Frequently Asked Questions for kitchen cabinet refinishing

How long does the refinishing process take?

We have a standardized, 4-step process that takes 5 days for an average to large sized kitchen.

Read about the process and timeline here: Cabinet Process

What products do you use?

We use Renner, water-based lacquers.

How is lacquer different from paint?

Paint is prone to chipping and peeling, especially around high touch points like near the handles.

Lacquer leaves you with a more durable, factory-finish, unbelievably smooth finish.

Do you remove the cabinets, or is everything done on-site?

We will remove all the cabinet doors and the fronts of the drawers, and take them back to our shop to be refinished in our spray booth.

Pretty much anything that can be removed, will be taken with us.

Will there be a strong odour during the process? How long will it last?

We use water-based lacquer, which means there is not a strong smell. We also use an air scrubber and ventilate the area out a window or doorway so that your home has the least amount of odour possible. If you notice a smell at all, it will generally dissipate within 24 hours.

What colors and finishes are available?

Any color you want, we can get prepared as lacquer.

Most people choose to go with a 20% sheen for their cabinets, which is similar to a semi-gloss finish. If you would prefer a different finish, let us know and we will make the adjustment when we place the order.

Can you color match?

Absolutely! If you have the color information, or a physical sample of the color, we can get it matched into lacquer.

Do you only refinish kitchen cabinets?

Not at all, we have used our tried and true process on other items such as built in shelving, fireplace mantels, bathroom cabinets, railings, and more!

If you have a specific item or area you are looking to have refinished, give us a call and we wll be happy to answer any questions you have.

How should I prepare my kitchen before your start refinishing?

We've prepared a pdf for just this question: How to prepare for refinishing your kitchen cabinets.

Can you change the style or shape of the cabinet doors with refinishing?

Changing the style or details on the cabinets would be considered refacing, which is different than refinishing.

While we cannot change the style of the cabinet doors, we can create a more modern look, an updated color, and change the way you feel about your kitchen.

Will you fix any scratches, dents, or other minor damages?

We will repair any minor damages with a wood filler before sanding and priming to ensure that you have a gorgeously smooth finish.

How should I care for and clean the lacquer finish afterwards?

Mix warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap, dip a microfiber cloth into the solution and wipe down the cabinets. Then use a dry microfiber cloth on the cabinets to prevent streaks.

Be careful for the first few days while the lacquer finishes curing.

Is refinishing less expensive than replacing or refacing cabinets?

Absolutely! You can expect to save approximately 30% compared to refacing your cabinets, and even more in savings compared to replacing them.

Can I use my kitchen during the refinishing process?

The only day you won't be able to easily use your kitchen would be Wednesday, which is when we come and do the in house masking, prep, and spraying. If this is a bigger kitchen, it may take more than one day and the masking would be left up in the meantime which will make it difficult to access your kitchen.

Other than that, you should be able to easily use your kitchen during the process.

What is the typical cost?

The price will vary based on how many doors there are and how much prep work is required. Generally a kitchen will start at $6,000 and go up from there.

Can you refinish any type of cabinet, or are there limitations?

Any tpe of wood cabinet can be done - from oak and maple to pine or walnut.

We typically do not work with melamine or thermofoil as it requires a lot more work to get them up to our standards.

What steps do you take to ensure a smooth, high quality finish with lacquer?

It's all in the high quality equipment, the expertise of our spray team, and the keen eye of Graham, who monitors and inspects the work thoughout the process.

Do you have a social media account where we can see current projects and find tips on creating better workplaces?

Absolutely. We are fully active on Facebook and Instagram. facebook.com/paintersenterprise and instagram.com/paintersenterprise

Do you have a warranty that I can look over?

We wouldn't be a business without a warranty, or at least we wouldn't be a good one. Here is a link to our warranty and everything that is covered. We have a 3 year warranty on interior painting and a 2 year warranty on exterior painting.