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Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing Portland

Serving Portland and Vancouver since 1994. 100% Risk-Free Satisfaction Guarantee.

If your cabinets are solid but the finish is worn, dated, or just the wrong color, you may not need a remodel. Renew-It Refinishing gives the cabinets you already have a durable new finish, so you get an updated kitchen at a fraction of what replacement costs. Your counters, sink, and backsplash stay right where they are, and you skip the weeks of living in a construction zone. This page helps you check whether your kitchen is a good candidate, and when a different fix makes more sense.

FREE CABINET REFINISHING ESTIMATE 503-320-2225

"Renew-It did an excellent job. Takes pride in his work. Looks brand new! I would not hesitate to recommend this company." - Julie Doran

Learn more about Renew-It Cabinet Refinishing

Portland's Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing Pros

Ugly Cabinets? Some older kitchen cabinets are chipped, worn, faded and just plain worn out. Now you can Renew-It to look like new and save $1000s compared to replacement with our Affordable Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing Services. 

  • Costs much less than replacement
  • Ready to use in 24-48 hours
  • Lasts for years
  • Looks like new
  • Easy to clean

Choosing the wrong company to refinish your cabinets can be a disaster. Choosing the wrong cabinet refinishing company in Portland, OR can make your life miserable and cost you time and money. Take your time and choose wisely.

Choose Renew-It for Peace of Mind! Choosing the right cabinet refinishing company to refinish your old, ugly, worn out cabinets can save you time, frustration and money. Renew-It has been the #1 choice in Portland and Vancouver for cabinet refinishing since 1994. Learn more below about our professional kitchen remodeling in Portland, OR or call us today to get started.

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Hand sanding wood cabinet door panel for kitchen cabinet refinishing in Milwaukie

Refinishing vs. Refacing vs. Replacing: Pick the Right Fix

Refinishing gives the cabinets you already have a new color and finish. Refacing puts new doors and a new outer skin on your existing cabinet boxes (the main body of each cabinet that the doors and drawers attach to). Replacing removes everything and starts over, so it only makes sense when the boxes are failing or the layout has to change.

Most folks who call about their cabinets don't have a problem with the cabinets. They have a problem with how they look. Maybe the oak has turned orange, the finish is worn thin by the sink, or the color just feels stuck in another decade. So the real question is simple: is the problem on the surface, or is it deeper?

  • Refinishing: You keep your boxes, doors, and drawer fronts. The surfaces get cleaned, prepped, and given a fresh finish. Nothing gets torn out, so your counters, sink, and backsplash stay right where they are.
  • Refacing: Your boxes stay, but you get brand-new doors and drawer fronts, plus a new skin over the frames. This is the pick if you want a different door style, like trading raised panels for flat slab doors. It usually costs more than refinishing because you're buying new parts.
  • Replacing: New boxes, new doors, new everything. It's the most expensive and takes the longest, and it often means new countertops too, since the old ones rarely come off in one piece.

Here's the honest part. Refinishing isn't always the right call, and we'd rather tell you now than have you spend money on the wrong fix. A new finish won't save cabinets with soft or swollen wood under the sink from old leaks. It won't fix shelves that sag, or doors that won't stay lined up because the hinge screws have pulled out of the box. If your doors have a plastic-like wrap that's bubbling or peeling, that wrap has to come off first, and new doors may be the smarter move. And if you hate your layout, no finish will fix that. You'd be happier saving up for a remodel.

Not sure which group you're in? Try this quick check:

  • Open the sink cabinet and press on the floor of the box. Firm is good. Soft or crumbly is not.
  • Open and close every door. Do they swing true and stay shut?
  • Look at the shelves. Are they flat, or bowed in the middle?
  • Ask yourself: would I love these exact doors in a new color? If yes, refinishing fits. If you want a different shape, look at refacing.

