What Homeowners Should Do Before Cabinet Refinishing Starts

January is the perfect time to refresh your space, especially if you’re spending more time indoors. For homeowners in and around Detroit, MI, cold weather makes kitchen updates more appealing. Cabinet refinishing is one of the smartest ways to refresh your kitchen without a full remodel.

If you’re planning to hire cabinet refinishing services, a little prep work can help everything run smoothly. By making small adjustments ahead of time, you give your painters a clean, open space to do their best work. There’s no need to take on any technical tasks; just focus on helping things stay organized, safe, and efficient.

Here’s a short list of helpful steps every homeowner can take before refinishing begins.

Clear Out All Cabinets In Advance

One of the first things to do is empty all cabinets, drawers, and shelves. Nothing should be left inside. Leaving items behind can slow things down and create mess or damage.

• Pack up dishes, cookware, pantry items, and anything stored in drawers
• Label boxes if you plan on keeping items stored for a few days
• If cabinet space is tight in the rest of your home, stack things neatly in bins and cover them

This may seem like a small detail, but it makes a big impact. Empty cabinets allow painters to tape and prep surfaces quickly and avoid unplanned messes. If we need to repaint the inside of the doors or frame edges, clear space is even more important.

If your kitchen has a lot of storage, this step might take more time than you expect. Consider getting a head start a few days before your scheduled service date.

Make Space Around the Work Area

Once the cabinets are empty, it’s time to focus on clearing the area. Cabinet refinishing often includes removing doors, prepping surfaces, and using tools that take up space.

• Move kitchen tables, chairs, or nearby furniture that could get in the way
• Take down wall hangings, artwork, or anything decorative close to cabinet edges
• Clear countertops of small appliances so we can reach everything safely
• Leave space for ladders, lights, and supply bins by pulling furniture away

Even if it feels like a tight squeeze, small moves can make a big difference. If any furniture can’t be moved, just let us know; we’ll help protect what stays in place.

Kitchen updates can temporarily affect space and flow, especially during prep, which is why clearing surrounding areas ahead of time makes the refinishing process smoother.

Protect Nearby Belongings and Surfaces

Refinishing work can kick up debris, sanding dust, or fine particles, especially during prep day. We do our part to cover things, but you can help by protecting the stuff you care most about.

• Cover nearby furniture with plastic sheeting or lightweight drop cloths
• Unplug or move electronics, chargers, or personal devices from nearby rooms
• Relocate kids’ toys and books to another space
• Make a plan to keep pets away from the work zone throughout the day

Some customers like to block off the entry to the kitchen with a curtain or temporary barrier.

For families in the Detroit, MI, area, it can be helpful to set up a temporary snack or dish station in another room so you’re not walking through the workspace once the job starts.

Talk With Your Painters Before Work Begins

A quick conversation before day one can help prevent delays. We always encourage homeowners to ask questions and share any notes; we’re happy to help adjust things to your space.

• Tell us about parking or entry rules if you live in a condo or home with limited access
• Share alarm codes or let us know where you’ll leave a spare key if needed
• Let us know where we can set up tools and paint supplies
• Mention any tight timelines or scheduling changes up front

Even something small, like if the dishwasher isn’t hooked up yet or if the sink area leaks, matters. Good info ahead of time means less wait and more work getting done.

Clear communication is especially helpful when getting ready for cabinet refinishing in homes with kids or pets, where access and safety matter more.

A Smoother Job Leads to Better Results

When homeowners step in to prep, even in small ways, the difference is clear. It’s easier to move through the job with care, stay on track, and give your cabinets the finish they deserve.

Clean, empty space means less time setting up and more time doing the actual work. Clear instructions and a calm space help the job run faster and cleaner. Plus, it lowers the chance of anything being bumped, scratched, or left out of place.

We always sand, clean, and fully prep surfaces before the cabinet refinishing begins and bring experienced crews to protect your space and deliver reliable results.

We believe a job well done starts before the brushes come out. When the room is open, protected, and ready to go, cabinet refinishing services deliver better results every time.

At Armor Tough Coatings, we understand how important it is to have every detail lined up before your project begins. When it’s time to update your kitchen in Detroit, MI, our team makes the process straightforward and stress-free. We handle the prep work so you can look forward to beautiful results. To learn more about our process and what you can expect, check our cabinet refinishing services and give us a call when you’re ready to plan your kitchen refresh.