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What To Expect When Refinishing Your Cabinets

  • Dane Carlson
  • Apr 15
  • 2 min read

Upgrading your kitchen doesn't always require a sledgehammer and a massive renovation budget. Refinishing your cabinets is one of the most impactful ways to transform your home’s aesthetic. At Carlson Paint and Paper, we specialize in professional finishes that look like they came straight from the factory.


If you are considering a refresh, here is exactly what you can expect from our professional process.


Kitchen Cabinet Spraying on Long Island

1. Preparation is Everything

You’ll hear us say this often: a flawless finish is 90% preparation. We don’t just slap a coat of paint over your old oak.

  • Deep Cleaning: We remove years of kitchen grease and oils so the new finish can bond perfectly.

  • Hardware Removal: All doors, drawers, and hinges are removed to ensure every nook and cranny is covered.

  • Taping & Protection: We use high-performance products like Blue Dolphin Tape to create razor-sharp lines and protect your countertops, floors, and appliances.


2. Professional Grade Equipment

To get that "factory-smooth" look, we don’t use standard brushes and rollers for the main surfaces.

  • Dustless Sanding: Using Festool HEPA-certified vacuums and sanders, we prep your cabinet boxes and doors while keeping your home virtually dust-free.

  • HVLP Spraying: We use professional sprayers (like those from Titan) to apply primers and topcoats. This avoids brush marks and creates a durable, even finish that resists chips and scratches.


3. High-Performance Materials

We use products designed for the "fishing" trips of daily life—meaning they can handle the moisture and wear and tear of a busy kitchen.

  • Primer: We use specialty bonding primers that "bite" into the surface.

  • Topcoats: These aren’t standard wall paints; they are industrial-strength coatings designed specifically for cabinetry.


4. The Timeline

Most cabinet refinishing projects take between 5 to 10 days, depending on the size of your kitchen.

  • Phase 1: On-site prep and spraying of the cabinet frames.

  • Phase 2: Spraying of the doors and drawer fronts.

  • Phase 3: Reinstallation and hardware mounting.


5. The "Big Reveal"

Expect a kitchen that looks brand new. Whether you’re going for a classic white, a moody navy, or a custom color, the result is a durable, professional finish that adds significant value to your home without the cost of a full replacement.


Ready for a Transformation?

We’ve been busy filming our team in action—from using Blue Dolphin in Massapequa to our latest projects across Long Island. Check out our website to see our gallery of finished work.


 
 
 

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