How lacquer, catalyzed varnish, polyurethane, oil and paint finishes differ in wear, repair and cleaning.
A finish is the protective skin on a cabinet, and it takes the wear of cooking, cleaning and daily touch. Lacquer dries fast and gives a smooth surface. Catalyzed varnish hardens by chemical reaction and is very durable. Water-based polyurethane is clear, low in odor and tough. Oil finishes soak in and give a natural look but need renewal. Paint systems combine primer and a hard topcoat.
The best choice depends on where the cabinet is and how it is used. A kitchen sink base meets water, and a pantry rarely does. Nashville kitchens with heat and humidity need finishes that resist moisture and grease. We explain which finish we use, how many coats it has and how it should be cleaned, so you can compare it with other proposals.
Very hard and resistant to moisture and wear.
Smooth and quick to apply. Easy to repair but less hard.
Clear, low in odor and tough, with good moisture resistance.
Natural look and feel, but need renewal over time.
Primer and hard topcoat designed for cabinets.
Mild soap and a soft cloth suit most finishes.
Flat Panel and Slab CabinetsFlat panel and slab cabinets with smooth, clean doors in wood veneer, paint or laminate for a modern…Explore 
Inset CabinetsInset cabinets with doors and drawers set flush inside the frame for a precise, furniture-grade look that takes…Explore 
Stained Wood CabinetsStained wood cabinets that show off the grain of maple, oak, cherry, walnut or hickory, with finishes from…Explore 
Glazed and Distressed FinishesGlazed and distressed cabinet finishes that add depth, age and character with hand-applied highlights, soft wear marks and…Explore 
Cabinet RefacingCabinet refacing that keeps your sound cabinet boxes and replaces the doors, drawer fronts and visible surfaces for…Explore 
Cabinet RefinishingCabinet refinishing that strips, repairs and recoats your existing cabinets in stain or paint, restoring color and protection…Explore 
Cabinet PaintingCabinet painting with careful cleaning, sanding, priming and a durable coating, so existing cabinets get a smooth, lasting…Explore 
Cabinet Restoration and Touch-UpCabinet restoration and touch-up for scratches, chips, worn edges and faded finishes, using color-matched repairs on wood and…Explore Size a room, check your cabinets or ballpark a budget.
Cabinet Layout and Quantity CalculatorEnter your measurements to see base and wall cabinet counts, counter area, vanity widths, closet sections, bookcase bays and pantry shelves.Try it 
Should I Refresh or Replace My Cabinets? CheckerPick your cabinet type, condition and the signs you see to learn whether a tune-up, paint, refacing or replacement may fit.Try it 
Cabinet Budget PlannerPick a kitchen, bath, built-in or repair project, set the size and add allowances to see a ballpark planning range. Placeholder values only.Try it Catalyzed and high-quality conversion finishes are very durable. Care matters as much as the product.
Most can be repaired. Lacquer and paint are easy to touch up.
Not necessarily. Sheen is about look. Hardness depends on the product.
Comparison guideFramed vs FramelessHow face frame cabinets and frameless cabinets differ in look, storage, strength and installation.Learn more 
Comparison guideInset vs OverlayHow inset doors, full overlay doors and partial overlay doors differ in look, cost of labor and storage.Learn more 
Comparison guideCabinet MaterialsHow solid wood, plywood, fiberboard and particleboard compare as cabinet materials for boxes, doors and shelves.Learn more 
Comparison guideDoor FinishesHow thermofoil, laminate, painted and natural wood doors compare in look, wear, repair and cleaning.Learn more Call us and describe your room. We will visit, talk through options and give you a clear written estimate.
