Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: I accept cash, personal checks, Visa and MasterCard.

Q: I'm interested in having my cabinets refinished. How does the process work?
A: I provide a free, no-obligation consultation to first meet with the homeowners in person, visually assess the cabinets, offer suggestions, discuss the project plan, and answer any questions. A detailed, written estimate is then provided shortly thereafter. On average, cabinets take one week to complete. While the cabinet doors and drawer-fronts are sprayed offsite, there is a great deal of prep work involved inside the home, including, but not limited to, carefully removing/indexing all existing hardware, taping and masking the area, and cleaning, de-glossing, sanding, priming and painting all fixed cabinet frames/boxes.

Q: Do you require an up-front deposit?
A: A small deposit may be requested to cover the costs to get the project started, with the remaining balance being due in full when the project is complete.

Q: Do you consult with the homeowners on colors and finishes?
A: Absolutely! It's always a pleasure to lend perspective on colors and finishes that complement your taste and design strategy. I have completed many kitchens and bathrooms and would love to discuss and offer advice based on what inspires you from a home design perspective.

Q: I received a quote from a different supplier to brush paint my cabinets. Is there a difference between brushing and spraying? How do you refinish cabinets?
A: While brushing paint can render a rustic, distressed look, it is generally not ideal for cabinetry. Brushing - even by professional painters - can leave behind "brush marks" and other surface-level imperfections that are very visible to the naked eye. As a result, brushing often falls short of delivering the smooth, professional finish seen from sprayers.

With respect to my approach, all doors and drawer-fronts are sprayed offsite using professional spray equipment. The cabinet boxes/frames in your kitchen/bathroom are also finished in place using a professional grade fine finish sprayer.

Q: Can I use my kitchen during the process?
A:  When the cabinet frames are being sprayed, there is a great deal of taping and masking that renders the area less accessible for certain periods of time. During the consultation, we can discuss your schedule and kitchen access needs.  If hired, I will work with you to develop a plan that minimizes inconvenience to the flow of your household.

Q: My kitchen is dated, but I can't afford to fully renovate it. What will give me the most bang for my buck?
A: Converting a dated kitchen (or one that doesn't reflect its owners' taste) into a showpiece is my speciality. We'll work together to come up with a cohesive design theme that takes into account your budget and incorporates your target cabinet color, hardware (hinges, handles, etc), backsplash and other features.

Q: What kind of paint do you use?
A: I use high-end Sherwin Williams waterborne finishes, made specifically for cabinetry.  Pure oil-based finishes tend to "yellow" over time and can be more prone to cracking/chipping. Oil-based primers are occasionally used if the cabinet surface warrants more blocking/hiding before the top-coat color is applied. Shellac-based primers are most frequently used in light of their exceptional adhesion and blocking capabilities.

Q: How do I clean and care for my cabinets after refinishing?
A: Freshly applied paint goes through a process called "curing", which essentially means hardening from the inside out. While the cabinets feel completely dry to the touch after completion, the curing process takes upwards of 3 weeks. During this time, it is critical not to use any abrasive cleaners and to allow the paint to properly harden. A soft, lint-free cloth lightly dampened with water is appropriate during curing for spot-cleaning, and mild cleaners can be used thereafter. As with any painted surface, avoiding trails of standing water after cleaning is essential to protect and preserve the newly-finished surface. All completed cabinet projects come with a complimentary supply of touch-up paint.

Have a question not addressed above? Feel free to call me at (704) 453-6613 or send me an E-mail at maclarenservicesllc@gmail.com