Is Staining Kitchen Cabinets Worth It In South Denver?
Centennial Painters specializes in cabinet staining and sealing throughout Centennial, Castle Pines, Castle Rock, and South Denver. Led by Kristi and Eric Conrad, our woman-owned, family-operated company transforms cabinets using premium stains sealed with lacquer or polyurethane topcoats—backed by our 1-year workmanship warranty.
Staining kitchen cabinets is worth it if they are made of real wood and you want to showcase the natural grain. Our process enhances depth, tone, and character, creating rich custom finishes for kitchens, bathrooms, and built-in storage. In some cases, we can even transform painted cabinets back to natural wood through specialized paint removal techniques!
Homeowners throughout Highlands Ranch, Parker, and Lone Tree trust us for timeless stained finishes. With dozens of five-star reviews and an A+ BBB rating, we deliver the expertise and craftsmanship your cabinets deserve.
Posted on Google
Bryan Cressman31 July 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We hired Centennial Painters to repaint the exterior of our home, and the results exceeded every expectation. Our house was eight years old and still had its original paint, but we wanted to completely transform it with a more timeless, classic look featuring a white body and black trim. The finished product is absolutely stunning. From the beginning, Eric and his team stood apart from every other company we contacted. Eric spent approximately 45 minutes carefully walking around our home, evaluating the condition of every surface, and explaining exactly what would be required to achieve the best possible result. Other companies were in and out within 15 minutes and provided very little explanation. Centennial Painters was also the only company that recommended fully priming the house before applying the new color. Although we selected Sherwin-Williams Emerald paint, which includes primer properties, Eric explained that the dramatic color change could still result in uneven coverage or spotting without a consistent undercoat. That level of knowledge, honesty, and attention to detail gave us confidence that they were focused on doing the job correctly rather than simply doing it quickly. Our painters, Dennis and Giovanni, spent six full days meticulously putting their experience and craftsmanship to work. They took extraordinary care to protect our windows, patio, landscaping, and everything surrounding the home from paint, spills, and overspray. Their preparation was thorough, their work was precise, and their attention to detail was exceptional. Dennis and Giovanni are truly masters of their craft. The lines are clean, the coverage is flawless, and the transformation of our home is remarkable. It looks better than we imagined it could. We are absolutely thrilled with the outcome and could not recommend Centennial Painters more highly. Anyone considering painting their home should make Centennial Painters one of their first calls. Their professionalism, expertise, preparation, and quality of workmanship are on another level.+1Posted on Google
Seth Glover17 July 2026We needed some wood work and a new coat of exterior paint. Eric was very easy to work with. Once Jimmy and his crew started they finished the job quickly and did a fantastic job!Posted on Google
Emileigh Eggers9 July 2026We had a wonderful experience working with Centennial Painters. Eric was very personable and available for any questions we had before and during the process. They painted the exterior of our home beautifully and made us fall in love with our home again!Posted on Google
John Warmuth26 June 2026⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had an excellent experience with Centennial Painters! The crew was professional, friendly, and paid great attention to detail from start to finish. Our house looks amazing, and the quality of their work exceeded our expectations. What really impressed us was their commitment to customer satisfaction—they came back promptly to touch up a few areas without any hassle and made sure everything was exactly right. It’s clear that Centennial Painters takes pride in their work and stands behind it. We highly recommend Centennial Painters to anyone looking for a trustworthy, high-quality painting company!+0Posted on Google
Nathan Jansch26 June 2026Centennial Painters did a great job on the exterior of my house; for, what I thought, was a very competitive price. I checked out a few painters in the market and I’m glad that I went with Eric and his team. Hi crew came in, power washed, primed, caulked and painted my entire house in a day. My house is a one-story ranch - so maybe not as big as some other houses out there. But I’m glad I hired Centennial Painters and I’ve already referred them to my mom for some of her interior painting needs.Posted on Google
Gary Millspaugh26 June 2026Eric was very professional from start to finish with my cedar fence painting project. The price was very competitive and the job was completed in a timely manner. I recommend Centennial PaintersPosted on Google
Craig Hollenbaugh23 June 2026Very happy with Centennial Painters. Eric was thorough on the estimate including siding repairs needed and price was competitive. Giovani and crew did a great job, were efficient, cleaned up each night, and managed the punch list effectively.Posted on Google
