What Is the Process of Cabinet Painting in Ottawa?
- Axcell Painting

- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read

Homeowners searching “cabinet painting near me” want clear steps, straight answers, and a process they can trust.
After more than 25 years and thousands of projects across Ottawa, I’ve learned that the best cabinet transformations follow a consistent, proven system. The goal is simple. Give you new-looking cabinets without losing the use of your kitchen and without dealing with mess, downtime, or guesswork.
Below is the full process from first contact to reinstall.
Step 1. Guaranteed Estimate
You choose how you want the quote done.
• Online estimate using photos
• In-person estimate if you want a walkthrough
You get a firm number. No surprises later. Most Ottawa homeowners fall in the range of $2500 to $8000, depending on size and complexity.
Step 2. Scheduling and Pickup
We book a pickup date for your cabinet doors and drawers.
At the same time, we prime anything that must stay on-site.
You keep full access to your kitchen. This is one reason so many Ottawa families prefer this method.
Step 3. Deep Cleaning and Prep at the Shop
This step makes or breaks the final result.
• Degreasing to remove oils from hands, cooking, and cleaners
• Repairs for small dings, cracks, and corner wear
• Precision sanding for adhesion and smoothness
Most homeowners never see these steps, yet they’re the reason your finish looks flawless. Proper lighting, proper tools, and a controlled environment matter.
Step 4. Professional Priming
We use BIN Zinsser, a shellac-based primer trusted in the cabinet refinishing industry for two reasons.
• Strong adhesion
• Reliable stain blocking on woods like oak, maple, and cherry
Ottawa homes often have these hardwoods, especially in neighbourhoods built in the early 2000s. Without the right primer, grain bleed and yellowing show up later.
Step 5. Spray-Booth Painting
Your doors and drawers move into a fully equipped spray shop.
Why this matters:
• Correct ventilation for safety
• Temperature and humidity control
• Professional-grade equipment
• No airborne dust settling into the finish
We spray Envirolak, a finish-grade product known for durability. A hardener is added for additional strength. Homeowners looking for maximum longevity… this is where it happens.
Step 6. Reinstall and On-Site Refinishing
Once the doors are cured, we schedule your reinstall.
• Doors and drawers go back on
• On-site components get their final coats
• Hardware adjustments are made
• Everything is levelled, aligned, and polished
Most Monday pickups are fully reinstalled within two weeks.
Case Examples (Generalized for Privacy)
• A Kanata homeowner with heavy-grain oak wanted White Dove.The professional priming and booth application eliminated visible grain and delivered a smooth, modern look.
• A Barrhaven kitchen with maple cabinets had worn corners and water damage.After repairs, BIN primer, and Envirolak topcoat, the cabinets looked new again.
• A Gloucester homeowner brought in doors previously “painted in-home.”They were covered in brush strokes and roller texture. After sanding, repriming, and spraying, the difference was night and day.
Painted In-Home vs. Professionally Refinished
Here’s what homeowners often compare.
In-Home Painting
• Brush and roller marks
• Dust settling into wet paint
• Strong odours
• Limited ventilation
• No controlled environment
Professional Spray-Booth Refinishing
• Smooth, factory-quality finish
• Clean, controlled space
• Proper ventilation for products
• Better durability and longevity
This is why homeowners search “cabinet painting near me” and often end up choosing a professional refinisher instead of a budget painter.
Warranty and Durability
Your cabinets come with a six-year warranty against peeling, fading, and adhesion issues.Many of our sets have lasted 15+ years with normal care.
Durability is one of the top concerns we hear from Ottawa families. The combination of BIN primer and Envirolak topcoat answers that concern every time.
What Homeowners Can Expect on Pickup and Reinstall Days
Pickup day:
• A quick walkthrough
• Doors and drawers labelled and removed
• On-site priming begins
Reinstall day:
• Clean work area
• Doors reinstalled and adjusted
• Final touches done on-site
• Full kitchen access maintained throughout
You barely notice the process, but you definitely notice the final result.
Choosing the Right Ottawa Cabinet Painter
You should always ask these questions:
• Where will the painting be done?
• What primer will be used?
• What topcoat product is used, and why?
• How long is the warranty?
Your cabinets are one of the most expensive items in your home. Treating them with the right system protects your investment and delivers a result worth showing off.
Ready to Transform Your Cabinets?
If you're searching for “cabinet painting near me” and want a proven Ottawa team that handles everything from pickup to reinstall, you’re in the right place.
You get:
• A guaranteed estimate
• A smooth, durable, long-lasting finish
• Full access to your kitchen throughout
• A six-year warranty
• Experienced craftsmen using a true refinishing system
Reach out anytime at 613-722-1059 to book your estimate or ask questions.

Comments