If your boxes are solid and your doors work, you're in great shape. That's the kitchen where refinishing really shines. You get the updated look you've been wanting at a fraction of what replacement costs, and you skip the weeks of living out of boxes and eating takeout. You keep the cabinets that already fit your space and change only the part that's been bugging you.

If you're still on the fence, our free estimate is a good time to get a straight answer before you spend a dime.

Finished sage green kitchen cabinets after refinishing project in Milwaukie home

Signs Your Cabinets Are a Good Refinishing Candidate

You've already checked that your cabinets are solid. Now look at what's bugging you about them. The best candidates share one thing: the problem lives on the surface. When the wear is on the outside and the bones are fine, a new finish can make the whole kitchen feel new.

Here are the signs that tell us a kitchen is ready for refinishing:

  • The finish is worn, but the wood isn't. You see dull patches near the handles, faded spots by the sink, or light scratches in the clear coat. That's the top layer wearing out, and the top layer is exactly what refinishing replaces.
  • The color feels dated. Oak that's turned orange, honey tones from the 1990s, or dark cherry that makes the room feel small. If you'd like the cabinets fine in a different color, they're a strong fit.
  • There's a sticky film you can't scrub off. Grease above the stove and around the trash pull-out builds up over the years. It looks bad, but good prep work clears it away before any new finish goes on.
  • Your doors are solid wood or wood veneer (a thin layer of real wood over a core panel). These take a new finish really well. Painted MDF (medium-density fiberboard, an engineered wood panel) doors can often be refinished too, as long as the edges aren't swollen or flaking.
  • You like the shape of your doors. If the panel style suits you and only the color is wrong, refinishing gives you what you want without paying for new parts.
  • Your layout works. The pantry is where you want it, the drawers are in the right spots, and you're not fighting the room every time you cook.

Picture a kitchen where everything works. The drawers glide, the doors close, and the counters are in good shape. But every time you walk in, the cabinets make the room look tired. You notice it when friends come over, and you notice it in photos. That's the kitchen refinishing was made for. The frustration is real, but it's only skin deep.

Some things look worse than they are. Small nicks and dings along the edges can usually be filled and smoothed during prep. Old knobs and pulls that feel out of date are easy to swap for a fresh look once the new finish is on. A few water spots on the outside of a door are often just stains in the old coating, not damage in the wood.

If most of the list above sounds like your kitchen, you probably don't need to call a kitchen remodeler in Portland and plan for months of upheaval. You can keep the cabinets that already fit your space and change only the part you don't like. And if a few of these signs fit but you're not sure about the rest, that's normal. Many kitchens are a mix, and it's easier to judge in person.

Whatever you decide, you won't be taking a gamble. Our work is backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so the cabinets you've been staring at for years can finally look the way you've wanted, with no risk on your end.

That same focus carries through the practical kitchen remodeler Portland guidance our team provides to local families.

When Cabinet Refinishing Is Not the Right Call

We already covered the deeper problems a new finish can't fix, like soft boxes, bowed shelves, and a layout you don't like. But there are a few other times when refinishing isn't the best use of your money right now. We'd rather tell you straight than sell you something you don't need.

You're planning a full remodel soon. If you know you'll gut the kitchen in the next year or two, refinishing cabinets that are headed out the door doesn't make much sense. Put that money toward the remodel instead. Refinishing is a great choice when you plan to keep your cabinets for the long haul, not as a short stopgap before they get replaced.

A good cleaning might be all you need. Sometimes cabinets look tired because of years of kitchen grime, not because the finish is gone. Before you call anyone, try this:

  • Wipe a test spot near the stove with warm water and a little dish soap or a gentle degreaser, then dry it well.
  • If the color and shine come back, the finish is still in good shape. Clean the rest and see how you feel.
  • Swap out old knobs and pulls. New hardware is an easy weekend job, and it can freshen up the look more than you'd expect.

If you're happy after that, you just saved yourself the cost of a project. That's a win, and we mean it.

