The Best Cabinet & Vanity Refinishing on the Connecticut Shoreline
A kitchen or bathroom refresh does not always require new cabinets. In most cases, the boxes are structurally sound — it is the finish that has worn, yellowed, or simply no longer reflects how the rest of the home looks. Refinishing replaces the finish without replacing the structure, and when it is done correctly, the result is indistinguishable from new cabinetry. The surface is smooth, the edges are clean, and the color is exactly what you chose. Call Simons Painting & Drywall at (860) 846-4005 to schedule your estimate.
Why Refinishing Outperforms Repainting
Refinishing is not the same as repainting. Repainting means rolling or brushing paint over existing surfaces — a process that almost always shows brush marks, roller texture, or drips at the edges. Refinishing involves removing all doors and hardware, stripping or sanding the existing finish down to a uniform base, priming correctly for the substrate type, and applying a finish coat that bonds permanently and cures hard.
The result looks factory-applied because the process mirrors how factory finishes are produced.
What the Process Looks Like
We remove all cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. Every surface gets sanded to remove the existing finish and create a mechanical bond for the primer. We fill any dents, chips, or grain irregularities. A high-adhesion primer goes on next, followed by a durable topcoat — typically a catalyzed or waterborne urethane — applied in thin, consistent coats with light sanding between applications. Hardware goes back on last. The result holds up to daily kitchen use, humidity, and cleaning.
What We Refinish
Interior Painting Service Areas — Connecticut Shoreline
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabinet & Vanity Refinishing on the Connecticut Shoreline
How long does cabinet refinishing take?
Most kitchen cabinet projects take three to five days from start to finish. The timeline depends on the number of doors and drawers, the condition of the existing finish, and the drying time required between coats. Bathroom vanity projects are typically one to two days. We provide a clear schedule before starting and work to minimize the time your kitchen or bathroom is out of commission.
Is refinishing truly comparable to new cabinets?
When done correctly, yes. The key word is ‘correctly’ — a rushed refinish using brush-applied paint over an unprepped surface will show its limitations quickly. Our process strips the existing finish, primes the substrate properly, and applies a hard topcoat that matches the look and durability of factory cabinetry. The difference between a quality refinish and new cabinets is the box itself — the hardware, the face frame, the door profile. If those are in good condition, refinishing is indistinguishable at normal viewing distance.
Can you change the color of my cabinets entirely?
Yes. Color change is one of the most common reasons homeowners refinish. Dark stained oak going to a bright white, or painted beige going to a warm sage — both are achievable. Darker-to-lighter transitions require thorough priming to prevent bleed-through. Lighter-to-darker transitions are more straightforward. We advise on color selection and sheen level based on the space and the homeowner’s goals.
How durable is the finish on refinished cabinets?
The finish we apply is a two-component or waterborne urethane — the same category of product used in factory cabinet finishing. It cures hard and resists impact, moisture, and daily cleaning. With proper care, it will last 10 years or more. The finish is more durable than typical brushed latex paint and significantly more resistant to chipping and wear.
Do you refinish cabinets in place, or do you remove them?
We remove all doors and drawer fronts and finish them off-site or in a controlled area away from kitchen traffic. The box faces and frame are finished in place with careful protection of the surrounding surfaces. Working on doors separately from boxes is what allows us to achieve a smooth, even finish — it is not possible to produce the same result with doors hung in place.