Question 1

Do You Need to Be Present During Finishing?

Accepted Answer

It’s completely up to you. My refinishing system is designed for occupied homes, and one of my specialties is bringing a full spray finishing booth on-site. This allows me to work more efficiently and keep costs lower compared to transporting everything off-site.
Some clients prefer to schedule the project while they’re out of town, but the process works just as well if you’re home. The first two days are minimally invasive (cleaning, protecting surfaces, and setup). Days three and four involve most of the sanding and spraying, so that’s when it can be noisier—you can plan to be out during those times or simply use another part of the house.
The kitchen will be fully sectioned off with plastic and air scrubbers, so there’s no need to worry about dust or vapors in your living space. I’ll also do my best to leave access to your fridge, sink, and appliances at the end of each workday, though it’s a good idea to set up a coffee/snack station elsewhere just in case.
For clients who prefer, I also offer the option of refinishing cabinets off-site. Whether that’s possible depends on your preferences, the available space, and other factors we’ll discuss during your consultation.

Question 2

Pets and Your Refinishing Project

Accepted Answer

Noise can be stressful for some pets, and while I do my best to keep it down, sanding and spraying can be loud. For their comfort and safety, I recommend keeping pets in another part of the house—or outside the home entirely—while I’m working.
I’ll be moving in and out frequently during the refinishing process, and while I’ll do my best to keep doors closed, I can’t guarantee a pet won’t slip out if they’re prone to running off. Because of this, I ask that clients create a plan to keep their pets secure for the duration of the project.
I love animals and completely understand they’re family members, which is why I emphasize this. The safest option for them is to stay away from the work area until the job is complete.

Question 3

Warranty on Our Craftsmanship

Accepted Answer

Executive Fine Finish workmanship warranty covers the work for one(1) year upon completion of the project. There are additional warranties that would extend through the paint manufacturers.

My warranty excludes:

Incidental damage caused by accident or abuse, normal wear and tear. 
Temperature and humidity changes can cause cracks to form at the wood seems. These cracks are caused by natural wood expansion and movement. There is no way to prevent wood from moving, however the polyurethane coating I use is the only coating known that can minimize affects of wood movement.

Question 4

Oak Grain Preservation Techniques

Accepted Answer

Oak has a very distinctive grain pattern, and my refinishing system is specifically designed to preserve its natural character while providing a high-end, durable finish. I use a proprietary process developed by ICRO Wood Coatings called oak grain printing. This technique highlights the unique grain of the oak so that its patterns gently telegraph through the finish, while sealing the pinholes and pores for a smooth, elegant look.
The process begins with flooding the pores of the oak using ICRO 300 two-component isolator. This isolator dives deep into the wood, sealing tannins and closing pores without the need for fillers that tend to crack and shorten the life of a finish. I apply multiple coats as needed—sometimes up to five—back-brushed with a microfiber squeegee to ensure complete pore filling. After that, I block-sand the doors to level the profile and reduce waviness.
Once the pores are sealed, I apply a single coat of ICRO 416 high-build primer, followed by a catalyzed topcoat. The result is a finish that represents the highest-end option available for oak: elegant, durable, and true to the wood’s natural beauty.
If you prefer not to see any visible wood grain or waviness, the only alternative is to replace the doors with a smoother wood species such as maple. I don’t offer a “full hide” grain-fill option for oak because it simply doesn’t achieve a premium result—attempts with fillers or heavy primers only emphasize the uneven profile of the substrate and will always look less refined.
This oak grain printing system is custom, highly refined, and represents the gold standard for properly finishing oak. It’s one of the reasons to hire a true refinisher rather than a painter, since painters typically cover the surface with paint, sacrificing the natural beauty and profile of the wood.

Question 5

Preparing for Your Finishing Project

Accepted Answer

✅ Professional Setup

Expect professionalism at every step. I use Festool dustless sanding, zip-wall barriers, and a high-end spray system designed specifically for ICRO Wood Coatings. These are water-based 2K polyurethanes with crosslinkers for maximum durability. They’re zero-VOC and use an isocyanate-free hardener—safe for use in your home.
✅ Air Quality Protection

While there may be some odor or vapor, I run air scrubbers and venting systems to keep the air clean. Barriers keep dust and fumes contained in the work area only.
✅ Work Schedule

I typically work from10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Projects take about5–6 days, sometimes longer for large kitchens. If you need to adjust workdays or times, we’ll plan that in advance.
✅ Appliance Access

You’ll usually have access to appliances during the first two prep days. By days 3–4, most will be masked off. The fridge can be left in place (I move it as needed), or you can relocate it beforehand if you’d prefer. Stoves and microwaves are usually masked in place.
✅ Home Prep Before Start