There's an active leak under the sink. If you see fresh water, a damp smell, or dark spots that keep spreading, get the plumbing fixed first. A new finish over wood that's still getting wet won't last, and it can hide a problem that keeps growing. Once the leak is fixed and the wood has dried out and checks out solid, you can look at refinishing again.

Only one or two doors are damaged. Say the door under the sink is swollen but the rest of the kitchen looks fine. In that case, swapping out that one door, or living with it a while longer, may be the smarter move. You don't need to redo a whole kitchen because of one bad spot.

You want a light, natural wood look on dark cabinets. Taking dark stained wood back to a pale, see-the-grain finish is hard work, and the results can be uneven. If that exact look matters most to you, new doors in the wood tone you love may get you there more easily. Refinishing works best when you're open to a fresh color or a finish that covers the old one.

You're about to sell and the kitchen is fine. If your cabinets are clean and in decent shape and you're moving soon, a deep clean and new hardware may be enough to help your home show well. Spend on the things buyers will notice most, and let the next owner pick their own colors.

None of these are bad news. They just mean the right move for your kitchen might be smaller, later, or different. Knowing that up front keeps you from spending money in the wrong place, and it helps you feel sure when the time is right.

Worn chipped kitchen cabinets in Milwaukie home before refinishing service begins

What Happens During a Cabinet Refinishing Project

Once you know refinishing is the right fit, the next worry is usually about daily life. How long will my kitchen be torn up? Can I still make coffee? Most of a good result comes from careful prep you'll never see once it's done, and knowing the steps helps you spot a careful job from a rushed one.

It starts with a look at your kitchen and a talk about color. Our free estimate is the time to ask questions, point out the spots that bug you most, and get a clear picture before anything gets moved.

From there, a typical cabinet refinishing project moves through these stages:

  • Protecting the room. Counters, floors, appliances, and walls get covered so the only thing that changes is the cabinets.
  • Taking things apart. Doors, drawer fronts, and hardware usually come off and get labeled, so each piece goes back exactly where it came from.
  • Deep cleaning. Years of cooking grease have to come off, or the new finish won't stick well. This step matters most near the stove and the trash pull-out.
  • Smoothing the surface. A light sanding or scuffing gives the new finish something to grip. Small nicks and dings get filled and smoothed here too.
  • Priming. A bonding primer helps the new color hold tight to the old surface, especially on slick or glossy finishes.
  • Finish coats. The color goes on in thin, even coats, with drying time between each one.
  • Putting it back together. Once the finish is dry enough to handle, doors and drawers go back on with your old hardware or new pieces you've picked out.

Picture coming home on the last day. The plastic is gone, the counters are clear, and the cabinets you've lived with for years look like they belong in a different house. Your sink, backsplash, and counters never moved. That's the big difference from a remodel. You get the new look without living in a construction zone for weeks.

One thing surprises a lot of people. A new finish can feel dry to the touch pretty quickly, but it takes longer to fully harden. During that stretch, it's smart to go easy. Open and close doors gently, skip the harsh scrubbing, and give it time before you hang towels over door fronts. Ask how long your finish needs before normal use.

How long the whole project takes depends on your kitchen. More doors, more coats, a big color change, or heavy grease buildup can all add time. If you're comparing providers, these questions tell you a lot:

  • How do you clean off grease before you start?
  • Will you use a primer, and why that one?
  • How many finish coats will my cabinets get?
  • Where will my doors be finished, and how long will they be off?
  • Which parts of my kitchen can I still use during the project?
  • How long before the finish is ready for everyday wear?

A good refinisher will answer those plainly and won't rush the prep. And with our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, you'll know your cabinets are going to look the way you hoped when the last door goes back on.

Refinisher inspecting cabinet door for damage before kitchen cabinet refinishing Milwaukie

Why Prep Work Determines a Lasting Finish

Here's something most people don't expect. The color you pick has very little to do with how long your cabinets will look good. What decides it is the work done before any color goes on. A great finish over a poorly prepped surface will chip and peel. A plain finish over a well-prepped surface can hold up for years.

