Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing in Wellesley, MA: Stunning Before & After
When the Johnson family in Wellesley, MA contacted us about their outdated oak kitchen cabinets, they were facing a tough decision: spend $35,000+ on new cabinets or find another solution.
The Problem
Their 1990s oak cabinets were:
- Dated honey oak color that screamed "1995"
- Structurally sound but cosmetically worn
- Good quality solid wood (worth saving!)
- Mismatched with their recently updated countertops
Our Solution: Professional Cabinet Refinishing
Instead of replacing perfectly good cabinets, we proposed our professional refinishing service. Here's why it made sense:
| Option | Cost | Timeline | Disruption |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Cabinets | $35,000-45,000 | 6-8 weeks | Major |
| JH Refinishing | $8,500 | 6 days | Minimal |
Savings: Over $25,000!
The Process
Day 1: Preparation
- Removed all cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware
- Labeled every piece for perfect reinstallation
- Set up our spray booth in the garage
- Cleaned and degreased all surfaces
Day 2-3: Sanding and Priming
- Sanded all surfaces to create proper adhesion
- Applied bonding primer designed for previously finished wood
- Filled any imperfections with professional wood filler
- Light sanding between coats
Day 4-5: Spray Application
Using our professional HVLP spray system:
- Applied 2 coats of Benjamin Moore Advance (self-leveling for a factory finish)
- Color: Simply White OC-117
- Created the smooth, flawless finish you see in showrooms
Day 6: Reinstallation
- Installed new soft-close hinges (an easy upgrade!)
- Mounted all doors with precision alignment
- Added new brushed nickel hardware
- Final touch-ups and cleaning
The Transformation
Before:
- Dated honey oak
- Brass hardware
- Dark, heavy kitchen feel
After:
- Crisp Simply White finish
- Modern brushed nickel hardware
- Bright, airy, contemporary kitchen
Homeowner Reaction
"I can't believe this is the same kitchen! We were dreading spending $40,000 on new cabinets, but JH Painting made our existing cabinets look even better than new. The spray finish is absolutely flawless—no brush marks, completely smooth. We're thrilled!"
— Jennifer T., Wellesley, MA
Project Breakdown
- Location: Wellesley, Massachusetts
- Kitchen Size: 42 cabinet doors, 8 drawers
- Duration: 6 working days
- Investment: $8,500 (vs. $35,000+ for replacement)
- Color: Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117
- Finish: Semi-gloss for durability and easy cleaning
Is Cabinet Refinishing Right for You?
Cabinet refinishing is ideal if your cabinets are:
- Solid wood or high-quality construction
- Structurally sound (no water damage, delamination)
- A style you like (or can be modified with new doors)
- In a layout that works for your kitchen
Get Your Free Cabinet Assessment
Not sure if refinishing is right for your kitchen? We offer free assessments where we evaluate your cabinets and provide honest recommendations.
Call (508) 690-8886 to schedule your free cabinet consultation!
