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Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing & Painting FAQs

Our Services

Thinking about refinishing or painting your kitchen cabinets and still have questions? You’re not alone.

We’ve collected the most common questions homeowners in Grand Rapids, Jenison, Holland, Hudsonville, Zeeland, Ada and Rockford ask us about cabinet refinishing, spray painting, durability, and cost.

Browse the sections below, and if you don’t see your question answered, you can always reach out or send us photos of your kitchen for a personalized answer.

Project Timing & Disruption

How long does a typical kitchen cabinet refinishing project take?

Most projects fall into two timeframes:
  • In-your-home time: usually 3–5 days of work in your kitchen. A couple of times we are only there for a few hours.
  • Total project timeline: from first contact to final walkthrough, most families see their project completed within a few weeks, depending on our schedule and your availability.
Larger kitchens, major upgrades (new doors, trim, countertops), or schedule changes can add time, but we’ll give you a clear timeline before we start.

Will I be without a kitchen the whole time?

Your kitchen is usable the entire time we are doing the work except for the day/days we are actually there working. A few hours 2 of those days and then a full day or 2 when painting is done. 

You’ll still be able to: 

  • Walk through the kitchen
  • Use your fridge and most appliances
  • Access basic essentials

Do you do all the work in my home?

We do prep and frame work in your home, and doors and drawer fronts are removed and finished in our shop and spray booth.

That means less mess than trying to do everything in place.

Do I need to empty my cabinets?

We request cabinets be emptied before Liza paints. It would only be for a day or 2. It’ll give you a good chance to purge. We’ll send a simple prep checklist before we arrive so you know exactly what to do.

Is it safe for kids and pets to be home?

This product is low VOCs so has very little smell and is safe to be in. It dries to the touch fairly quickly.

Kids and pets should be kept out of the work zone while we’re there and while finishes are drying. We’ll show you which areas to avoid and how long certain surfaces need to stay untouched.

A person in blue gloves uses a sander on a white cabinet door in a workshop with tools and materials visible.
A collection of paint swatches in various shades of green and blue, arranged on a wooden surface next to a small potted plant.
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Colorful paint containers and syringes are arranged on a shelf, with various shades of paint visible in the bottles.
Modern kitchen featuring dark green cabinets, a white marble countertop, and pendant lighting above brown leather bar stools.

Cost & Pricing Questions

How much does it cost to refinish or paint kitchen cabinets?

Pricing depends on a few key things:
  • Size of your kitchen (number of doors and drawers)
  • Whether we’re refinishing existing doors or installing new ones
  • Any upgrades (trim, panels, hardware, soft-close hinges)
  • Countertop changes or backsplash work

Most homeowners fall into a consistent range, but the best way to get accurate pricing is to send us clear photos of your kitchen so we can give you a ballpark before a visit.

For more detail, visit our Pricing and Kitchen Cabinet Cost Guide pages.

What’s included in your price?

Our quotes typically include:
  • All labor and prep work
  • Removal and reinstallation of doors and drawer fronts
  • Professional primers and cabinet-grade finishes
  • Lisa uses tape and paper to protect floors and counter.
  • Cleanup and basic touch-ups at the end
If upgrades, hardware, or countertops are included, those will be clearly listed as separate line items so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Do you offer itemized quotes?

Yes. We break out:
  • Cabinet refinishing or painting
  • Optional upgrades (new doors, trim, panels, hardware, soft-close hinges)
  • Countertop work, if applicable
That way you can see where your investment is going and adjust scope if needed.

Is there a deposit?

Most projects require a deposit to reserve your spot on the schedule, with the balance due at or near completion. We’ll outline the payment schedule clearly in your proposal.

Finish, Durability & Maintenance

How long will my refinished or painted cabinets last?

With normal household use and basic care, professionally refinished cabinets should look great for many years.

Longevity depends on:

  • How hard your kitchen is used (kids, pets, heavy cooking)
  • How they’re cleaned and cared for

We’ll give you a simple care guide so you know exactly how to clean and maintain your finish.

Our prep team is fabulous and we will always take responsibility for the prep so we can know it was done the right way.

Will the finish chip or peel?