Think of it like putting a sticker on a window. On clean glass, it holds tight. On glass with a thin film of grease, it lifts at the corners in a few days. Cabinet finishes work the same way. The new coat can only grip as well as the surface under it allows.

Kitchen cabinets are harder to prep than almost anything else in your house. They take daily abuse that a bedroom wall never sees. Here's what's often sitting on them, even when they look clean:

  • Cooking grease that floats up from the stove and settles on doors and frames, often far from the stovetop.
  • Residue from furniture polish and spray cleaners, some of which leave a slick film new finish won't bond to.
  • Hand oils built up around knobs, pulls, and the edges you grab without thinking.
  • A hard, glossy factory coating that's made to resist sticking, which is great until you want something new to stick to it.

None of that is a sign you're a messy cook. It's just what happens to cabinets over 10 or 20 years of real use. But if it isn't fully dealt with, it's the reason a finish fails.

When a finish does fail, it usually shows up in the same places first. Watch the edges of doors, the spots around handles, the bottom of the sink cabinet, and the door next to the dishwasher where steam rolls out. Those are the high-touch, high-moisture areas. If prep was rushed, that's where you'll see the first chip or the first spot where the finish lifts like a thin skin.

So why would anyone skip it? Because prep is slow, and once the color is on, nobody can see it. It can take more time than the painting itself. A job that seems fast or a quote that seems too quick may be saving time in exactly the place you can't afford it.

You don't need to be an expert to spot a careful job. A few signs tell you a lot when the work is done:

  • The finish feels smooth and even, with no gritty bumps from dust or grime trapped underneath.
  • Edges and corners are fully covered, not thin or skipped.
  • There are no drips, runs, or heavy brush lines on the door fronts.
  • Once it's fully cured (completely hardened), the surface feels hard, not soft or tacky.

This is the heart of why refinishing makes sense for so many kitchens. Your cabinets already have good bones. When the surface is prepped the right way, a new finish has something solid to hold onto, and you get a look that lasts without replacing a thing. That's also why we're comfortable backing our work with our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. We don't cut the part you can't see.

Our Process

Our cabinet refinishing process is as detailed as they come. Our goal is to provide you with new looking cabinets that will last for years and even decades. We give you the most for your money and they most enjoyment from this experience.

1

Assessment and Cleaning:

The first step is to assess the condition of the cabinets. Any existing damage, such as chips, cracks, or stains, are identified. The cabinets are thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, food debris, mineral deposits, and any other contaminants. This step ensures proper adhesion of the new cabinet refinishing coatings.
2

Repairing Damages:

Any chips, cracks, or other damage to the cabinet surface are repaired at this point. This may involve filling in the damaged areas with a bonding agent or filler to create a smooth surface. Minor chip repairs are typically covered by the cost of refinishing.
3

Surface Prep:

The surface of the cabinets is etched or sanded to create a slightly rough texture. This helps the new coatings adhere securely to the existing surface. Without this process the cabinets will peel in days, weeks or months and will need to be refinished again.
4

Masking and Protecting:

If we are refinishing your cabinets in place, areas around the cabinets, such as fixtures, walls, and floors, are carefully masked off and protected to prevent overspray or damage during the refinishing process. The more time and attention giving to this step, the better the cabinet refinishing job will look and will result in less cleanup after.
5

Ventilation and Safety Precautions:

Proper ventilation is set up to ensure the fumes from the refinishing materials are safely extracted. Safety equipment, such as masks and protective clothing, will be worn by your professional Renew-It refinishing technician.
6

Application of Primer:

A bonding primer is applied to the prepared surface of your cabinets. The primer enhances adhesion and promotes a strong bond between the existing surface and the new coatings. This also helps the finished product to look smooth and shiny.
7

Application of Coatings:

Multiple layers of specialized coatings are applied to the cabinet frames and doors. These coatings often include layers of color and a clear topcoat. You can choose a different color for the inside and outside of the cabinets. These colors are applied at different times of course. We will mask off of the portion not being painted to prevent overspray.
8

