FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A little clarity before you begin.
Answers to the practical questions about cabinet painting, refinishing, grain, timing and your home.
01Can my existing cabinets be painted?+
Many sound wood, veneer and MDF cabinets can be candidates. The existing finish, damaged edges, water exposure and construction matter more than age alone. Send a wide kitchen photo, a door close-up and any problem areas so we can start with the right questions.
02Do you spray the doors or brush them?+
NS shop-sprays removable doors and drawer fronts. Cabinet boxes are prepared and sprayed on site with the surrounding area fully masked. The exact preparation and coating system are agreed for your project.
03How long will my kitchen be out of action?+
A typical kitchen project is about a week, but repair needs, the finish choice and the number of pieces can change the schedule. We will discuss access and disruption before you commit. Dry-to-touch is different from fully cured, so follow the care instructions for the actual finish.
04Will I still see the grain in oak cabinets?+
That is a choice to discuss up front. Painting over oak preserves some visible grain texture. Additional grain-filling can create a smoother appearance. Restaining keeps the character of the wood. A photograph helps us assess the existing surface, but final expectations should be set with a sample.
05Do I have to replace the counters or change the layout?+
Refinishing keeps the cabinet layout. It is often a good fit when you like the kitchen’s footprint and the boxes are sound. If the layout or storage needs a fundamental change, compare refinishing with a larger remodel before deciding.
06Do you work on both sides of the river?+
NS serves Vancouver, WA, Portland, OR and surrounding communities. Enter your ZIP in the quote so we can confirm the project location. Availability and scope are confirmed for each request.
07Can thermofoil or peeling wrapped doors be painted?+
They need a separate assessment. The condition of the wrap and the substrate underneath determine what is feasible. A coat of paint cannot repair a failing bond. If useful, you can text close-ups of lifting edges and swollen areas to 360-903-6298.
08Do you refinish vanity sinks or countertops?+
The confirmed bathroom service is the vanity cabinetry. Sink, countertop, tile and bathtub refinishing are different services and are not represented as part of an NS vanity quote.
09What should I photograph for a quote?+
Start with a wide view, a door or drawer close-up, and any damaged or peeling area. Add the island or connected built-ins if you want them included. Avoid faces, private documents and household details unrelated to the work.
10Can I choose a phone call instead of texts?+
Yes. Choose your preferred method in the quote form. Text consent is optional and unchecked; email and phone call are available alternatives.
11Can I see an exact final color on my screen?+
No. Screen settings, lighting and the surrounding materials affect how a color appears. Illustrations help choose a direction; a physical sample and a project-specific approval set the final expectation.