Remove and Label Every Door
We take down all cabinet doors and drawer fronts and label them so reinstallation is exact. Working flat gives us a cleaner finish than painting in place.
Victoria, MN · Est. 2010
Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing That Looks Brand New
Kitchen cabinet refinishing across the Twin Cities metro. Restain or repaint solid boxes for a fraction of replacement. 16 years in MN. Free estimate.
- 5.0 ★ · 104 Google reviews
- Serving the Twin Cities for 16 Years
- Free, No-Pressure Estimates
About Us
Why Choose Prestige WallWorX
Kitchen cabinet refinishing is one of the smartest updates you can make to a kitchen. Most homeowners don't realize how dramatic the difference is until the job is done. Prestige WallWorX has been doing this work since 2010, and we'll tell you straight: a proper refinish outperforms a rushed DIY attempt every single time. The prep work alone takes more time than most people expect, and skipping it is why cabinets peel within a year. If you want cabinets that hold up and look sharp, call (612) 419 2789 and let's talk through what your kitchen needs.
The full process covers cleaning, degreasing, light sanding, priming, and two finish coats with proper dry time between each. What drives the cost up is the number of cabinet doors, whether you want new hardware, the current condition of the finish, and the paint or varnish system you choose. A basic refinish on a smaller kitchen runs far less than full cabinet replacement, which costs many times more depending on materials. The final number comes down to scope and condition. Every job is different. Contact Prestige WallWorX for an accurate estimate.
Our Work
Why Refinishing Beats Replacing Your Cabinets
Replacement is almost never the right call if the cabinet boxes themselves are solid. Honestly, most kitchens we walk into have perfectly good bones that just need a fresh finish. New cabinet doors and a clean coat of paint or varnish can transform a dated kitchen into something you're proud to show off. We've been doing cabinet painting in the Twin Cities for 16 years, and the results speak for themselves. You won't find us pushing a full replacement when a refinish does the job right.
Cabinet Refinishing vs. Cabinet Repainting: Which One You Actually Want
People use refinishing and repainting as if they're the same job, and they aren't. Refinishing keeps the wood grain visible: we strip or scuff the old topcoat, restain if you want a new tone, and seal it under a fresh clear coat so the oak or maple still reads as real wood. Repainting is the opposite. It lays an opaque enamel over the grain so the doors read as a solid color, white, sage, navy, whatever you pick. Which one is right depends on what you want to see when the job's done, not on which costs less.
Pick refinishing (restain or clear-coat) when your cabinets are a wood species worth showing off and you like the grain but hate the yellowed, worn, or dated-tone finish on top of it. A lot of the honey-oak kitchens built out through the 1980s and 1990s in Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, and the Bloomington ranches fall here. The grain is beautiful once the orange cast is gone.
Pick repainting (opaque enamel) when you want a clean modern color and you're done with the wood look entirely, or your doors are a paint-grade material like MDF or thermofoil where there's no grain to save. That's our cabinet painting service, and it carries a hard sprayed enamel built for daily kitchen abuse.
The reason we split these onto two pages instead of lumping them together: the prep and the product are genuinely different jobs. A clear-coat refinish lives or dies on the stripping and stain-blocking. An enamel repaint lives or dies on the degrease and bonding primer. Tell us the look you're after when you call and we'll tell you honestly which path your kitchen is actually a candidate for. Call (612) 419-2789.
Our Cabinet Refinishing Process, Step by Step
Every refinishing project we take on follows the same disciplined process. We don't cut corners on prep because that's where the job is won or lost.
Clean and Degrease
Kitchen cabinets collect years of grease and cooking residue. We clean every surface thoroughly before anything else touches it. Skip this step and the paint won't bond.
Sand and Prime
Light sanding opens the surface. Then we apply a bonding primer designed for the cabinet material, whether it's wood, MDF, or thermofoil. The primer coat is what separates a lasting finish from a peeling one.
Paint or Varnish Finish Coats
We apply two finish coats with proper dry time between each. For a painted look we use a high-quality cabinet enamel. For a natural wood look, we revarnish. Both hold up to daily kitchen use.
Rehang and Adjust
Every door goes back exactly where it came from. We check alignment and adjust hinges as needed. You shouldn't have to touch anything after we leave.
Our Work
What Color Cabinets Work Best in 2026
The color trends shifting into 2026 lean toward warm whites, soft sage greens, and deep navy. Clean off-whites like Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace and Sherwin-Williams Alabaster have been the consistent choices for resale value. If you want something with more character, a moody forest green or slate blue on lower cabinets with a lighter upper is a look that's holding strong. We can help you pick a finish that fits your kitchen's light and layout. The interior painting work we do throughout kitchens and living spaces gives us a real feel for what holds up versus what dates fast.
Recent Cabinet Projects
Browse some of our finished cabinet work below. These are actual kitchens we've refinished across the Twin Cities and surrounding area, from Bloomington and Eden Prairie to Burnsville kitchen cabinet projects south of the river.
Imagine what we could do for your home.
Call (612) 419 2789What Our Customers Are Saying
We let the work do the talking. These are real reviews from homeowners who trusted us with their kitchens.
“Gene and his crew did an absolutely spectacular job with our renovations. The communication, diligence, and care was unsurpassed. Gene and his team delivered everything in the scope that was asked, at an unquestionable level of quality, and went beyond the call. We were very grateful for the efforts, professionalism, very reasonable project cost, and efficiency.”
Loved by Twin Cities Homeowners
5.0 / 5 · 104 Google reviews
“Gene and his crew did an absolutely spectacular job with our renovations. The communication, diligence, and care was unsurpassed - from the initial discussion to the final cleanup. Gene and his team delivered everything in the scope that was asked, at an unquestionable level of quality, and went beyond the call. We…”
Ziad Lindsay-Qureshi
Verified Google review
“We reached out to Gene to help paint our cabinets, and he went above and beyond. He helped coordinate the entire kitchen facelift process. Gene gave us several options for the cabinet preparation /finish, and we elected to go with the full grain filler process. It was 100% worth the cost and time. The end result is…”
Adam Skare
Verified Google review
“Gene and his team helped wallpaper our powder bathroom and did an amazing job. He turned a builder grade home into a custom work of art and we couldn’t be happier. Gene was responsive, transparent and a joy to work with!”
Anne Bushey
Verified Google review
“We recently used Prestige WallWorX to paint our entire house prior to moving in. From the moment I reached out to Gene for a quote he was professional, organized, prompt and easy to work with. Before, during and after the job he was in regular contact with updates and ideas. The project ended up being bigger than we…”
Ellen Poeschl
Verified Google review
“Gene was prompt with his response to all of our questions, and was openly communicating through the entire project. He was adaptable and understanding when we had to delay our project by a week last minute. The quality of work is outstanding, him and Andrew helped us progress in our home renovation projects at an…”
J c
Verified Google review
Cabinet Refinishing FAQs
Common questions from homeowners considering a refinish.
What is the average cost of refinishing kitchen cabinets? +
The cost of a kitchen cabinet refinishing project in the Twin Cities depends on the number of doors, the condition of the existing finish, and whether you choose paint or varnish. Larger kitchens with 30 or more doors and specialty finishes push toward the higher end. Every job is different. Contact Prestige WallWorX for an accurate estimate.
Is it worth it to refinish kitchen cabinets? +
Yes, if the cabinet boxes are structurally sound. Refinishing costs a fraction of full replacement and delivers a comparable visual result. Full cabinet replacement in Minnesota costs many times more. Refinishing gives you a fresh look without gutting your kitchen budget. We've been doing this since 2010 and we wouldn't recommend it if the boxes weren't worth saving.
What color kitchen is in for 2026? +
Warm whites, soft sage greens, and deep navy are leading the trend into 2026. Off-whites like Chantilly Lace and Alabaster remain the safest choice for resale. Two-tone kitchens with a darker lower cabinet and lighter upper are popular right now. We can walk you through finish and color options that fit your kitchen's specific light and style before we start.
What is the best way to refinish kitchen cabinets? +
The right way starts with removing all doors and drawer fronts, cleaning off grease and residue, light sanding, and applying a bonding primer before any finish coat. Spraying delivers a smoother result than brushing on cabinet doors. Two finish coats with proper dry time between them is the minimum for durability. Skipping any of these steps is what causes peeling within the first year.
What is the best paint for kitchen cabinets? +
Cabinet-specific enamels from Benjamin Moore (Advance) and Sherwin-Williams (Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel) are the top performers for hardness and washability. Standard interior latex is not designed for cabinet use and won't hold up to daily opening and closing. For a natural wood look, a waterborne alkyd varnish gives you the warmth of oil with faster dry times. We use professional-grade products not available at retail.
Can I paint over stained wood cabinets without stripping them first? +
In most cases, yes. Stained cabinets that are clean and in good condition can be primed and painted without full stripping. The critical step is using a stain-blocking bonding primer. If the existing finish is peeling, flaking, or heavily built up, we may recommend light stripping or a full sand before priming. We'll tell you exactly what the surface needs when we walk the job.
Can you refinish kitchen cabinets without stripping them? +
Usually, yes, and this is where cabinet door refinishing and full stripping part ways. If you're repainting, a thorough degrease, a scuff sand, and a bonding primer are enough to lock a new finish onto a sound existing coat. Full chemical stripping only becomes necessary when the old finish is peeling, alligatored, or built up so thick it's hiding the door profile. If you're keeping the wood look and restaining, more of the old clear coat has to come off so the new stain can reach the wood, but even then we often scuff and recoat rather than strip to bare wood. We test an inconspicuous door first and tell you which approach your cupboards actually need before we commit to the work.
