What is the process of cabinet painting in Ottawa?
- Axcell Painting
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’re considering cabinet painting in Ottawa, you want to know one thing.
What actually happens?
Here’s the real process.
No shortcuts.
No fluff.
This is how Ottawa Cabinet Painting has refinished kitchens for over 20 years.
Experience Matters Before the First Brush Stroke
You don’t learn cabinet painting on the job.
You earn it over time.
• Over 20 years painting cabinets in Ottawa
• Well over 1,500 completed cabinet projects
• Kitchens of every size, style, and age
That experience shapes every step that follows.
Step 1: Photo Review and Fast Written Estimate
The process starts before anyone steps into your home.
You send:
• Three or four smartphone photos of your kitchen
Within a few hours, you receive:
• A written estimate
• Clear pricing
• No pressure
Want an on-site visit?
You get one.
Want to move forward?
You get scheduled.
Step 2: Understanding Your Cabinet Materials
Ottawa homes are consistent in one way.
The cabinets are usually solid.
Most common materials:
• Solid wood
• Oak
• Maple
Also very common:
• MDF
• Veneer
• Thermofoil
A professional system handles all of them.
The key is knowing how each one reacts to prep, primer, and finish.
Step 3: On-Site Work – Days One and Two
The first two days happen in your home.
Here’s what happens:
• Cabinet doors are removed and carefully transported
• Cabinet boxes, gables, and fixed components are prepped on site
• Proper priming and painting begins immediately
Your kitchen stays functional.
You’re not shut down for weeks.
Step 4: The Step That Cannot Be Skipped
Preparation decides the outcome.
This is where most failures begin.
Prep includes:
• Deep cleaning to remove oils and residue
• Patching dents, chips, and wear
• Thorough sanding for proper adhesion
Skip prep and the paint fails.
Every time.
This step is never rushed.
Even when someone asks for a cheaper option.
Step 5: Spray Shop Finishing on Canotek Road
This is the difference most homeowners never see.
All doors are finished in a dedicated spray shop on Canotek Road.
Why that matters:
• Controlled temperature
• Zero household dust
• Proper ventilation
• Consistent curing conditions
This is how you get a glass-smooth finish.
Clients are welcome to visit the shop.
Seeing the setup answers most questions instantly.
Step 6: Professional Products Only
Cabinet paint is not wall paint.
The system used matters.
This process uses:
• BIN shellac primer
• Envirolak finish coats
• Envirolak 2K hardener
This system delivers:
• Strong adhesion
• Smooth finish
• Long-term durability
It’s built for kitchens.
Not for shortcuts.
Step 7: What Goes Wrong With Low-Cost Cabinet Painting
Many failed cabinet jobs end up needing repair.
Common problems seen in Ottawa:
• Incomplete prep
• Poor sanding
• Wrong primer selection
• Cheap finish coatings
• Doors brushed or rolled instead of sprayed
Brush and roller marks don’t disappear later.
They stay forever.
Step 8: Reinstallation After Proper Cure Time
After 7 to 10 days:
• Doors return cured
• Hardware is reinstalled
• Minor adjustments are made
• Final walkthrough is completed
No rushing.
No soft paint.
No fingerprints.
A Real-World Case Example
A homeowner worried about durability.
The cabinets were sprayed properly.
The finish came out smooth, clean, and uniform.
Years later:
• No peeling
• No chipping
• No wear issues
The kitchen still looks new.
That’s the payoff of doing it right the first time.
Is Cabinet Painting Right for You?
Cabinet painting works when:
• Cabinets are structurally sound
• You want a factory-style finish
• You care about longevity
It’s not the right fit when:
• Cabinets are falling apart
• Boxes are damaged beyond repair
• Replacement makes more sense
An honest answer upfront saves money later.
Thinking About Painting Your Cabinets?
If you’re in Ottawa and want clarity, not guesses:
• Visit the spray shop
• Ask about prep and products
The process matters.
The details matter.
Your cabinets show it every day.
Comments