Jill Repella17 June 2026Centennial Painters did an amazing job on my home. Eric and Kristi were fabulous to work with. Eric even came out during a spring snowstorm to give me a bid. They were very professional and communicated beautifully. They saved me from a bad painting experience, swooped in and saved the house from a bad paint job with the prior painter. Plus the quality of prep work was outstanding. Thank you Eric and Kristi. I couldn’t be more pleased. And your painters were so pleasant and professional, their quality of prep work and painting was exceptional. I strongly recommend Centennial Painters.+3Posted on Google
Chris Murphy10 June 2026Exterior painting has been a potential project for a long time. When we finally decided it was time, we called several painters for estimates and Centennial stood out. Eric Conrad came to do the estimate. He walked the property (some folks just looked up the house online and gave an estimate based on that) and took the time to note the repairs that needed to be made. He gave me flexible options on ways to save money on the project as well. He was up front about the repairs needed and that once his crew got in there, there may be more than what was estimated so i wasn't surprised with extra charges at the end. The crew showed up day one ready to go. All of the needed repairs were made, house caulked and sealed, and power washed to prep for paint. Before they left they said they would be back at 7AM. Usually when a contractor says that they really me 9:30 but Jimmy and his crew were right on time. I had to leave for an appointment. I was gone for barely an hour and a half. I that time they had everything taped off and the house was already half painted. When they were finished and gone, you would not have even known anyone was there. They took everything with them. There were no random pieces of tape or plastic left behind. The end result is amazing and I could t be happier.+2Posted on Google
Cindy T8 June 2026You won't go wrong if you hire Centennial Painters. Conscientious, professional painting They painted the interior of my mid-century modern home . . . it now looks now-century!
Signs Your Cabinets Need Professional Staining or Resealing
- Existing stain appears faded, worn, or has lost its luster over time
- The protective topcoat is scratched, cloudy, or peeling away from the wood
- Light-colored cabinets feel dated, and you want a richer, darker tone
- Wood grain looks dull or hidden beneath an old, yellowed finish
- You've inherited painted cabinets but prefer a natural wood appearance
- Cabinet surfaces feel rough or tacky rather than smooth and sealed
- Water rings, heat marks, or stains have penetrated the existing finish
Allowing deteriorated finishes to remain exposes wood to moisture damage and accelerated wear. In Colorado, wood movement is common, so proper sealing protects your investment while refreshing your cabinets' appearance.
Our Recent Cabinet Staining & Sealing Projects
Beautiful cabinets start with the right finish and the right hands. See our professional cabinet staining and sealing work throughout South Denver and decide for yourself.
Our Cabinet Staining & Sealing Process
1. Wood Assessment & Finish Selection
We evaluate the wood species, current finish, and condition of your cabinets. Not all wood takes stain equally, so we identify any challenges and recommend the appropriate products for your vision. You'll choose your stain color and topcoat type: lacquer for a smooth, professional furniture finish or polyurethane for enhanced durability and moisture resistance. In Colorado's dry climate, proper product selection prevents premature finish failure.
2. Complete Surface Preparation
Staining requires immaculate preparation. First, we remove all doors, drawers, and hardware. Then, existing finishes are carefully stripped or sanded to allow proper stain absorption. For cabinets transitioning from paint to stain, we use specialized techniques to remove all paint while preserving wood integrity.
3. Stain Application & Color Development
We apply stain using techniques matched to your wood species and desired color depth. Each coat is carefully applied and allowed time to penetrate the wood evenly. For light-to-dark transitions, we apply color gradually to achieve even, professional results without blotching.
4. Protective Topcoat & Quality Inspection
Once the stain has fully cured, we apply your selected protective topcoat in multiple thin coats, sanding between applications. The final finish is inspected for consistency, smoothness, and complete coverage. Cabinets are reinstalled with adjusted hinges and hardware.
Most cabinet staining projects are completed within 1-2 weeks, and 99% of our projects finish within two weeks. Follow our simple care guidelines to protect your investment and keep your cabinets looking their best.
Why Choose Centennial Painters for Your Cabinet Staining & Sealing
- Woman-Owned, Family-Operated Excellence: Kristi and Eric Conrad personally ensure every staining project achieves the rich, even finish that showcases your wood's natural beauty.
- Multiple Topcoat Options: Choose lacquer for a classic furniture-quality finish or polyurethane for maximum durability in high-use kitchens and bathrooms.
- Color Change Expertise: We successfully transform light cabinets to dark finishes and can convert painted cabinets to stained wood through specialized paint removal processes.
