Cabinet Painting vs. Cabinet Refinishing: Why They’re Really the Same — and How to Choose the Best Option for Your Kitchen

Homeowners often ask us whether they need cabinet painting or cabinet refinishing. The truth? Cabinet painting and cabinet refinishing refer to the same professional process of restoring and recoloring your existing cabinets. Industry pros use the phrase cabinet refinishing more often, while DIY blogs frequently say cabinet painting—but both describe preparing the surface, priming, and spraying on a durable new finish.

Below, we’ll unpack the terminology, outline the professional steps, and show why calling Pineapple Interiors for cabinet refinishing (or cabinet painting) delivers factory-quality results that last.

1. Defining the Terms

Term People Google	What It Actually Means	Why the Confusion?
Cabinet Painting	Cleaning, sanding, priming, and spraying color onto existing doors and frames.	“Painting” is a familiar DIY word, so homeowners default to it.
Cabinet Refinishing	Exactly the same surface prep and sprayed finish, but often includes clear coats or stain upgrades.	Pros use “refinishing” to signal a higher-performance, furniture-grade coating system.

2. The Professional Process (Painting = Refinishing)

1. Deep Cleaning & DegreasingGrease and residue kill adhesion. Both cabinet painting and cabinet refinishing start with removing every contaminant.

2. Sanding & Surface PrepLight mechanical sanding scuffs the old topcoat so primer bonds tight.

3. High-Build PrimerA catalyzed primer (like Centurion 1111) blocks stains and fills wood grain. This step is identical whether you call it cabinet painting or cabinet refinishing.

4. Spray-Applied Color CoatsHVLP turbine sprayers lay down multiple coats of industrial finish—often 2K polyurethane—for a flawless surface. Brushing or rolling is not professional cabinet refinishing/cabinet painting.

5. Reassembly & Quality CheckDoors cure off-site; frames cure in place. Hardware is reinstalled, and your kitchen is ready for use.

3. Why Professional Cabinet Painting/Refinishing Beats DIY

• Factory-Smooth Appearance – Sprayed finishes look like they came from the cabinet factory, not the garage.

• Long-Term Durability – Catalyzed coatings resist scratches, heat, and household chemicals better than latex wall paint.

• Cost Savings vs. Replacement – Both cabinet painting and cabinet refinishing cost 40–60 % less than tearing out and installing new boxes.

• Eco-Friendly – Reusing cabinets keeps perfectly good wood out of landfills.

4. SEO Quick Answers for Curious Homeowners

Q: Is cabinet painting cheaper than cabinet refinishing?A: They’re priced the same because they’re the same professional service.

Q: How long does cabinet refinishing last?A: When done properly, a professionally refinished cabinet finish can last 10–15 years.

Q: Can I refinish cabinets in any color?A: Yes—white, navy, greige, even two-tone islands. The finish system used in cabinet painting/cabinet refinishing can be tinted to any designer shade.

5. Choosing Pineapple Interiors for Your Cabinet Painting / Cabinet Refinishing

Pineapple Interiors combines meticulous prep work, premium primers, and factory-grade 2K topcoats to deliver South Florida’s most trusted cabinet refinishing. Whether you search for cabinet painting or cabinet refinishing, you’ll end up with:

• Flawless results that look— and feel—brand new

• Fast turnarounds (typical kitchens completed in 3–5 days)

• Family-owned service focused on honesty, craftsmanship, and customer happiness

Ready to Refinish Instead of Replace?

Visit PineappleInteriorsFL.com or call us today for your free estimate. Discover why the smartest way to upgrade your kitchen is to refinish cabinets, not replace them—no matter which term you type into Google!