Any painted surface can be damaged if it’s hit hard enough, but we design our process to bond and hold up:
  • Thorough cleaning and degreasing
  • Sanding and surface prep
  • High-adhesion primers
  • Cabinet-grade sprayed topcoats
This is very different from a quick DIY or handyman paint job. If something unusual happens, we’ll look at it together and talk through touch-up options under your warranty.

What kind of paint or finish do you use?

We use professional cabinet-grade products designed for:
  • Hard use in kitchens
  • Better resistance to scratching, staining, and yellowing
  • A smoother, sprayed look (not brush marks)
We can discuss the specific products we recommend for your project during your quote.

How do I clean my newly refinished cabinets?

Basic rules:
  • Use a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and water
  • Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasives, and scrubbing pads
  • Wipe up spills as soon as possible, especially around handles and high-use areas
You’ll get a full Care & Cleaning Guide after your project so you know exactly what to use (and what to avoid).
Dark brown kitchen cabinets with modern handles, showcasing a smooth finish and a wooden floor in the background.
Green kitchen cabinets with a wooden range hood above a stainless steel stove, set against a white tiled backsplash.
A collection of paint swatches in various shades of white, gray, and blue arranged on a wooden surface.

Colors & Design

Can you help me choose a cabinet color?

Absolutely. Many homeowners know the general look they want but feel stuck on the exact color. We can help you:
  • Narrow down options based on your counters, floors, and backsplash
  • Decide between white, off-white, two-tone, or darker colors
  • Make sure the color works with your lighting and home style
We’ll bring ideas and samples, and we can also work with photos you send before our visit.

Do you offer two-tone kitchens or painted islands?

 Yes. Two-tone kitchens and accent islands are some of our favorite projects. We can:

  • Paint the island a contrasting color
  • Use different colors on upper vs. lower cabinets
  • Mix painted cabinets with stained wood accents
We’ll show you real examples from past projects so you can see what you like.

Service Area & Types of Homes

What areas do you serve?

We primarily serve homeowners within about a 30-mile radius of Shelly’s Kitchens, including:
If you’re nearby but not sure if you’re in our service area, just ask—we’ll let you know quickly.

Do you work on condos and townhomes?

Yes, as long as we’re allowed to work in the building and there’s space for set-up. If you’re in a condo or townhome, let us know upfront so we can plan around any HOA rules or building guidelines.

Do you do bathrooms, laundry rooms, or built-ins too?

Often, yes. Many clients add:
  • Bathroom vanities
  • Laundry or mudroom cabinets
  • Built-ins around fireplaces or in living rooms
Mention these spaces when you request a quote so we can price them together.
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A modern kitchen featuring white cabinets, green accents, stainless steel appliances, and a large island with bar stools.
A group of seven women in casual shirts pose together, smiling, in a workshop filled with materials and tools.

How to Get Started (Request a Quote + Send Photos)

What’s the best way to get a quote?

The fastest way is to send us photos of your kitchen using our quote form. Here’s what helps:

  • Wide shots from each corner of the room
  • Close-ups of any damage or problem areas
  • A quick note about what you’re hoping to change (color, doors, hardware, counters, etc.)
From there, we can usually give you a ballpark range and then schedule a visit to confirm details and final pricing.

What happens after I send photos?

  • We review your photos and notes.
  • We send you a ballpark price range and answer any quick questions.
  • If it looks like a good fit, we schedule an in-home visit to: Confirm measurements and condition, go over colors and options, finalize your quote and timeline.
Once you approve the proposal and pay the deposit, we reserve your dates on the calendar.

How far in advance should I book?

Our schedule changes throughout the year, but it’s smart to reach out several weeks to a few months ahead of any deadline (holidays, events, listing your home for sale). If you’re on a tight timeline, still reach out—we’ll let you know our current openings and options.

What if I still have questions?

If you don’t see your question answered here:
We’re happy to walk through your specific situation and help you decide if refinishing or painting is right for your home.

Ready to see what’s possible for your kitchen?

Send us a few photos of your cabinets and a quick note about what you’re hoping to change. We’ll reply with a ballpark estimate and next steps so you can decide if refinishing or painting is the right move.
Request a quote

Or call (616) 308.2698 or text us a few photos of your kitchen and we can provide a ballpark estimate right away!