Frequently Asked questions

Cabinet painting........ Couldn't I just paint them myself?

Sure you can. The question is…..will you be happy with them?

Will you end up having to redo them in just a few months because you don’t like the look?

Will they be peeling, flaking, blooming or cracking?

Will there be paint streaks?

Or do you desire the look, feel and durability that a professionally refinishing job brings (such as a smooth, blemish free finish with no brush marks or sags).
Is there an oak grain that needs to be filled?

There are the things you want to consider.  

Additionally, Kitchens and bathrooms cabinets are unique because of the amount liquid, grease, food, heat, etc. they are exposed to; not to mention the sheer amount of everyday use.

For this reason, we have a multi-step process that meets all of KCMA standards to ensure your cabinet’s finish will stand up to these elements over time.

The most common problem homeowners experience with painted cabinets is peeling paint around the sink area, and where they open the cabinets.

There are 2 critical steps we do on every job to ensure long lasting finishes. They are cleaning the surfaces extensively so that all the hidden oils, dirt, waxes and silicones are eliminated, and (2) sanding with two different grits so the primer can properly adhere without leaving indentations or swirl marks. If either of these steps is skipped, it doesn’t matter what type of paint you use, the finish will not last and/or it will have imperfections at an unacceptable level based on industry standard.

Regardless if you attempt to paint your cabinets yourself or hire a professional, make sure that the cabinets are cleaned thoroughly and sanded completely.

If either of these steps are skipped, you will have problems; it is only a matter of time. To prolong the finish life, we also suggest we installing knobs, pulls or handles if you don’t already have them. Not only do they add aesthetic value, but they keep our oils from touching the finish/paint. This will help greatly help extend the life of the paint/finish job.

The other consideration is time and energy; if you’re not experienced it will take you much longer yourself, whereas we can get in and out in just around a week for the on-site work, and you can get on with your life!

Painting, refinishing, refacing, replacing

....what's the difference?

Painting & Refinishing

 

Cabinet painting always includes the whole refinishing process .

We clean and degrease, sand, vacuum, apply grain filler if needed, tackcloth to remove all dust, and apply 2 coats of primer followed by 2 coats of high performance pigmented lacquer or conversion varnish (not paint).

Then we put hardware back on and bring them back to the house to install. The cabinet boxes are sprayed at the house and nothing gets moved excepts the doors and drawers. 

Example of Painting (we call it Refinishing since we not using a commercial process)

Refacing.....

Refacing is something entirely different.
Refacing is when you change the actual surface of the doors, not just the finish and color.

It includes the refinishing and painting for the cabinet boxes, but we make all new door fronts and drawer fronts as seen in the picture below. 

So if you want to update to shaker style for example, but your cabinet boxes aren’t damaged and you like your current layout; there’s no need to buy all new cabinetry; just reface!

Example of Refacing: Before, slab pine door

And after; new Shaker style doors

Replacing.....

Replacing is when you have to do actual remodeling.  It involves removing plumbing, electrical, typically flooring along with tearing out all your cabinetry and buying new cabinetry to get installed.  

This is only needed if you need to change the layout of your kitchen or you have actual damage to the cabinet boxes for example. 

How long does it take?

Unlike a typical kitchen renovation, instead of months we are typically done within 2 weeks, even for the larger kitchens! 
Here’s what a timeline might look like for a small kitchen:

Monday

We spend the day prepping your kitchen by first washing and degreasing your cabinets. 

We remove all the doors and drawers and begin masking off all the cabinet boxes and create a controlled spray area that is properly ventilated.

Tuesday

 

We finish prep work in your kitchen and set up a controlled spray area that is properly ventilated to seal off overspray and dust.

Wednesday

We finish any prep work left such as fulling of knots, etc and make sure all surfaces are looking good and smooth; ready for primer.

Thursday

We set up the spray machine, check the color and start with spraying the primer. 

