The Hidden Risks of Refinishing Cabinet Doors: A Case Study

Refinishing kitchen cabinets is often considered a cost-effective way to give a kitchen a fresh look. However, there are hidden risks involved, especially when dealing with older cabinet doors that have been exposed to years of grease, contaminants, and wear. At KW Custom Kitchens, we believe in transparency and quality, which is why we want to share a recent case where refinishing original doors led to unexpected challenges.

The Refinishing Challenge: Grease, Contaminants, and Surface Imperfections

In any kitchen, cabinets are exposed to years of cooking-related residue. Grease, oils, and other contaminants can gradually seep into the wood, making it difficult to fully clean before refinishing. Even with a meticulous cleaning process, these particles can affect how new paint or finishes adhere to the surface. Small imperfections like dents or cracks, which might not seem like a big issue initially, can contribute to paint failure over time.

A Showcase of the Original Doors: 14 Months Later

In this project, we refinished the original cabinet doors, ensuring they were cleaned, sanded, and painted to perfection. The doors held up well for 14 months—two months beyond our standard 12-month warranty. However, despite our best efforts, the natural wear of the original doors and the presence of unseen contaminants led to cracking in the paint, a common risk when refinishing older materials.

Warranty Refinishing Job - Sept 2024

The Solution: Solid Wood Replacement

At KW Custom Kitchens, we are committed to customer satisfaction, and we stand by our work. Despite the issue occurring outside the warranty period, we took it upon ourselves to replace the doors at no cost to the client. We supplied brand-new solid wood doors, fully painted and installed under warranty, ensuring the client received long-lasting, high-quality results.

Customer Service: Our First Priority

Though the issue occurred beyond the warranty period, KW Custom Kitchens took responsibility and ensured the doors were replaced at no additional cost to the client. We believe that customer service comes first, and providing a durable, beautiful kitchen is always our goal—even if it means going beyond the standard terms of our warranty.

In conclusion, while refinishing can be a tempting option, it’s essential to understand the risks involved with older cabinets. At KW Custom Kitchens, we ensure our clients receive the highest level of quality and customer care, no matter the situation.