What Sets Professional Cabinet Refinishing Apart from Store-Bought Kits?

Troy Cullin | Posted on June 19, 2025 |

Why the Cabinet Refinishing Route You Choose Matters

You want to refresh your kitchen—give those outdated cabinets a new lease on life—but you’re stuck between two options: buy one of those DIY cabinet refinishing kits from a home improvement store, or hire a professional.

At first glance, the kit seems tempting. It’s cheaper, available off the shelf, and promises quick results. But when it comes to something as central (and visible) as your kitchen, is fast and cheap really worth the risk?

This post breaks down the differences between professional cabinet refinishing vs. DIY kits, so you can make an informed choice that balances cost, quality, and long-term value.

The Materials: What’s in the Can Makes a Difference

Not all paint and coatings are created equal—especially when it comes to cabinets. One of the biggest differences between professional refinishing and store-bought kits is the quality of materials used.

DIY cabinet kits typically include:

Water-based finishes that are easy to apply but less durable
All-in-one primers and paints that skip important bonding steps
Limited color options that might not match your design goals

While these products may offer convenience, they’re often not designed to hold up under the heat, moisture, and daily wear of a busy kitchen.

On the other hand, professional cabinet refinishing companies use:

Commercial-grade primers and topcoats specifically engineered for cabinetry
Grease-resistant and moisture-tolerant finishes that prevent warping and peeling
Custom color matching and a wider range of sheen options to achieve a high-end look

The result? A more durable, longer-lasting finish that stands up to cooking steam, fingerprints, and daily cleaning—without fading or flaking.

The Process: Prep, Tools, and Time Investment

DIY cabinet refinishing kits often advertise a quick weekend project. But what they don’t show you is the behind-the-scenes prep work that actually makes a paint job last. Skipping these steps is one of the top reasons DIY kits fail within months.

Let’s break it down:

Most DIY kits involve:

Light surface cleaning (often just a deglosser)
A single-layer paint application with a foam brush or roller
Little to no sanding or sealing

This sounds easy—until the paint starts peeling or chipping a few weeks later. Why? Because cabinets require a precise, multi-step refinishing process to perform well in high-use areas like kitchens.

At TNC Painting, our professional refinishing process includes:

Thorough degreasing and deep cleaning to remove years of buildup
Full sanding and surface repair to ensure optimal adhesion
Bonding primers that seal and smooth the wood
Spray-applied topcoats for a factory-grade finish
Protective sealants that lock in color and durability

It’s more than just applying a fresh coat—it’s about transforming your cabinets from the inside out. And that requires more than a foam brush and a Saturday afternoon.

The Finish: Spray Equipment vs. Foam Brushes

When it comes to the final look of your cabinets, application matters just as much as the paint itself. DIY kits are designed to be used with foam brushes or small rollers—tools that are beginner-friendly but often leave visible streaks, brush marks, or uneven coverage.

Here’s what you typically get with a DIY finish:

Slight texture or drag lines, especially on large panels
Inconsistent color distribution depending on application pressure
Edges and corners that are hard to coat cleanly without drips

These imperfections may not be noticeable right away, but over time, they become more obvious, especially under bright lighting or daily wear.

Professional cabinet refinishing, on the other hand, uses HVLP (high-volume, low-pressure) spray equipment, which delivers:

An ultra-smooth, consistent finish with no brush strokes
Even coverage across complex surfaces like panel doors, grooves, and edges
A factory-like appearance that mimics brand-new cabinetry

At TNC Painting, we use professional-grade spray systems in dust-controlled environments, ensuring the finish is clean, refined, and built to impress. It’s not just painted—it’s perfected.

Value and Longevity: What Are You Really Saving?

At first glance, a $99 DIY cabinet refinishing kit seems like a bargain—especially when compared to the cost of professional services. But the truth is, you often get what you pay for, and that initial savings can disappear quickly if you need to redo the job in six months.

Here’s what many homeowners overlook when choosing the DIY route:

DIY kits often lack durability, leading to chipping, discoloration, or peeling in high-touch areas like cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
Redoing a failed DIY project means more time, more mess, and more money—sometimes requiring full stripping and refinishing to correct mistakes.
The aesthetic value of a professionally refinished kitchen can also increase your home’s market appeal and resale value, especially when done by a trusted local provider.

With TNC Painting, you’re not just paying for labor—you’re investing in:

Experienced craftsmanship and attention to detail
Premium materials built to last
A finish that elevates the entire kitchen, often at a fraction of the cost of full cabinet replacement

In the long run, professional cabinet refinishing often delivers a better ROI, especially for Grand Rapids-area homeowners who want their kitchen to look great and hold up over time.

A Professional Touch Makes All the Difference

DIY cabinet refinishing kits may seem like a quick fix, but they rarely deliver the quality, durability, or finish that homeowners truly want. From lower-grade materials and cut corners on prep, to visible brush marks and a short lifespan, the reality often falls short of expectations.

Professional cabinet refinishing, on the other hand, offers:

Higher-end materials and equipment
A proven, multi-step process
A flawless, long-lasting finish
Real value for your home and lifestyle

If you’re in the Grand Rapids area and ready to breathe new life into your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, trust the experts at TNC Painting. We specialize in transforming tired cabinetry into elegant, durable showpieces—without the cost or hassle of a full renovation.

Let’s make your cabinets look brand new—without the guesswork. Request a free quote or explore our professional cabinet refinishing services today.