Step-by-Step: The Right Way to Finish Cabinets in Walnut Creek

I’ve been in this business a long time. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that homeowners often overlook just how much impact their cabinetry has. You can change your lights, your counters, even your floors—but if your cabinets are scratched, faded, or stuck in the ’90s? Your kitchen still looks tired.

That’s exactly where Mark and Teresa found themselves when I visited their home in Walnut Creek.

“We like the layout,” Teresa told me. “The cabinets still work fine… but they look awful.”

She wasn’t wrong. The structure was solid. The doors? A little dated and worn, but very fixable. So instead of spending tens of thousands on a full gut job, I said this:

“Let’s do a proper cabinet finishing in Walnut Creek. You’ll get a brand-new look—without the brand-new cabinet price tag.”

Here’s how we did it.

✅ Step 1: Inspect and Evaluate

Before you even think about sanding or staining, do a full inspection:

Are the cabinet boxes in good condition?
Do the doors and drawers align properly?
Are you happy with the current layout?

In Mark and Teresa’s case, everything checked out. The structure was great, which meant no need to replace—just refresh..

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Step 2: Prep Like a Pro

I say this every time: the finish is only as good as the prep. We:

Removed all doors, drawer fronts, and hardware
Labeled every piece (so nothing gets mixed up later)
Cleaned surfaces with a degreaser—years of cooking = hidden residue
Sanded down to remove the existing finish
Vacuumed and wiped everything clean to ensure no dust got in the finish

Shortcuts here? Big mistake.

Step 3: Choose the Right Look

Teresa wanted a natural, warm finish. I showed her examples of Genesis Natural Wood Cabinets. The subtle grain, matte texture, and organic tone were exactly what they envisioned.

We matched that look with a custom water-based stain and applied it by hand—two coats for consistency and depth. Then sealed it with a low-sheen polyurethane for protection.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

After curing, we reinstalled the cabinet fronts with new matte black hardware—modern, but timeless. Soft-close hinges brought function up to date without altering the cabinet frames.

Suddenly, the kitchen felt warmer, brighter, and far more modern. All from a finish.

Mike’s Final Word

If your cabinets are solid, don’t waste money replacing them. Do what Mark and Teresa did:
Refinish them the right way.

It’s cleaner. Quicker. More sustainable. And with the right prep and finishing technique, you’ll get a result that looks custom-built.

And remember—it’s not about doing it fast. It’s about doing it right.