Cabinet Refinishing

At The Painters, we provide professional cabinet refinishing services in Ames, IA, helping homeowners and property managers throughout Story County extend the life of their kitchens, bathrooms, and built-in cabinetry without the cost and disruption of full replacement. In communities like Ames, where homes range from mid-century ranches near downtown to newer developments in north and west Ames, cabinet construction quality is often solid—even when the finish is dated or worn.

Cabinet refinishing is especially valuable in Central Iowa due to seasonal humidity swings, indoor moisture, and daily wear. Over time, cabinets experience finish breakdown from cleaning products, hand oils, steam from cooking, and expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes. Without proper preparation and coating selection, refinished cabinets can chip, peel, or yellow prematurely.

Our refinishing process focuses on surface integrity, adhesion, and long-term durability. We do not rely on shortcuts or one-day cosmetic coatings that fail under real household use. Instead, we evaluate existing cabinet materials—solid wood, veneer, MDF, or laminate—and tailor our prep and application methods accordingly.

We regularly refinish cabinets for:

Owner-occupied homes
Rental properties and student housing
Condos and townhomes
Office breakrooms and built-ins

By refinishing instead of replacing, many Ames homeowners preserve original craftsmanship while achieving a modern, clean appearance. Our goal is to deliver a refined, durable finish that performs through Iowa’s seasonal changes and everyday use.

Why Ames Property Owners Trust The Painters for Cabinet Refinishing

Property owners in Ames trust The Painters for cabinet refinishing because we understand how critical preparation and product compatibility are to long-term success. Many cabinets in Story County homes were installed decades ago using hardwood frames and doors that are ideal candidates for refinishing—if handled correctly.

We take the time to assess:

Existing finish type (oil-based, lacquer, or waterborne)
Wood species and grain characteristics
Structural condition of doors and boxes
Moisture exposure from kitchens or bathrooms

This evaluation allows us to avoid common failures such as adhesion loss, grain telegraphing, or uneven sheen. A homeowner near Iowa State University recently contacted us after a previous refinishing attempt resulted in peeling around handles within months. Our inspection revealed improper degreasing and incompatible coatings. We stripped the failing finish, stabilized the surfaces, and refinished the cabinets using a durable system designed for frequent use.

Clients continue to choose us because we offer:

Honest recommendations instead of unnecessary replacement
Careful, dust-controlled preparation
Clear timelines and expectations
Respect for occupied homes

Trust is earned when cabinets still look and function properly years after refinishing—not just at project completion.

Our Cabinet Refinishing Services in Ames, IA

Our cabinet refinishing services in Ames are designed to refresh appearance while preserving structural integrity. We tailor each project based on cabinet construction, room usage, and desired finish.

Our refinishing services include:

Kitchen cabinet refinishing
Bathroom vanity cabinet refinishing
Built-in shelving and storage refinishing
Color changes or clear coat restoration
Hardware removal and reinstallation

We frequently refinish cabinets in homes where layouts function well, but finishes feel outdated. Refinishing allows homeowners to modernize their space while avoiding demolition, long lead times, and hidden costs.

For rental properties and multi-unit housing, refinishing offers:

Faster turnaround than replacement
Durable, easy-to-clean finishes
Consistent appearance across units

A property owner in west Ames recently refinished multiple unit kitchens between tenant turnovers. By coordinating schedules and using fast-curing coatings, we helped reduce vacancy time while improving long-term durability.

Cabinet Surfaces We Refinish and How We Prepare Them

Preparation is the most critical phase of cabinet refinishing. Cabinets endure constant contact, so surfaces must be properly cleaned, sanded, and stabilized before any finish is applied.

We commonly refinish:

Solid wood cabinet doors and frames
Veneered cabinet surfaces
MDF cabinet boxes and panels
Previously painted or stained cabinets

Our preparation process includes:

Degreasing to remove oils and residue
Mechanical sanding for adhesion
Repairing dents, chips, and joint movement
Sealing porous or damaged areas

In many Ames kitchens, decades of cooking residue can interfere with adhesion if not fully removed. Bathrooms present additional moisture challenges that require sealing and coating reinforcement.

We also evaluate door alignment and hinge condition before refinishing. Addressing these details ensures the finished cabinets not only look better but function smoothly.

Materials, Coatings, and Application Methods We Use

Material selection plays a major role in cabinet refinishing durability. We use coatings designed for high-touch surfaces, resisting chipping, moisture, and frequent cleaning.

Our refinishing systems often include:

High-performance cabinet-grade coatings
Moisture-resistant primers
Low-sheen or satin finishes for uniform appearance
Hardened topcoats for added protection

Application methods are chosen based on finish requirements and site conditions. Controlled environments and proper curing times are critical to achieving a smooth, consistent result.

We guide clients through finish selection, discussing:

Painted vs. stained options
Light vs. dark color maintenance
Long-term wear expectations

This guidance helps homeowners select finishes that align with both style preferences and daily use demands.

What to Expect When You Hire The Painters

When you hire The Painters for cabinet refinishing in Ames, you can expect a structured, respectful process designed for occupied homes.

Our process includes:

On-site evaluation and finish consultation
Clear project timeline and preparation plan
Careful protection of floors and adjacent areas
Organized workflow with daily cleanup

We coordinate work to minimize kitchen downtime whenever possible and communicate clearly throughout the project.

Example: An Ames Cabinet Refinishing Project We Recently Completed

A homeowner near North Grand Avenue contacted us to refinish original oak cabinets that felt dated but were structurally sound. The cabinets showed uneven wear and darkened areas from years of use.

We cleaned and sanded the surfaces, repaired minor damage, and refinished the cabinets in a lighter, durable finish that improved brightness and functionality. The homeowner appreciated maintaining the original craftsmanship while achieving a modern update.

Homes near busy corridors like Lincoln Way may require additional scheduling coordination for access and staging.

Paint Safety & Property Protection Tips

Cabinet refinishing requires careful handling of materials and controlled conditions.

Our safety and protection practices include:

Ventilation management during application
Containment of dust and overspray
Protection of countertops, flooring, and appliances
Proper curing before reassembly

We also provide guidance on post-project care to maximize finish lifespan.

Refinishing vs. Replacing Cabinets

Refinishing is often the better option when cabinets are structurally sound.

Refinishing is ideal when:

Cabinet boxes are solid
Layout functions well
Damage is cosmetic rather than structural

Replacement may be more appropriate when cabinets are failing structurally or layouts no longer meet needs. We help clients evaluate both options honestly.

Kitchen vs. Bathroom Cabinet Refinishing Considerations

Kitchen cabinets face grease, heat, and constant use, while bathroom cabinets face moisture and cleaning chemicals.

Each environment requires: