2. paste this code into the
Skip to content 
If you are looking at your kitchen and seeing dated oak, chipped stains, or just a style that belongs in the 1990s, you aren’t alone. For most Calgary homeowners, the kitchen is the heart of the home, but it’s also the most expensive room to renovate.
When you want a fresh look without the $30,000+ price tag of a full tear-out, you generally land on two popular choices: Cabinet Refacing or Kitchen Cabinet Painting. Both promise a "new kitchen feel," but they represent very different paths for your wallet and your home's timeline.
In this guide, we’ll break down the real costs, the durability factors, and the ROI of each option so you can make an informed decision for your Calgary home.
What is Kitchen Cabinet Painting?
Kitchen cabinet painting is the process of refinishing your existing cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and frames. At Cabinet Pro Painters, we don't just "paint" cabinets; we provide a factory-quality refinishing service.
We use KMCA Certified 2K Polyurethane coatings imported from Italy. This isn't the stuff you find at a local hardware store. It is a high-performance, two-component finish that creates a chemical bond, resulting in a surface that is waterproof, scratch-resistant, and UV stable.
- Process: We remove your doors and take them to our specialized shop for prep and spraying. We then spray your frames on-site using a meticulous masking process.
- Timeline: Most projects are completed in just 4 to 5 days.
- Result: A smooth, factory-like finish that looks like you bought brand-new cabinets from a high-end showroom.
Pro Tip: If your current cabinet layout works and your doors are in good structural shape, kitchen cabinet painting is almost always the most cost-effective way to modernize your space.
What is Cabinet Refacing?
Cabinet refacing is a "middle ground" between painting and full replacement. Instead of refinishing your existing doors, a refacing company replaces them entirely.
- Process: You keep your existing cabinet boxes (the "bones"), but you get brand-new doors and drawer fronts. To match the new doors, the installer applies a thin wood or laminate veneer over the visible parts of your cabinet frames.
- Timeline: Usually takes 1 to 2 weeks depending on the complexity of the veneer application.
- Result: Since the doors are new, you can change the style (e.g., from a raised panel to a flat Shaker style).
While refacing offers more flexibility in terms of door style, it comes with a significantly higher price point and a longer, more invasive installation process.
Price Comparison: Painting vs. Refacing in Calgary (2026)
Budget is often the deciding factor. Based on current market data for Calgary, here is how the two options stack up for an average-sized kitchen.
| Feature | Kitchen Cabinet Painting (Pro) | Cabinet Refacing (Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Cost Range | $3,000 – $8,000 | $8,000 – $12,000+ |
| Cost vs. Replacement | 70-80% Savings | 30-50% Savings |
| Project Duration | 4 – 5 Days | 7 – 14 Days |
| Material | 2K Polyurethane (Hardened) | Veneer / New Laminate Doors |
| Durability | High (Scratch & Water Resistant) | Moderate (Veneer can peel over time) |
The Verdict: In Calgary, professional cabinet painting is typically 30% to 50% cheaper than refacing. If you are looking to maximize your ROI, especially if you are preparing to sell your home, painting offers the best "bang for your buck."
Durability & Performance: The 2K Polyurethane Advantage
One common concern homeowners have about painting is: "Will it last?"
If you use standard latex or acrylic paint, the answer is often "no." However, our 2K Polyurethane finish is specifically designed for high-traffic areas like kitchens. Unlike the veneers used in refacing: which can sometimes peel or "delaminate" at the edges due to heat and moisture: a 2K Poly finish is chemically bonded to the wood.
Why KMCA 2K Polyurethane Wins:
- Heat Resistance: Won't bubble near your dishwasher or oven.
- Chemical Resistance: Stands up to household cleaners and grease.
- Waterproof: Essential for those "under-the-sink" spills.
- No Brush Marks: Our specialized spray process ensures a flawless finish that looks like it came straight from the manufacturer.
Which Option is Right for You?
Choosing between refacing and painting comes down to your goals and the current state of your kitchen.
Choose Cabinet Painting If:
- You like your door style: If you have Shaker doors or a classic profile you enjoy, there is no reason to throw them away.
- You want a fast turnaround: You want your kitchen back in less than a week.
- You are budget-conscious: You want the most dramatic transformation for the lowest possible investment.
- You want a specific color: We can match any color from major brands like Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore.
Choose Cabinet Refacing If:
- You hate your door style: If you have arched "cathedral" tops and want a modern flat panel, refacing is the only way to change the physical shape of the door.
- Your doors are damaged: If the doors themselves are warped or have significant water damage (not just surface wear), they may need to be replaced.
- You have a larger budget: You are comfortable spending closer to $10,000+ to achieve a specific architectural look.
The Bottom Line
For the vast majority of Calgary homeowners, Kitchen Cabinet Painting is the superior choice. It provides a showroom-quality finish at a fraction of the cost of refacing, with a much faster completion time.
By choosing to paint, you aren't just saving money: you're investing in a durable, high-end finish that can withstand the rigors of a busy Alberta household. You can see the difference for yourself in our project gallery.
Ready to transform your kitchen?
Don't settle for an outdated space or an overpriced renovation. At Cabinet Pro Painters, we specialize in making old kitchens look brand new in just 5 days.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let's discuss how we can bring your dream kitchen to life!