Final Inspection and Touch-ups:

Once the cabinet are finished, a final inspection is conducted. Any imperfections or areas that may require touch-ups are addressed. This step ensures a smooth and even finish.
9

Unmasking and Cleanup:

The protective masking is carefully removed from the surrounding areas, and any cleanup is performed to ensure the kitchen or bathroom is left in a clean and tidy condition. We will invite you into the room to inspect the final product. At this point we will explain how to take care of your newly refinished cabinets, explain your warranty, handle payment details, and ask you to leave us a review online to help others make a wise choice when choosing their cabinet refinishing company in Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA.
10

Curing Time:

After the coatings are applied, the cabinets need time to cure. The curing time can vary but is typically around 24-48 hours. During this period, the cabinets should not be used to ensure the coatings properly set.

Pricing

See our cost to refinish cabinets here. Renew-It Refinishing offers three different levels of cabinet refinishing service. Basic, Deluxe and our Best Cabinet Reglazing.

BASIC CABINET REFINISHING
Our Basic Cabinet Refinishing comes with a 1 Year No-Peel Warranty and is a perfectly respectable and durable cabinet restoration service for those on a budget or for those who aren't interested in a long warranty. See pricing below.

DELUXE CABINET REFINISHING
Our Deluxe Cabinet Refinishing comes with a 5 Year No-Peel Warranty and is a great cabinet resurfacing service for those who want an even more durable, more glossy surface, and for those who want the comfort of a 5 Year No-Peel Warranty. See pricing below.

BEST CABINET REFINISHING PORTLAND
Our Best Cabinet Refinishing comes with Portland, Oregon's only Lifetime No-Peel Warranty and is the absolute best cabinet reglazing process available in Portland, OR Guaranteed. Our Best Cabinet Refinishing Service receives a thorough etching and bonding agent to ensure decades of beauty.

It receives at least 5 coats of durable, high quality cabinet refinishing materials to ensure a rock hard surface that cannot peel. Our Best Cabinet Refinishing process is truly the absolute best cabinet resurfacing available in Portland Guaranteed! And boasts the only Lifetime No-Peel Cabinet Refinishing Warranty in Portland, OR. See pricing below.

Basic

$2000

Starting at

  • Does not include removing cabinet doors if applicable
  • Protect Surrounding Areas
  • Vent Odors Outside
  • 2 Step Deep Cleaning of Surface
  • Super Effective Bonding Agent
  • 4 Layers of Professional Grade Acrylic Top Coat
  • Re-Caulk As Needed
  • Glaze in White, Bisque or Almond
  • 1 Year No-Peel Warranty
SCHEDULE NOW
Deluxe

$4000

Starting at

  • Does not include removing cabinet doors if applicable
  • Protect Surrounding Areas
  • Vent Odors Outside
  • 3 Step Deep Cleaning of Surface
  • Super Effective Bonding Agent
  • 6 Layers of Professional Grade Acrylic Top Coat
  • Re-Caulk As Needed
  • Glaze available in ANY COLOR you choose
  • 5 Year No-Peel Warranty
SCHEDULE NOW
Best

$6000

Starting at

  • Does not include removing cabinet doors if applicable
  • Protect Surrounding Areas
  • Vent Odors Outside
  • 4 Step Deep Cleaning of Surface
  • Super Effective Bonding Agent
  • 8 Layers of Professional Grade Acrylic Top Coat
  • Re-Caulk As Needed
  • Glaze available in ANY COLOR you choose
  • Acrylic Clear Coat for Added Protection and Longer Life
  • Exclusive Lifetime No-Peel Warranty
SCHEDULE NOW

Frequently Asked Questions

Read more FAQs about cabinet refinishing here

Cabinet refinishing, also known as reglazing or resurfacing, is a process of restoring the surface of old or discolored cabinets by repairing chips, cracks, or stains and applying a new coating to doors and frames to give them a fresh, like-new appearance.

