster.

Cabinet finishes and topcoats are made to resist moisture, heat, and everyday use. A quality professional cabinet refinishing service will tell you what products they use. If they can’t explain why they’re using them, they’re cutting corners.

Do they Spray or Brush?

The application technique is critical to the final result. Spraying typically provides a factory-quality finish—smooth and flawless.

Some contractors spray cabinet doors off-site but brush the frames on-site. Others may attempt to spray everything in your home, risking overspray and inconsistent results.

Ask for a breakdown of their process. At Kitchens Redefined, we use a hybrid approach—removing doors and drawers for off-site refinishing and using professional spray techniques in a sealed, ventilated space for a perfect finish.

Timing and Disruptions—What to Expect

Refinishing cabinets is time-consuming, and anyone who claims to do it overnight is not doing it right. Drying time is crucial, and rushing it leads to sticky and uneven finishes. An excellent refinishing job might take a few weeks or more, depending on how complex it is.

Will you need to use your kitchen while someone refinishes it? Discuss logistics beforehand so you’re not microwaving meals in your garage for weeks on end.

Good work is not inexpensive, and inexpensive work is not good. Everyone wants a good deal, but if a contractor’s bid is significantly lower than others, there’s a problem. Quality refinish work is time-consuming and requires expertise and quality materials.

That doesn’t mean you’re paying too much, though. The lowest bid doesn’t always mean you’re getting the worst workmanship. Compare estimates, but don’t make your decision on price. Hiring a professional with experience and reputation is more significant.

Be Wary of Bids That Are “Too Good to Be True”

Cabinet refinishing is a skilled craft. If one estimate comes in way lower than the others, that’s a warning sign.

• Are they using cheaper, lower-quality materials?
• Do they have the tools and experience?
• Are they skipping prep steps?

💡 You’re investing in long-term value—not just a quick coat of paint.

At Kitchens Redefined, we offer fair, competitive pricing based on your project’s scope, the quality of materials, and the level of craftsmanship required.

The Warranty Issue

The contractor who believes in the quality of their work will offer a warranty when painting your kitchen cabinets. They won’t hesitate to provide at least a year’s warranty if they’re sure of their materials and techniques. This should give you peace of mind.

If they can’t or won’t make a general statement, that’s a bad sign. People use cabinets every day, so their construction should withstand real-world use conditions.

Final Thought: Trust Your Instinct for The Best Cabinet Refinishing Contractor

Besides technical specifications, listen to how a contractor talks.

• Are they responsive?
• Do they clarify your questions with proper answers?
• Do they get excited about what they do, or are they just chasing the payday?

Refinishing is a craft, and excellent contractors are proud of their work. If you get a bad feeling about it, keep looking. The right contractor is out there, and when you do find them, your kitchen will thank you.

Kitchens Redefined

At Kitchens Redefined, our mission is to provide you with a hassle-free experience, from the initial consultation through the finished project. We specialize in kitchen cabinet painting/refinishing, cabinet refacing/redooring, countertops, backsplash, cabinet hardware, and cabinet storage solutions. Our experienced staff work tirelessly to make sure your project receives the attention it deserves, and the quality craftsmanship required to meet and exceed your expectations.

Fill out our form to schedule a free in-home consultation for a kitchen cabinet makeover, or call us at (402) 505-3381 to schedule a consultation.