Is refinishing the same as resurfacing?

No, refinishing and resurfacing are not the same, although they are often confused because both improve the appearance of furniture, floors, or countertops. Refinishing is a more intensive process that involves completely removing the old finish down to bare wood through stripping or sanding, then applying new stain, paint, or clear coat. It changes the color and restores the wood itself and is used when the piece is heavily damaged, faded, or you want a totally new look. It is labor intensive and requires sanding, conditioning, staining, and sealing. Resurfacing, on the other hand, is a lighter, more cosmetic process that does not remove all the old finish. It involves cleaning, lightly sanding, and applying a new topcoat or veneer or laminate over the existing surface to refresh it. For example, resurfacing kitchen cabinets might mean replacing doors and covering boxes with new veneer, while refinishing means sanding and restaining the existing boxes. Resurfacing is cheaper, faster, and less messy, while refinishing is more durable and thorough. In flooring, refinishing means sanding hardwood down and resealing, while resurfacing might mean screening and recoating with polyurethane.