How Long Does Cabinet Refinishing Take? Timeline Guide

One of the most common questions we receive is "How long will my kitchen be out of commission?" Here's a detailed timeline of the professional cabinet refinishing process.

Average Timeline

**Standard Kitchen (20-40 doors):** 3-5 days **Large Kitchen (40-60 doors):** 5-7 days **Extra Large Kitchen (60+ doors):** 7-10 days

Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1: Preparation - Remove all cabinet doors and drawers - Label everything for reinstallation - Set up spray booth/work area - Degrease all surfaces - Initial sanding

Day 2: Priming - Apply bonding primer to all pieces - Prime cabinet frames (boxes) - Allow proper dry time - Light sanding between coats

Day 3-4: Painting - Apply first coat of finish paint - Allow cure time (4-8 hours) - Light sanding with 320-grit - Apply second coat - Third coat if needed

Day 5: Reinstallation - Install new hardware - Rehang doors and drawers - Touch-ups as needed - Final inspection - Clean up

Factors That Affect Timeline

**Kitchen Size:** More cabinets = more time

**Condition:** Heavily damaged or greasy cabinets need more prep

**Color Change:** Dark to light requires more coats

**Wood Type:** Oak grain fill adds 1-2 days

**Weather:** Humidity affects dry times

Can It Be Done Faster?

In some cases, yes: - On-site spraying vs off-site can be faster - Multiple crew members - Ideal weather conditions - Good cabinet condition

Kitchen Usability During Process

You can typically: - Use appliances (stove, refrigerator) - Access countertops - Use kitchen sink

You cannot: - Access cabinet contents - Open/close cabinet doors - Use kitchen normally

Tips for Faster Completion

1. Clear out cabinets before we arrive 2. Ensure good ventilation 3. Maintain consistent temperature 4. Schedule during low-humidity season