Cabinets take a beating from day-to-day kitchen use, and they’re bound to show signs of wear over time. But instead of replacing them completely, refinishing can make them look new again.
San Jose Cabinet Refinishing service goes beyond painting and includes sanding, staining, and hiding imperfections to give them a smooth finish. Refinishing also protects them for the long term and helps your kitchen feel refreshed and up to date.
1. Chipping or Cracking
Cabinets are designed to last a long time, but the constant use of the kitchen can take its toll on their appearance. When you start to see visible surface damage, it’s a clear indication that your cabinets need a facelift. Whether it’s water damage or cracking and chipping, the signs are clear that it’s time for a refinishing job.
The primary cause of paint cracking in cabinets is humidity fluctuations. As an organic material, wood naturally absorbs and releases moisture based on the environment, leading to expansion and contraction. This movement puts stress on the paint, causing it to crack and peel. Luckily, a few simple precautions can help prevent this issue. For example, using medium density fiberboard (MDF) in your cabinet construction instead of natural wood can reduce this problem, as it is less prone to moisture-related expansion and contraction.
Another way to prevent this type of damage is by applying a clear topcoat after refinishing your cabinets. This will protect them from moisture and heat, prolonging their lifespan and improving their appearance. It is also a good idea to schedule regular touch-ups for your cabinets, which will ensure that they stay looking fresh and new.
Despite the best efforts of homeowners, cabinets will eventually show signs of wear and tear. These minor flaws can often be repaired with a quick, low-cost touch-up. However, more severe damage may indicate that your cabinets need to be replaced.
When cabinets reach this point, the cost of re-sanding and re-painting can add up quickly. Fortunately, replacing structurally sound cabinets can cost much more, ranging from $1,200 to $5,000. For this reason, refinishing is a smart, cost-effective solution to breathe new life into your kitchen without breaking the bank. The refinishing process involves stripping the old, damaged finish and sanding the wood before applying a fresh coat of paint or stain. When done correctly, refinishing will restore your cabinets to their original condition and help them look like new. While it may take a bit of time and effort, the results are well worth it.
2. Fading
Over time, wood finishes can fade or become discolored. Exposure to the sun, heat, and grease can damage cabinet paint over time causing it to dry out and become dull or darker in color. Faded cabinets can make your kitchen look tired and dated. Repainting your cabinets can refresh the appearance of your kitchen without the cost and hassle of replacing them.
Cabinets that are a mismatch with other renovations are another sign it’s time to refinish them. Over the years, design trends change and what once looked modern may now feel dated. This is a great reason to refinish your cabinets in a trendy color to transform the look of your entire kitchen.
Scratches, dents, or water damage are another reason to refinish your cabinets. These imperfections not only hurt the look of your cabinets but can also compromise their structural integrity. Refinishing your cabinets can repair these imperfections and add a protective layer to help them last longer.
Oftentimes, cabinets that are faded or discolored are due to direct sunlight from windows. Adding UV blocking window film to your home can prevent this and extend the life of your wood finishes. Wood oils such as teak or linseed can also help nourish faded and discolored wood to bring back its natural beauty. These oils are a safe and environmentally friendly way to rejuvenate your cabinets while preserving the natural wood grain.
3. Structural Damage
Cabinets play a critical role in both the functionality and the aesthetics of your kitchen. They hold essential storage, help keep your home organized, and add value to your house. Unfortunately, everyday habits and environmental factors can damage your cabinets before you notice. Recognizing these early signs of damage can save you money and ensure that your cabinets continue to serve your family well.
Ignoring routine cleaning allows grease, soap scum, and food splatter to settle and stain surfaces. Refinishing refreshes your cabinet look while also creating a seal that blocks stains from setting in again.
If your cabinets are stained or damaged, refinishing is a cost-effective solution to freshen up the look without replacing them entirely. However, if the problem extends beyond cosmetics and into structural issues that impact your daily use of the cabinets or threaten the safety of your family, then it is time to replace them rather than reface them.
Structural problems include warping, swelling, and cracking. They can be caused by leaks, water damage, or simply ageing. Water damage is a common issue for cabinetry and is usually caused by leaky pipes or poor ventilation around plumbing fixtures. It causes wood to soften, warp, or rot, which can weaken frames and leave them susceptible to further damage and mold growth.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs prevent many minor problems from causing serious problems. Wiping down surfaces frequently, avoiding excess moisture, and making regular adjustments (tightening hardware, resealing joints) can all prolong the life of your cabinets. Scheduling regular inspections by a professional ensures that minor issues are fixed before they become costly structural problems.
If your cabinets are not structurally sound, or you want to change the layout of your storage space, then new doors and drawer fronts are a better option than refacing. New cabinets are more expensive than refinishing, but they will give your kitchen a new look while also improving storage. Refacing is also less cost-effective than replacing, as it only updates the surface. In addition, refacing may cause additional damage to the structure of your cabinets due to the installation process.
4. Mold
Mold can be very hard to spot, but it often appears as a black, green, white, or orange patch or clusters of fuzzy spores on surfaces. It may also appear as a musty odor that can be emitted throughout the house. If you notice a musty smell in any area of your home, use a hygrometer to check humidity levels. High humidity levels can encourage the growth of harmful mold spores.
Another early sign of a problem is itchy skin, which can be a result of mold exposure. If your family members are experiencing this symptom, you should have them tested for mold exposure. This is a serious health concern that can lead to severe symptoms including respiratory issues and neurological damage.
Water leaks and stains are the most common culprits of mold. Unless water damage is quickly addressed and the surrounding areas are completely dry, mold will begin to grow. In some cases, the fungus will start in cabinets and can spread to other areas of the home.
Be sure to check behind furniture and appliances, especially those that have been installed over a plumbing fixture. These areas can accumulate condensation that leads to mold if the cabinet isn’t properly vented. Check for discoloration or a musty odor in these areas, as well as on other surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom. In addition, be sure to inspect the corners and bottoms of cabinets and closets, as this is where water damage commonly occurs. If you notice these signs, consult a professional to assess the extent of the damage and recommend mold remediation.