July 25, 2023 4 min read

When your cabinets start to show signs of wear, the entire room becomes shabby and dated. However, there is an affordable and simple solution that can enhance the appearance of your kitchen or bathroom by making your cabinets look like new.

At one time, replacing your cabinets was the only option you had to get that desired factory finish. Fortunately, today there are several high-quality paint options that deliver a smooth and unblemished coat of paint that rivals the refinement of brand-new cabinets — and Benjamin Moore COMMAND is at the top of the list.

Exceptional durability, washability and a fast drying time are just a few of the benefits of using Benjamin Moore COMMAND on cabinets in your home.

Why Refinish Your Cabinets vs. Getting New Ones

Refinishing a cabinet requires a little more than a coat of paint. It takes some elbow grease and a few tools on your belt to get the job done. However, it is a task that you can do on your own with minimal guidance.

Getting brand-new cabinets is a much bigger job that will cost more money, but cabinet replacements can be practical in some cases.

If you still aren't sure whether to replace or refinish your cabinets, compare the benefits:

  • Cost: Refinishing your cabinets is cost-effective, making it an ideal solution for homeowners and property managers on a budget. 
  • Time: Installing new cabinets will take more time than refinishing them, especially in a larger space. Painting can take up to a few days to complete, whereas replacing cabinets will require more time to demo and install new cabinetry, depending on the room size.
  • Ease: While you don't want to take on more than you can handle, both jobs can be done with basic tools and attention to detail. Painting takes much less effort than replacing all your cabinets.
  • Current condition: Some cabinet doors only need scratches buffed out and some new paint. However, some will be beyond repair, especially if they are cracked, off the hinges or heavily scuffed up.

Cabinet painting is the best course of action when the cabinetry is in good shape, you like your current kitchen arrangement and cost is a major factor.

It's time to replace your cabinets when you are building an entirely new kitchen, changing the layout of your kitchen or the cabinet drawers, boxes and doors are worse for wear.

How to Refinish Cabinets

Refinishing your cabinets requires a bit of focus, determination and patience as you work through the process step by step. In the end, you can come out with beautifully redone cabinets that have the same flair and polish as new ones. If your goal is to refinish your cabinets, follow these instructions to get the job done.

1. Remove and Wash the Doors

After relocating the items inside, the first step to refurbishing cabinets is to remove the doors, drawer fronts and hardware. 

Then, wash the doors and drawers with a solution made of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. This will help cut through dirt, grime, grease and wax that has built up over the years. If you run into stubborn residue, add a few drops of dish soap to your mixture and continue scrubbing.

2. Strip the Finish or Sand the Old Paint

Cabinets are usually crafted with a layer of polyurethane for increased durability. If you are refinishing your cabinets, you will need to use a paint stripper to remove the finish. Be sure to exercise caution when handling these chemicals, and do so in a well-ventilated area.

Once the finish is removed, you can move on to scuffing out scratches and dents. If you are just repainting your cabinets, you should use 220-grit sandpaper and a sanding block to scuff the surface of your cabinet drawers, boxes and doors. This will remove the existing finish and create a texture that will allow the paint to better adhere to the wood.

3. Clean 

Use a tack cloth to remove dust and shavings from the cabinets. Keep in mind that any remaining dust will result in a rough and bumpy texture once it's painted over.

Use a degreaser or the water and vinegar mixture to wipe down the cabinets once more before drying thoroughly and moving on to painting.

4. Paint

Typically, you would have to apply a layer of primer before moving on to painting your cabinets. However, self-priming Benjamin Moore COMMAND paint for cabinets can be applied directly to the surface without excessive priming or preparation.

Benjamin Moore Corotech COMMAND for Cabinet Refinishing

Benjamin Moore Corotech COMMAND cabinets and multi-surface paint is designed to get your projects done faster and more efficiently than ever. With an unbelievably fast drying time and smooth coverage, this paint lets you take on multiple tasks at once with complete confidence in the end result.

The most standout features of Benjamin Moore Corotech COMMAND include:

  • Dry time: For cabinets, walls and standing structures, Benjamin Moore COMMAND will dry to the touch in 15 minutes.
  • Durability: You never have to worry about heavy use because the finish on this paint won't give in to cracks, peeling or chipping.
  • Self-priming: With Benjamin Moore COMMAND, you can skip the primer and go right to painting. The formula is thick and opaque enough that you may not need extra coats to finish the job.
  • Washability: The finish is perfect for easy cleanup, whether it's grease stains, ink markings or food splatter. All you need is soapy water to clear away any mess.

You can even use this paint in temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit, so refinishing your cabinets can easily be a winter project.

Shop Benjamin Moore Corotech COMMAND for High Durability and Quick Dry Time

When it comes to renovating cabinets and sprucing up spaces, Aboff's Paints has the paint and primer you need to get the picture-perfect finish.

With over 90 years of reputable expertise, our legacy for exceptional customer care and quality paint has allowed us to become the largest independent dealer of Benjamin Moore Paint in New York.

Every one of our locations across Long Island has the full Benjamin Moore catalog, so you can color-match, stock up on supplies and get our expert guidance for any DIY project that comes your way.

Visit your nearest Aboff's Paints store or start shopping online today!



Also in Paint Resource Center

Transform Your Spaces With 2024 Paint Color Trends
Transform Your Spaces With 2024 Paint Color Trends

April 08, 2024 4 min read

Read More
What Is Waterborne Alkyd?
What Is Waterborne Alkyd?

January 10, 2024 4 min read

Read More
Guide to Painting Bathroom Tiles
Guide to Painting Bathroom Tiles

December 13, 2023 5 min read

Read More