How to prepare for a successful cabinet refinishing project

A kitchen renovation project can be stressful and overwhelming and it’s normal that you feel lost or don’t know where to start. The good news is that hiring a professional cabinet refinishing company could make the process a whole lot easier while you could still make a dramatic difference in the look and feel of your kitchen without the expense and hassle of a full remodeling. 

However, before the cabinet refinishing procedure begins, it’s important to properly prepare yourself and your kitchen to ensure a smooth and successful outcome. 

As a cabinet refinishing service provider with several years in the industry, we have worked with hundreds of homeowners to transform their kitchens and we understand the importance of these initial steps that you as a homeowner should take before the process really starts.  

So, in this article, we will share our expertise to help you have a smooth project as well as to achieve your desired results. Let’s get started!

Steps to follow for a smooth and successful cabinet refinishing project

Once you have made up your mind about what company to hire and have a set date for the service, these are the most important steps to follow to prepare yourself and the kitchen for the upcoming service to avoid hiccups along the way. 

Clear out and clean up countertops, cabinets, and drawers

The first step in preparing your kitchen for a cabinet refinishing service is to clear out and clean up the area. This involves removing all items from the countertops, cabinets, and drawers, sorting through them, and purging any items that you no longer need or use.

It may be helpful to start with one section of cabinets or drawers at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. As you remove items, take the opportunity to wipe down the interior of the cabinets and drawers with a damp cloth. This will help to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that has accumulated over time.

Once you have emptied and cleaned the countertops, cabinets, and drawers, it is important to keep them clear until the refinishing service is complete. This will allow the refinishing technicians to work efficiently and without obstruction. You may want to consider storing items in another room or area of your home during this time.

Clearing out and cleaning up your countertops, cabinets, and drawers not only helps to prepare for the refinishing service but also gives you the opportunity to reorganize and declutter your kitchen. You may be surprised at how much more functional and spacious your kitchen can feel with a little bit of organization.

Communicate with your cabinet refinishing company

Effective communication with your cabinet refinishing service is essential to ensuring that your project goes smoothly,  meets your expectations, and is completed on time and within your budget. Here are some tips for communicating effectively with your refinishing service:

1. Discuss your expectations: Before the refinishing service begins, it is important to discuss your expectations with the technicians. Be clear about the color, finish, and overall look that you want to achieve. This will help the technicians to understand your vision and to work towards meeting your expectations.
2. Ask questions: If you have any questions or concerns about the refinishing process, do not hesitate to ask the technicians. It is important to know everything. They are there to help you and to ensure that you are satisfied with the results.
3. Provide access: Make sure that the technicians have easy access to your kitchen and that they have a clear work area. This will help them to work efficiently and to complete the project within the expected timeframe.
4. Be available: During the refinishing process, it is important to be available to answer any questions or to address any concerns that may arise. This will help to ensure that the project stays on track and that any issues are addressed in a timely manner.

Plan the Downtime

Before you begin a cabinet refinishing project, it’s important to plan the downtime. The refinishing process can take several days, during which time your kitchen may be inaccessible, so making a good plan can minimize the disruption to your daily routine and ensure that the refinishing process goes smoothly. Here are some tips for planning for the downtime:

1. Set up a temporary kitchen: During the refinishing process, you may not have access to your stove, sink, or countertops. Set up a temporary kitchen in another room of your home, such as the laundry room or garage. You can use a small countertop or portable cooktop, as well as disposable plates and utensils.
2. Prioritize and stock up on essentials: Create a list of crucial meals and make sure that you have enough food, water, and other essentials to last you through the refinishing process. You may also want to stock up on disposable plates, cups, and utensils to make cleanup easier.
3. Consider Refrigeration: If your refrigerator remains in use during refinishing, make arrangements for its placement while keeping in mind access areas and safety measures.
4. Plan your schedule: The refinishing process can be noisy and disruptive, so it’s important to plan your schedule accordingly. If you work from home or have young children, you may want to plan to be out of the house during the day to minimize the disruption.

Don’t let disorganization cause unnecessary stress during cabinet refinishing project; take charge! With prudent preparation ahead of time, you can guarantee optimal usage of time during downtimes and avoid regretting missed opportunities caused by poor or lack of planning. 

Be Patient during the cabinet refinishing project

It’s important to be patient during the cabinet refinishing project. It can take several days, and it’s important to give the process enough time to ensure that the finish is properly cured and the cabinets are fully dry before using them again. Here are some tips for being patient during the refinishing process:

1. Don’t rush the process: Rushing the refinishing process can lead to a subpar finish or damage to your cabinets. Follow the recommended drying times and curing times for each step of the process to ensure that your cabinets are properly finished.
2. Avoid touching the cabinets: While the refinishing process is ongoing, it’s important to avoid touching the cabinets or allowing others to touch them. This can cause smudges or fingerprints in the finish and can compromise the final result.
3. Wait to use the cabinets: It can be tempting to start using your cabinets as soon as the refinishing process is complete, but it’s important to wait until the finish is fully cured and the cabinets are fully dry. This can take a couple of days, so be patient and resist the urge to start using your cabinets prematurely.

Final Thoughts

By following the steps we have discussed in this article, you can help ensure that your cabinet refinishing project goes smoothly and meets your expectations. 

With the right preparation and communication, you can transform your kitchen into a beautiful, updated space that you will love for years to come.

If you live in South Florida and have any questions or concerns about the process, do not hesitate to call America Refinishing Pros at 954-860-TUBS for a free no-obligation consultation.