Clear countertops and put away small items. Shelves and drawers usually don’t need to be emptied since I mask openings thoroughly. A quick sweep and mop of the floors beforehand helps things go faster.
✅ Cleanup After

I’ll remove debris, wipe surfaces, and haul away all hazardous waste for recycling. You may still want a deep clean afterward depending on your preference.
✅ Doors & Hardware

Cabinet doors are sprayed vertically, hung on small hooks at the top or bottom edges. These are hidden when reinstalled, and any visible holes are filled. Hardware replacement is only included if added to the work order.
✅ Wall & Ceiling Paint Touch-Ups

Even with delicate-surface tape, sometimes wall paint can chip when removed. I’ll address any touch-ups, but it’s helpful if you have leftover wall or ceiling paint available so I can match it and finish cleanly. In some cases, caulking seams where cabinets meet walls is best cut in with paint afterward for a polished look. Having extra paint on hand gives us the flexibility to make the finish seamless.

Question 6

Best Timing for Cabinet Refinishing

Accepted Answer

✅ Planning Your Project Order

If refinishing is part of a larger remodel, the best step is to call me as soon as possible. I can connect you with vetted contractors I’ve worked with before—only professionals who consistently deliver the highest quality results. This is a valuable resource when you’re planning a remodel, and I can even help coordinate or support the process if needed.
✅ Why Timing Matters

In most cases, all other remodeling work should be completed before cabinet refinishing. That way, details are finalized, and there’s no risk of other trades damaging the finish. My specialty is delivering the final touch—perfecting seams, repairs, and details that often get overlooked.
✅ Best Results

Refinishing last ensures the finish stays flawless and the kitchen looks complete. While I can work at different stages if needed, planning refinishing as the finishing step is the most logical order for the best end result.

Question 7

Refinishing Cost Guide

Accepted Answer

✅ How Much Does This Cost?

Every kitchen is different, but here’s some perspective: in Portland, kitchens are often 10–15% of a home’s total value, and cabinetry makes up a big share of that. Replacing cabinets can easily cost$20,000–$40,000+, depending on size and layout.
✅ Why Refinishing is Smarter

When you refinish, you keep your existing cabinet boxes, countertops, and floors in place—avoiding the huge added costs of replacing them. The only time full replacement makes financial sense is if you’re changing the entire kitchen layout. Otherwise, refinishing gives you the same features as new cabinetry at a fraction of the price. You can even choose upgrades like new doors or veneers while keeping 80–90% of your kitchen intact. And unlike many new cabinets today, older cabinets are often built better—ripping them out can actually lower quality.
✅ The Savings

Refinishing typically savesabout 80%compared to replacement. My prices are not comparable to basic “painted cabinet” quotes because I don’t offer paint-grade finishes. The price difference comes down to product quality—painters use wall or trim paint, which quickly fails on cabinetry. I only use factory-grade ICRO 2K polyurethanes, designed specifically for kitchens.
✅ The Hidden Cost of Paint

Half of my projects come from fixing painted cabinets that failed within just a few years. Homeowners pay twice—once for paint, then again for proper refinishing or having to the replace the permanent damage done. My mission is to prevent that by offering the right coatings and process from the start.

Luxury Finishes for Your Home & Business.

Precision. Craftsmanship. Quality.

About Executive Fine Finish

Cabinet Services

Cabinet Refinishing

Cabinet Repair & Restoration

Cabinet Refacing

Kitchen Cabinet

Refinishing & Refacing

Project Gallery

Cabinet Refinishing Questions, Answered

Do You Need to Be Present During Finishing?

Pets and Your Refinishing Project

Warranty on Our Craftsmanship

Oak Grain Preservation Techniques

Preparing for Your Finishing Project

Best Timing for Cabinet Refinishing

Refinishing Cost Guide

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Executive Fine Finish

Contact us

Get in Touch

Executive Fine Finish

Portland, Oregon

Working Hours

Cabinet Finishing Blog

Quick Links

Contact Information

Follow Us On Social

Luxury Finishes for Your Home & Business.

Precision. Craftsmanship. Quality.

About Executive Fine Finish

Cabinet Services

Cabinet Refinishing

Cabinet Repair & Restoration

Cabinet Refacing

Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing & Refacing Project Gallery

Cabinet Refinishing Questions, Answered

Do You Need to Be Present During Finishing?

Pets and Your Refinishing Project

Warranty on Our Craftsmanship

Oak Grain Preservation Techniques

Preparing for Your Finishing Project

Best Timing for Cabinet Refinishing

Refinishing Cost Guide

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Executive Fine Finish

Contact us

Get in Touch

Executive Fine Finish

​Portland, Oregon

​

Working Hours

Cabinet Finishing Blog

Quick Links

Contact Information

Follow Us On Social

Kitchen Cabinet

Refinishing & Refacing

Project Gallery

Portland, Oregon