Reface - Repaint - Refinish
Kitchen - Vanity - Wall Unit
Cabinet Refinishing Services | Serving the GTA Area
Kitchen Made New provides professional cabinet refinishing services throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
We restore existing kitchen cabinetry by stripping the old finish, preparing surfaces down to bare wood, and applying new spray-finished coatings using factory-grade equipment and premium materials.
With over 15 years of owner-operated experience serving North York, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and Markham, we deliver durable, factory-quality results without cabinet replacement.
Connect with us to receive a complimentary consultation and project assessment.
What Cabinet Refinishing Actually Involves
Cabinet refinishing is a restoration process that returns existing cabinet surfaces to bare wood before applying a new finish coating. Unlike painting over existing finishes, true refinishing requires complete removal of the current stain, lacquer, or varnish through chemical stripping and sanding.
The process exposes raw wood grain, allowing new stain or finish to penetrate and bond at the substrate level. This produces a more durable result than surface-applied coatings and enables stain color changes that surface painting cannot achieve.
Cabinet refinishing proves most appropriate when existing cabinet boxes and frames are structurally sound but the original stain or finish has faded, discolored, or worn unevenly. GTA homeowners in established North York and Richmond Hill neighborhoods frequently choose refinishing to restore dated oak, maple, and cherry cabinetry to current design aesthetics without the cost of full replacement.
Kitchen Made New performs cabinet refinishing exclusively through spray application. Our off-site controlled facility handles door and drawer front finishing to ensure dust-free curing and consistent results. Cabinet frames receive coordinated spray finishing on-site.
The Cabinet Refinishing Process
Kitchen Made New follows a structured refinishing process to ensure consistent results across all cabinet components.
1. In-Home Assessment
We evaluate cabinet material, existing finish condition, construction quality, and suitability for refinishing. Not all cabinets are candidates — we provide honest assessments and recommend alternatives when refinishing is not the optimal solution.
2. Cabinet Disassembly
Doors, drawer fronts, and hardware are removed and catalogued for transport to our off-site spray facility. Cabinet frames remain in place for on-site work.
3. Stripping and Sanding
Existing finish is stripped and surfaces are sanded down to bare wood. This step distinguishes professional refinishing from surface repainting and is the most labor-intensive phase of the process. Proper surface preparation determines adhesion quality and finish longevity.
4. Off-Site Spray Finishing
Door and drawer front components are finished at our controlled spray facility, eliminating on-site dust, odour, and cure-time concerns. Factory-grade spray equipment delivers uniform coating thickness without brush marks or texture.
5. On-Site Frame Finishing
Cabinet frames, interiors, and fixed components receive coordinated spray finishing on-site. Surface masking protects surrounding areas throughout the process.
6. Reinstallation
Finished components are reinstalled with new or existing hardware. Final inspection confirms colour consistency, finish uniformity, and installation quality across all cabinet elements.
Finishing Materials for Cabinet Refinishing
Kitchen Made New uses three professional-grade finishing materials for cabinet refinishing projects. Material selection depends on wood species, usage patterns, and finish performance requirements.
Lacquer
Lacquer provides excellent surface hardness with fast cure times. It delivers a consistent, clear finish that enhances natural wood grain and accepts stain toning. Lacquer is well-suited for cabinet refinishing projects requiring quick turnaround and is compatible with a broad range of wood species common in GTA kitchens.
Conversion Varnish
Conversion varnish offers superior chemical resistance and moisture tolerance, making it appropriate for kitchen environments with frequent cleaning, grease exposure, and humidity fluctuation. The two-component chemistry produces a harder film than lacquer, with enhanced resistance to household cleaners and daily wear.
Solvent-Based 2K Polyurethane
Solvent-based 2K polyurethane delivers maximum durability and longevity for high-demand applications. The two-component formulation cross-links during curing to produce a film with exceptional abrasion and impact resistance. Kitchen Made New recommends this material for heavily used kitchens, rental properties, and clients seeking maximum finish lifespan.
All three materials are available in multiple sheen levels: 10% matte, 20% satin, and 30% semi-gloss.
Material and sheen selection is determined during your consultation based on wood type, usage patterns, and aesthetic preferences.
Cabinet Refinishing vs. Cabinet Painting
Cabinet refinishing and cabinet painting address different conditions and produce different outcomes. Understanding the distinction helps GTA homeowners choose the appropriate service.
Cabinet Refacing vs. Cabinet Replacement
Cabinet refinishing and cabinet painting address different conditions and produce different outcomes.
Understanding the distinction helps GTA homeowners choose the appropriate service.
