The Cost Behind Refinishing

So, you’re getting multiple quotes to get your cabinets painted but are finding a wide range of prices. We’ll explain the costs behind refinishing and break down how we create an estimate.

Our approach to creating an estimate is very itemized, we add every item in your kitchen to create a detailed breakdown of costs. Below are examples of items you’ll be charged for and the labor that goes behind each one.

Cabinet Boxes: We charge per box unit for the labor of hand rolling or spraying your cabinet carcass. Other refinishers may charge by “opening” and some will charge by square feet, causing a variation in costs. If you’re having your boxes sprayed this will be most expensive as it involves more risk, masking time and materials, and possible wall/ceiling/trim paint due to the potential for overspray.

Doors & Drawers: We add up the number of items. Labor to unhang, clean, sand, repair dents & imperfections, spray primer, and 2 topcoats to fronts and backs. More attention is given to fronts than backs as we always dry items face up. Some refinishers may charge more for the style of doors (trim & type of joints) and size. 

Extras: New unfinished cabinetry, wine racks, plate racks, glass cabinets, open shelving, bookcases, endcap panels, corbels, beadboard, detailed trim, and other intricate details add to the overall labor involved and increased cost. Any areas requiring the painting of the interior box will require significant added labor time. Refinisher prices for each item may vary greatly. 

Products Used: 2k wood coatings will be the most costly, followed by 1k Italian water-based polyurethane. These coatings are considered the latest technology in wood coatings and require the expertise of a professional refinisher. Retail products aren’t recommended for cabinetry but are widely offered at much lower costs than 1 & 2k by interior/exterior painting companies. Most professional refinishers are using 1 & 2k or water-based lacquers.

Scope of Work: Are your cabinets previously painted? Do your cabinets require stripping or removal of Thermafoil? Are you re-staining? Are you replacing doors & drawers? Are your new cabinets already primed or unfinished? These are big-ticket items that will greatly increase or decrease the cost of your estimate based on the amount of labor involved.

Heather Perkins, Owner
A La Carte Cabinet Painting, LLC.