Cabinet Refinishing vs Cabinet Painting: What Edmonton Homeowners Need to Know

One of the most common questions homeowners in Edmonton ask is: “Should I paint or refinish my kitchen cabinets?” With so many older homes in the city especially from the 1990's and early 2000's; kitchen cabinetry is often structurally sound but looks dated or worn. Instead of spending $20,000 or more on a full replacement, many homeowners are choosing refinishing as a cost-effective way to refresh their kitchens.

At Whiskey Wood Co., we specialize in professional cabinet refinishing including stains, clear coats, and solid colour finishes. In this post, we’ll walk through the difference between refinishing and painting, the pros and cons of each option, and how to choose the right finish for your Edmonton home.

What is Cabinet Painting?

Cabinet painting typically means applying a solid colour coating over the cabinet surfaces. This may involve scuff-sanding and priming before applying a sprayed or brushed paint finish.

Pros of cabinet painting:

• Endless colour choices — from modern whites and creams to bold feature colours.

• A fast way to dramatically change the look of your kitchen.

• Works well for MDF or cabinetry without a strong wood grain.

• Often a lower upfront cost compared to staining or full refinishing.

Cons of cabinet painting:

• Covers the natural wood grain completely.

• Prone to chipping or peeling in high-use kitchens.

• Brush/roller applications can leave visible marks.

• DIY paint jobs often last only 2-3 years before needing touch-ups.

What is Cabinet Refinishing?

Cabinet refinishing is the process of restoring or transforming cabinets by professionally stripping, staining, or applying protective finishes. Unlike simple painting, refinishing involves professional preparation and spray-applied finishes that are designed for durability.

Options within refinishing:

• Staining - Enhances or shifts the natural tone of the wood while keeping the grain visible.

• Clear coating - Restores sheen and adds protection without changing colour.

• Solid colour finishes - Professionally sprayed, uniform coatings with furniture-grade durability.

  
  

Pros of cabinet refinishing:

• Preserves or enhances the natural beauty of real wood.

• Professional spray-applied finishes last longer than DIY paints and applications.

• Can shift cabinets to darker, lighter, or more modern tones.

• Clear and stain options highlight grain patterns.

• Solid colour refinishing still provides the smooth, premium look of paint but with better adhesion and topcoat protection.

Cons of cabinet refinishing:

• More prep work involved than simple painting.

• Slightly higher upfront investment compared to some painter quotes.

• Best suited for cabinets in good structural condition.

Which is right for your Edmonton Home?

Choose Cabinet Painting if:

• You want a dramatic colour change (white, cream, navy, sage, etc.).

• Your cabinets are MDF or laminate where there is no wood grain to highlight.

• You’re refreshing your kitchen for resale and need a quick visual upgrade.

  
  

Choose Cabinet Refinishing (stain,clear, or solid colour) if:

• You have solid wood cabinetry with beautiful grain you want to preserve.

• You want a longer-lasting finish that resists scratches, moisture, and wear.

• You’d like to shift tone (e.g. honey oak - espresso or natural matte).

• You see your kitchen as a long-term investment, not just a quick update.

Did you know?

Many Edmonton homeowners actually choose a combination: solid colours on cabinet boxes + stained or clear-coated wood accents (like an island or feature section). This creates contrast while keeping some natural warmth.

Cost Comparison

• Cabinet Painting: $3,000–$6,000 for an average kitchen (shorter lifespan).

• Cabinet Refinishing (Stain/Clear or Solid Colour): $4,000–$10,000 depending on size, prep, and chosen finish.

• Cabinet Replacement: $20,000+ for new cabinetry (often unnecessary if the boxes are solid).

Did you know?

Refinishing typically saves 50–70% compared to full replacement — and looks just as good when done professionally.

Why Whiskey Wood Co?

• All finishing options: We offer staining, clear coats, and solid colour finishes — not just one or the other.

• Spray-applied for perfection: Every finish is applied with professional spray equipment for an even, furniture-grade look.

• Durable topcoats: We use commercial grade coatings engineered for Edmonton kitchens — resistant to scratches, moisture, and daily wear.

• Local expertise: Our finishes are chosen with Alberta’s climate in mind — dry winters and humid summers can wreak havoc on low-grade coatings.

• Specialists: We are not painters. Many painters “add on” cabinet jobs. We specialize exclusively in staining, finishing, and refinishing wood.

Final Thoughts

Cabinet painting and refinishing both have a place. The right choice depends on your cabinets, your design goals, and your budget. At Whiskey Wood Co, we help Edmonton homeowners choose the right path and deliver a finish that lasts.

Whether you want a rich stain, a modern solid colour, or a simple clear protective coat, our refinishing process can transform your kitchen without the cost of replacement.

Ready to Update your Kitchen Cabinets?

A stunning example of premium solid colour cabinet refinishing on old oak cabinets.