What is the difference between cabinet painting and cabinet refacing?

If you're thinking of updating your kitchen cabinets, or any cabinets in your home it's important to take into account all the options available. The two options we'd like to compare and contrast are cabinet painting and cabinet refacing. 

​Cabinet painting involves applying a paint coating(s) onto the already existing cabinet doors, boxes, and drawers without the removal or addition of any cabinet materials such as RTF or laminate. Cabinet painting requires approximately 3-5 days to complete, depending on your painter's process. Ideally, your painter will use a cabinet painting process that ensures great quality, durability and a beautiful finish that will bring enjoyment for years to come.
The cost to repaint your kitchen cabinets is between $1,400 for a small kitchen up to $5,500 for a large kitchen. The average homeowner spending around $3,300 which includes a one-color application (no glazing, antiquing, or distressing etc..), and installation of new hardware. 

Cabinet Refacing involves the removal of cabinet doors and drawers (fronts removed). The fronts of the cabinet boxes are then covered with either RTF (Rigid Thermofoil) or a natural wood veneer. The sides of the cabinet are skinned with a laminate product or wood veneer. New doors and drawer fronts are purchased, installed with new door hinges if necessary or old if they can be reused. Usually, new handles or drawer pulls are installed to complete the update. The cost to reface kitchen cabinets runs between $6,000-$20,000 with the average cost being around $13,000 which includes using wood veneer on raised panel doors and updated hardware.