Cabinet painting applies new colour over a properly prepared existing finish — appropriate when cabinets are structurally sound and the goal is a colour change without stain penetration. Cabinet refinishing is required when the original finish is worn, discoloured, or when the homeowner wants a new stain applied to raw wood grain.
Kitchen Made New assesses each project individually and recommends the service that delivers the best outcome for your specific cabinet condition and goals.
Our Cabinet Maker services include cabinet refacing and cabinet painting for homeowners whose needs align with those approaches.
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Why GTA Homeowners Choose Kitchen Made New for Cabinet Refinishing
Owner-operated with no subcontractors:
Every refinishing project is managed directly by the owner from consultation through completion. No subcontractors, no handoffs, consistent quality control throughout.
Spray application only:
We do not use brush or roller methods for cabinet refinishing. Factory-grade spray equipment delivers uniform coating thickness and smooth finishes that exceed traditional application methods.
Off-site controlled spray facility:
Door and drawer front components are finished off-site in a dust-free environment, eliminating contamination during curing. This produces cleaner results than on-site finishing.
Premium finishing materials:
Professional-grade lacquer, conversion varnish, and solvent-based 2K polyurethane rather than consumer products from retail outlets.
15+ years serving the GTA:
Established regional experience across North York, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and Markham with deep familiarity in local wood species, construction styles, and cabinet configurations.
Multiple sheen options:
10% matte, 20% satin, and 30% semi-gloss finishes to match your design preferences without limitation.
Honest project assessments:
We evaluate cabinet suitability for refinishing before quoting. If a different service produces better results for your situation, we say so.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does cabinet refacing last?
Quality cabinet refacing with premium spray finishes (conversion varnish or 2K polyurethane) lasts 15–20+ years with normal use. Kitchen Made New uses only professional-grade finish systems — no water-based or brush-applied coatings.
Do I need to empty my cabinets before refacing?
Yes. Kitchen Made New requires all cabinet contents removed prior to installation day. Countertops and appliances remain in place. Most installations are completed in 2–3 days on-site.
Can cabinet refacing fix water-damaged cabinets?
Cabinet refacing is not appropriate for water-damaged or structurally compromised cabinet boxes. Kitchen Made New assesses cabinet condition during in-home consultations — if boxes show rot, warping, or structural failure, we'll recommend replacement.
What door styles are most popular in GTA homes?
Shaker-style doors are the most requested in the GTA market — they work across traditional, transitional, and contemporary design aesthetics. Flat panel and slab profiles suit modern and minimalist kitchens. Kitchen Made New advises on style selection based on your home's architecture and design preferences.
Do you reface bathroom and laundry room cabinets?
Yes. While kitchen cabinets are our primary application, Kitchen Made New applies the same refacing process to bathroom vanities, laundry room cabinetry, and home office built-ins throughout the GTA.
Is cabinet refacing a good investment before selling a home?
Cabinet refacing provides strong pre-sale ROI in the GTA market. Updated cabinetry improves buyer perception and frequently increases sale price beyond the refacing investment. Kitchen Made New works with real estate agents and homeowners preparing properties for sale.
How do I schedule a consultation in Vaughan or Markham?
Call 647-955-7778 or email [email protected] to schedule your complimentary in-home consultation.
Kitchen Made New serves Vaughan, Markham, North York, Richmond Hill, and neighboring GTA areas with flexible scheduling.
What's the difference between veneer and spray finishing on cabinet boxes?
Veneer involves applying a thin wood or laminate sheet to cabinet box surfaces for a wood-grain appearance.
Spray finishing applies a factory-grade coating directly to the existing surface with custom color matching.
Kitchen Made New recommends the appropriate method based on your material preferences and design goals.
Can you paint kitchen cabinets if they've been previously painted?
Yes, Kitchen Made New can paint over previously painted cabinets.
Our surface preparation process addresses existing finish conditions through appropriate cleaning, deglossing, and primer application to ensure proper new finish adhesion regardless of previous coating types.
Do you offer painting services beyond kitchen cabinets?
Yes, Kitchen Made New provides spray painting and wood painting services for bathroom vanities, built-in cabinetry, interior trim, crown molding, baseboards, and custom millwork throughout GTA properties.
Contact us to discuss painting requirements for interior surfaces beyond kitchen cabinets.
Ready to transform your kitchen?
Call 647-955-7778 or email [email protected] to schedule your complimentary cabinet refacing consultation.
Kitchen Made New serves North York, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, and neighboring GTA areas — 15+ years of professional cabinet refacing experience, owner-operated from start to finish.