- Dozens of Five-Star Reviews: Trusted by South Denver homeowners for cabinet transformations that reveal natural wood beauty.
- 1-Year Workmanship Warranty: Our warranty covers finish failures, adhesion issues, and workmanship concerns on all staining projects.
- Premium Stains & Topcoats: Quality products from Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and PPG ensure rich color and lasting protection.
- Colorado Climate Expertise: We understand how South Denver's dry conditions affect wood and select finishing products that protect against environmental stress.
- Free Color Consultation: We guide you through stain colors, topcoat options, and realistic expectations for your specific wood type and cabinets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn what to expect when working with a local painting company that understands your home's specific needs.
Cost depends on the size of the project, the number of doors and drawers, the condition of the current cabinets, the type of wood, and whether the existing finish needs to be stripped or sanded first. Paint-to-stain conversions or major color changes typically require more preparation, which can affect the final price.
It depends on the condition of your cabinets and the look you want:
- Restaining is a great choice if you have real wood cabinets and want to highlight the natural grain, warmth, and character of the wood.
- Painting is the better choice if you want a more dramatic color change, a modern solid-color finish, or if you don't want to feature the wood grain.
Centennial Painters can assess your cabinets and help you choose the best option for your kitchen, bathroom, or built-in storage.
Cabinet staining typically takes 1-2 weeks depending on the scope. Color changes (especially light to dark), paint removal for stain conversion, and multiple topcoat applications all add time. The extra time ensures proper curing between coats for a lasting finish.
In many cases, yes. Our specialized process involves completely removing existing paint down to bare wood, then staining and sealing. Success depends on the wood species, paint type, and cabinet condition. During your consultation, we'll assess whether your cabinets are good candidates for paint-to-stain conversion.
Yes, staining combines beautifully with painting for mixed-finish kitchens. A popular approach pairs stained lower cabinets with painted upper cabinets, or a stained island with painted perimeter cabinets. We can coordinate both finishes for cohesive results throughout your kitchen or home.
Absolutely. Transitioning from light to dark stain is one of our most requested services. We properly prepare surfaces, apply stain in layers to build color depth gradually, and seal with lacquer or polyurethane. Going from light to dark is straightforward; going from dark to light requires more extensive preparation.
Cabinet staining includes our 1-year workmanship warranty covering finish failures, peeling, adhesion issues, and application defects. We provide touch-up materials and instructions for maintaining your newly stained cabinets.
Lacquer provides a smooth, furniture-quality finish that's easy to repair and refinish in the future. It dries quickly and produces a beautiful sheen. Polyurethane offers superior durability and moisture resistance, making it ideal for high-use kitchens and bathrooms. We'll help you choose based on your priorities and how you use your space.
by Mary K. - Centennial, CO
Diligent, Top Quality Work
“I recently was doing a small remodel of my kitchen, and needed my cabinets painted. Kristi and Eric were very responsive and diligent during the process, as my work was delayed somewhat. The paint they use is top quality, and they really took the care to make my cabinets beautiful. I was also very happy with the price. Definitely recommend!”
by Michele B. - South Denver, CO
Thorough and Quick!
“Eric came out twice for two different estimates and was very patient while we made up our minds. Once the work started, they were very thorough, and fairly quick, which is always appreciated, yet I never felt like they rushed it”
Complete Your Cabinet Transformation
Pair your cabinet staining with these complementary services for a complete refresh:
Kitchen Cabinet Painting
Prefer a painted finish? We offer professional cabinet painting with premium paints to deliver smooth, durable results in any color.
Two-Tone Cabinet Painting
Combine stained elements with painted cabinets for custom mixed-finish kitchens—stained lowers with painted uppers, or vice versa.
Kitchen Island Painting or Staining
Create dramatic contrast by pairing a stained island with painted perimeter cabinets, or the reverse.
Decorative Cabinet Molding
Add crown molding and trim details that can be stained or painted to complement your cabinet finish.
Bathroom Vanity Staining & Painting
Extend your cabinet refresh to bathroom vanities with staining or painting to match your design vision.
Cabinet Paint & Stain Guide
Learn about the premium products we use for both painted and stained cabinet finishes.
Centennial Painters Service Area
Professional painting services for homes and commercial properties across South Denver, including the cities of Aurora, Castle Pines, Castle Rock, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Columbine, Englewood, Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Lone Tree, Parker, Ponderosa East, Stonegate, and surrounding areas.