We genuinely hope that you will consider Renew-It Refinishing for your cabinet resurfacing. However, we understand that there are numerous cabinet refinishing companies in Portland and Vancouver, and it's important to ensure you choose the best one. Here are a few tips. As with any service company, the longer a cabinet restoration company has been in business, the more substantial their reputation within the local community, whether for the good or the bad.

When searching for a cabinet refinishing company in Portland, OR, reading client testimonials proves valuable. Allow the experiences of previous clients to provide insights. Ensure that whoever you choose has an excellent reputation and is fully covered by insurance to avoid potential complications. There are unfortunate stories of contractors lacking proper insurance, causing significant problems and leaving homeowners with unexpected bills. Licensing and bonding are also crucial considerations. Renew-It Refinishing, by the way, encompasses all these aspects and more. Explore our comprehensive guarantees, a commitment that sets us apart from other cabinet resurfacing services in Portland, OR.

Typically it costs much less to refinish your cabinets compared with replacing them. As much as 75% less. The price of the new cabinets themselves may not seem too bad, but the price of installation can be as much as double that. So you can see how replacing your cabinets would cost much more than refinishing them. Call us for a Free Cabinet Refinishing Estimate in Portland, OR.

The cost to refinish cabinets varies depending on factors such as the cabinets' condition, size of the kitchen or bathroom, and the level of repairs needed. The cost to refinish kitchen cabinets is about the same as bathroom cabinets, per cabinet or door.

The average cost to refinish kitchen cabinets in Portland, OR is $2000-$4000 for a 10'x10' kitchen or $700-$1000 for a small bathroom with one vanity. But cabinet refinishing costs more or less depending on the level of service you choose. See our cabinet refacing prices here.

Kitchen cabinet refinishing costs much less than replacing your cabinets with new. How much does cabinet refacing cost vs replacement? The average cost of cabinet refacing is 75% less than replacement.

If the cabinets are not currently installed in your kitchen or bathroom, you may need to hire a carpenter to install them before or after they are refinished. If they are already installed, there is likely no additional cost to our pricing unless you want additional features. See our cabinet refinishing prices here.

Solid wood and wood veneer doors take a new finish very well. Thermofoil or plastic-wrapped doors are different, because if that wrap is bubbling or peeling, it has to come off before anything else, and new doors are often the smarter move at that point. If your thermofoil is still flat and tight, it's worth asking about during a free estimate so you get a straight answer for your specific doors.

We specialize in refinishing cabinets without removing them from the walls or hinges, unless you are replacing your hinges. We refinish your cabinets in place and with minimal mess. We can remove the doors and replace the hinges if needed.

You should plan on clearing out the drawers and shelves before work begins, since doors and drawer fronts get taken off and labeled during the project. Counters, floors, appliances, and walls get protected too, but the inside of your cabinet boxes stays accessible, so it's easiest to have them empty ahead of time.

It depends on the stage of the project, since doors and drawer fronts come off to be cleaned, sanded, primed, and finished away from the boxes. Your sink, counters, and backsplash never move, so you can still use the room, but you'll be working around missing doors for a stretch. Ask up front which parts of your kitchen you'll be able to use during the job, since it varies with how many doors and coats your project needs.

The time required for cabinet refinishing depends on the extent of the repairs and the prep time. Generally, the process can be completed in a day or two. Depending on the process you choose, your cabinets could be ready to use within a day or so. We recommend waiting 24-48 hours to ensure that the surface is completely cured and ready for use.

Using your newly refinished cabinets too soon could void your warranty and lead to costly repairs. It pays to wait.

Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing That Gives You a New-Looking Kitchen Without the Remodel

Call Renew-It Refinishing for a free estimate and a straight answer about whether your cabinets are a good candidate. If they are, you keep the cabinets that already fit your space, your counters and sink stay put, and you get the updated look at a fraction of what replacement costs, backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

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