How much does kitchen cabinet refinishing cost in the Twin Cities? +
There's no honest flat rate, and anyone quoting one sight unseen is guessing. The real cost drivers for kitchen cabinet refinishing in the Twin Cities are the door and drawer count (a galley kitchen is a different job than a 40-door layout with an island), whether you're repainting with enamel or restaining and clear-coating, the condition of the existing finish, and whether you're adding new hardware. Cupboard refinishing still runs a fraction of what full cabinet replacement costs in Minnesota, which is the whole point. We walk the kitchen, count the doors, check the box condition, and hand you a real number instead of a range off a website. Contact Prestige WallWorX for an accurate estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of refinishing kitchen cabinets? +
The cost of a kitchen cabinet refinishing project in the Twin Cities depends on the number of doors, the condition of the existing finish, and whether you choose paint or varnish. Larger kitchens with 30 or more doors and specialty finishes push toward the higher end. Every job is different. Contact Prestige WallWorX for an accurate estimate.
Is it worth it to refinish kitchen cabinets? +
Yes, if the cabinet boxes are structurally sound. Refinishing costs a fraction of full replacement and delivers a comparable visual result. Full cabinet replacement in Minnesota costs many times more. Refinishing gives you a fresh look without gutting your kitchen budget. We've been doing this since 2010 and we wouldn't recommend it if the boxes weren't worth saving.
What color kitchen is in for 2026? +
Warm whites, soft sage greens, and deep navy are leading the trend into 2026. Off-whites like Chantilly Lace and Alabaster remain the safest choice for resale. Two-tone kitchens with a darker lower cabinet and lighter upper are popular right now. We can walk you through finish and color options that fit your kitchen's specific light and style before we start.
What is the best way to refinish kitchen cabinets? +
The right way starts with removing all doors and drawer fronts, cleaning off grease and residue, light sanding, and applying a bonding primer before any finish coat. Spraying delivers a smoother result than brushing on cabinet doors. Two finish coats with proper dry time between them is the minimum for durability. Skipping any of these steps is what causes peeling within the first year.
What is the best paint for kitchen cabinets? +
Cabinet-specific enamels from Benjamin Moore (Advance) and Sherwin-Williams (Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel) are the top performers for hardness and washability. Standard interior latex is not designed for cabinet use and won't hold up to daily opening and closing. For a natural wood look, a waterborne alkyd varnish gives you the warmth of oil with faster dry times. We use professional-grade products not available at retail.
Can I paint over stained wood cabinets without stripping them first? +
In most cases, yes. Stained cabinets that are clean and in good condition can be primed and painted without full stripping. The critical step is using a stain-blocking bonding primer. If the existing finish is peeling, flaking, or heavily built up, we may recommend light stripping or a full sand before priming. We'll tell you exactly what the surface needs when we walk the job.
Can you refinish kitchen cabinets without stripping them? +
Usually, yes, and this is where cabinet door refinishing and full stripping part ways. If you're repainting, a thorough degrease, a scuff sand, and a bonding primer are enough to lock a new finish onto a sound existing coat. Full chemical stripping only becomes necessary when the old finish is peeling, alligatored, or built up so thick it's hiding the door profile. If you're keeping the wood look and restaining, more of the old clear coat has to come off so the new stain can reach the wood, but even then we often scuff and recoat rather than strip to bare wood. We test an inconspicuous door first and tell you which approach your cupboards actually need before we commit to the work.
How much does kitchen cabinet refinishing cost in the Twin Cities? +
There's no honest flat rate, and anyone quoting one sight unseen is guessing. The real cost drivers for kitchen cabinet refinishing in the Twin Cities are the door and drawer count (a galley kitchen is a different job than a 40-door layout with an island), whether you're repainting with enamel or restaining and clear-coating, the condition of the existing finish, and whether you're adding new hardware. Cupboard refinishing still runs a fraction of what full cabinet replacement costs in Minnesota, which is the whole point. We walk the kitchen, count the doors, check the box condition, and hand you a real number instead of a range off a website. Contact Prestige WallWorX for an accurate estimate.
Free Estimate
Get a Free Estimate on Cabinet Refinishing
Refinishing your cabinets is one of the most cost-effective kitchen updates you can make. We'll assess the condition of your cabinets, talk through your finish options, and give you a clear number. No pressure. Call (612) 419 2789 or request a quote online. We serve the Twin Cities and the surrounding area, including Bloomington, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, and dozens more communities. CALL NOW TO GET STARTED.
Call (612) 419 2789Request your free quote