What kind of finish do you apply to custom cabinets?

We offer three primary finish categories for custom cabinets: painted, stained, and natural clear coat. The right choice depends on your design vision, the wood species, and how the cabinets will be used. Here is what each option involves and why it matters.

Painted Finish

Painted cabinets remain the most popular choice for Edmonton kitchens, bathrooms, and built-ins. We spray all painted cabinets using HVLP (high volume, low pressure) equipment, which delivers a factory-smooth finish without brush marks or roller texture.

For standard painted cabinets, we use premium latex products like Benjamin Moore Advance or Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane. These self-levelling paints cure to a hard, washable surface that holds up to daily kitchen use. For clients who want the absolute hardest painted finish available, we offer conversion varnish from M.L. Campbell. This is the same catalyzed coating used by high-end cabinet manufacturers. It cures chemically (not by evaporation) and produces a surface that resists scratching, staining, and yellowing far better than any latex paint.

Stained Finish

Stained cabinets showcase the natural grain pattern of the wood underneath. We apply oil-based or water-based stain depending on the wood species and the look you are after, followed by two to three coats of lacquer topcoat for protection and sheen.

Oil-based stains penetrate deeper into the wood fibres and produce richer, warmer tones. Water-based stains dry faster and offer a wider range of colours, including contemporary grey and weathered tones that are popular in Edmonton's newer homes. The lacquer topcoat (typically from M.L. Campbell or Sherwin-Williams) provides the scratch and moisture resistance that kitchen and bathroom cabinets demand.

Natural Clear Coat

For clients who want to showcase the raw beauty of the wood without colour modification, we apply a clear lacquer or conversion varnish. This option is popular with premium species like walnut, white oak, and maple, where the natural grain and colour are the design feature. Clear coat protects the wood from moisture, staining, and UV yellowing while adding a subtle sheen (matte, satin, or semi-gloss based on your preference).

Our Recommendation for Kitchen Cabinets

For kitchen cabinets specifically, we recommend conversion varnish regardless of whether you choose a painted or stained finish. Kitchens take more abuse than any other room in the house: steam, grease, cleaning products, and constant handling. Conversion varnish stands up to all of it. The upfront cost is higher than standard latex, but the longevity and durability more than justify the investment.

Curious which finish is right for your project? Request a free estimate and we will bring samples to your home.