Should You Repaint or Refinish Your Kitchen Cabinets?

Updating your kitchen cabinets can make your entire space feel new—but with so many options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Should you just slap on a new coat of paint? Or is refinishing the better route?

At Pro Image Painting LLC, we help homeowners across New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts make smart, long-term decisions for their homes. In this post, we’ll break down the difference between painting and refinishing cabinets—so you can choose the right path for your style, budget, and goals.

🔍 First: What’s the Difference Between Painting and Refinishing?

Many people use the terms interchangeably, but they’re not the same:

🖌 Repainting = New Color, Minimal Prep

This usually means:

• Light surface cleaning

• A quick scuff sand

• Primer and paint over the existing finish

Repainting is usually what big-box stores or “quick fix” crews offer. It’s faster—but not always built to last.

🛠 Refinishing = Restoring Cabinets the Right Way

Refinishing includes:

• Full degreasing and deep cleaning

• Intensive sanding and deglossing

• Repairing dents, scratches, or dings

• Applying high-performance primer and multiple coats of quality finish

• Optional spray finish for a factory-smooth look

Refinishing focuses on both beauty and durability—especially when using high-gloss systems.

💡 When Repainting Might Be Enough

There are a few cases where repainting your cabinets can get the job done:

• You’re prepping for a home sale and want a fast update

• Your budget is very limited

• You’re okay with some wear showing through

• Your cabinets are in excellent condition with minimal use

But keep in mind: Repainting without proper prep often leads to peeling, chipping, and bubbling—especially in high-traffic kitchens.

💪 When Refinishing Is the Better Option

If you want a long-term solution and cabinets that truly elevate your space, refinishing is the way to go. Choose refinishing when:

• Your cabinets are structurally sound but look dated

• You want a high-gloss or custom finish

• You’re tired of seeing chipping or uneven paint

• You plan to stay in your home for the long haul

• You care about how it looks up close

At Pro Image Painting, we take your existing cabinets and completely transform them—with the prep work, tools, and experience needed to make them look and feel brand new.

✨ Why High-Gloss Refinishing Is Worth It

High-gloss finishes are in high demand for a reason—they reflect light, look clean and luxurious, and create a show-stopping centerpiece in your kitchen.

But they require:

• Surgical-level prep

• Dustless sanding systems

• Correct primers and leveling agents

• Experienced spray application

That’s where Pro Image Painting stands out. We specialize in high-gloss cabinet refinishing for discerning homeowners who want flawless results—without replacing their entire kitchen.

📍 Serving Southern NH and Northern MA

We’re proud to work with clients throughout:

• Londonderry

• Bedford

• Concord

• Salem

• Andover

• Portsmouth

• And surrounding areas

Whether you’re a DIYer who’s hit a wall—or someone ready to do it right from the start—we’re here to help.

📞 Call us at 603-391-5214
📅 Or book your estimate online

🛠 So—Paint or Refinish?

Here’s the bottom line:

• If you need a fast, budget-friendly update and don’t mind imperfections, repainting might work.

• If you want high-quality, long-lasting, beautiful results that make your kitchen feel new—refinishing is the smarter investment.

Need help deciding?
We’ll evaluate your cabinets and walk you through the options—with no pressure.

Let’s bring new life to your kitchen—together.