Do I need to empty all my cabinets before refinishing?

Yes, all cabinet contents should be removed before the project begins. This protects your belongings from dust and overspray, and gives the refinisher full access to all surfaces. Plan to have items stored in another room or in boxes for 5-7 days.

Can I still use my kitchen during cabinet refinishing?

Your kitchen will have limited functionality during the project. The sink, refrigerator, and countertops remain accessible, but cabinet doors will be removed and the area will be masked. We recommend setting up a temporary kitchen station in another room with a microwave, paper plates, and basic supplies.

How far in advance should I schedule cabinet refinishing?

We recommend scheduling 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during spring and fall (our busiest seasons). This gives you time to prepare your kitchen, arrange temporary storage for cabinet contents, and plan meals for the 5-7 day project window.

Do I need to remove the hardware myself?

No — your refinishing professional will handle all hardware removal as part of the project. However, if you're planning to replace hardware (knobs, pulls, hinges), purchase the new hardware before the project starts so it can be installed during reassembly.

What about my countertops and appliances?

Professional refinishers will mask and protect all countertops, appliances, and flooring before any work begins. You don't need to move appliances. However, clearing countertops of small items (toasters, coffee makers, etc.) before day one speeds up the masking process.

Is there any dust or odor during cabinet refinishing?

There will be minimal dust during the sanding phase (day 1-2), which is controlled with vacuum sanders and plastic sheeting. Modern water-based urethane enamels have very low VOC and minimal odor — far less than traditional oil-based paints. Most homeowners report the smell dissipates within hours of application.

Cabinet Refinishing Preparation: Homeowner's Guide

You've chosen your color, scheduled your project, and you're excited about your kitchen transformation. Now what? This guide walks you through everything you need to do before, during, and after your cabinet refinishing project to ensure the smoothest possible experience.

2 Weeks Before: Planning Phase

The preparation you do in advance directly affects how smoothly your project runs. Start these tasks two weeks before your scheduled start date:

Choose your new cabinet color — request samples or visit a Sherwin-Williams store to see options in person

Decide on hardware — if replacing knobs/pulls, order them now so they arrive before the project

Plan meals for 5-7 days with limited kitchen access (slow cooker, microwave, takeout, grill)

Identify a temporary kitchen station (dining room table, garage, spare room) for essentials

Purchase paper plates, cups, and disposable utensils to minimize dishwashing

Arrange storage space (spare room, garage) for cabinet contents

2-3 Days Before: Kitchen Prep

This is when you physically prepare your kitchen. Budget 2-3 hours for this step — it's straightforward but important.

Empty ALL cabinets — upper and lower, including items you rarely use

Clear countertops of small appliances, decorations, and everyday items

Move fragile items (glassware, china) to a safe location away from the work area

Remove items from the top of cabinets if applicable

Set up your temporary kitchen station with essentials: coffee maker, microwave, snacks, water

Ensure clear access to the kitchen — move any furniture blocking pathways

If you have pets, plan to keep them in a separate area during work hours

What to Expect Each Day

Understanding the daily timeline helps you plan around the project. Here's what a typical 5-7 day cabinet refinishing project looks like:

Day 1

Setup & Door Removal

Masking countertops, appliances, and floors. Removing all cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware. Labeling everything for precise reassembly.

Day 2

Preparation

Degreasing all surfaces, sanding, filling imperfections, and applying bonding primer to cabinet boxes (frames that stay on the wall).

Day 3-4

Spraying

HVLP spraying of cabinet boxes (day 3) and doors/drawers on racks (day 3-4). Multiple coats with proper dry time between each.

Day 5

Final Coat & Dry

Final topcoat application and initial drying period. Light sanding between coats if needed for a glass-smooth finish.

Day 6-7

Reassembly

Reinstalling doors, drawers, and hardware. Final touch-ups. Walk-through inspection with homeowner. Cleanup and removal of all masking.

After the Project: The Cure Period

Your cabinets will look beautiful immediately after reassembly, but the paint needs time to reach its full hardness. This "cure period" is critical:

First 48 hours: Handle doors gently. Don't stack anything against painted surfaces.
First 7 days: Avoid hanging heavy items on doors. Use gentle pressure when opening/closing.
First 30 days: Don't use harsh cleaners or scrub aggressively. A soft damp cloth is fine for daily cleaning.
After 30 days: The finish is fully cured. Normal use and cleaning can resume.

For more details on long-term care, see our guide on how long cabinet refinishing lasts.

Pro Tips from Fernando

After hundreds of cabinet refinishing projects in Houston, here are the preparation tips that make the biggest difference:

Take photos of your hardware layout before removal — especially if you have multiple sizes or styles of knobs/pulls. This makes reassembly faster.
Run your dishwasher the night before day one. You won't want to run it during the project.
Stock up on groceries that don't require much cooking — salads, sandwiches, fruits, and snacks.
Tell your neighbors — they may notice the work van and wonder what's happening. Plus, they might want our number after seeing your results!

5-7 Days

Typical project duration from setup to final walk-through