Wait for it to dry; sand the primer smooth, fix imperfections and then apply a second coat of primer.

Friday

Now we should be spraying topcoat.

So we’ll spray, sand and spray one final time again. Then we will clean up the masking and plastic and do any necessary touch up on the cabinet rails, stiles and boxes.

The next week

After working at the doors at our shop, we will return to install the doors and drawers, install the hardware and do a final walk through to ensure everything meets your expectations.

What type of finish does Lewis Cabinet Co. use for "cabinet painting"?

Answer: We use Pigmented Conversion Varnish

When it comes to finishing cabinets and millwork, there are various options available, including paint, stains, and varnishes.

While each has its own advantages, pigmented conversion varnish stands out as a superior option for those looking for exceptional durability and longevity, and that is why it is our product of choice.

 

What is Pigmented Conversion Varnish?

Pigmented conversion varnish is a type of varnish that contains a high percentage of solids, making it thicker and more durable than traditional lacquers and paints. It is a two-part system that is composed of a resin and a catalyst, which are mixed together just before application. Pigmented conversion varnish is known for its excellent adhesion, chemical resistance, and hardness, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas such as cabinets and millwork.

Benefits of Pigmented Conversion Varnish:

  1. Durability

One of the primary benefits of using pigmented conversion varnish is its durability. It provides a tough, durable finish that can withstand regular wear and tear, making it an ideal option for cabinets and millwork. It is highly resistant to scratches, chipping, and peeling, and can hold up against harsh cleaning agents and chemicals. Whereas lacquer would typically chip if scratched, CV will mold and bend; it has more flex. 

  1. Easy Maintenance

Pigmented conversion varnish is also easy to maintain. It can be easily cleaned with soap and water or a mild detergent, and it does not require regular waxing or polishing. This makes it an ideal choice for busy households or commercial settings.

  1. Enhanced Appearance

Pigmented conversion varnish offers an enhanced appearance, with a smooth, opaque uniform finish that gives a rich solid color.

It is available in a vast range of colors, allowing homeowners, contractors and designers the ability to customize the look of cabinets, or millwork to their liking.

  1. Quick Drying Time

Pigmented conversion varnish also has a quick drying time, which means that projects can be completed in a shorter amount of time and touch-ups (if needed) can be done quickly. This is especially important for those who need to finish projects quickly, such as contractors or homeowners with tight deadlines.

  1. Cost-Effective

While pigmented conversion varnish may be more expensive than traditional paints and stains, it is more cost-effective in the long run due to its durability and longevity.

Cabinets and millwork finished with pigmented conversion varnish will last longer than those finished with traditional paints and stains, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

We believe conversion varnish is the gold standard, and an excellent choice for those looking for a durable, long-lasting finish for their cabinets and millwork.
It’s superior adhesion, chemical resistance, and hardness make it an ideal option for high-traffic areas, and its easy maintenance, enhanced appearance, quick drying time, and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive choice for homeowners and contractors alike.

If you are looking for a finish that will stand the test of time, conversion varnish is always the winner. 

Is there a warranty?

Absolutely. 

You want to be sure that you’re making the right decision before hiring a cabinet contractor and we understand that.

So you can have total peace-of-mind that not only will we make sure you’re happy with the work, but will do what’s needed if there’s any issues after we leave as well. 

That’s why we guarantee our work, and promise to take care of your cabinets as if they were our own! 

We offer a 3 year warranty on chips, peeling or any other application issues so you don’t have to worry if it’s going to hold up or  last.

We aim to earn your business more than once, and to build a long-lasting relationship so you’ll have someone you can trust for all your cabinet painting, or fine furniture needs in the future.

What forms of payment do you accept? 

  1. Cash (no fee)
  2. Check (no fee)
  3. ACH (e-check, has 1% fee)
  4. Credit/debit (has 3% fee)
  5. CashApp – (no fee)
    our tag on there is $LewisCabinet