How to Be Kitchen Cabinet Refinisher/Painter - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 11, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Painting kitchen cabinets can be a great way to give your kitchen a completely new look. The process of refinishing, or painting, kitchen cabinets involves sanding, priming and applying a quality latex paint or stain. When this process is done correctly, it can create a beautiful, long-lasting finish that will add value to a home and make a kitchen look brand new.

However, it is important to hire a professional cabinet refinisher or painter in order to get the job done right. This is because the pros have the experience and knowledge to properly prepare, fix, and finish the cabinets. Without the help of an experienced professional, the results may be disappointing and the cabinets may easily be damaged.

Steps How to Become

Gain Experience. Start by gaining experience in the kitchen cabinet refinishing and painting business. Consider working with an experienced kitchen cabinet refinisher and painter to learn the trade.
Complete an Apprenticeship. Consider completing an apprenticeship program. Many kitchen cabinet refinishers and painters complete apprenticeships to gain a full understanding of the trade.
Obtain a License. Depending on the state, you may need to obtain a license in order to work as a kitchen cabinet refinisher and painter.
Obtain Supplies and Equipment. Purchase all of the necessary supplies and equipment needed to complete kitchen cabinet refinishing and painting jobs.
Develop a Business Plan. Develop a business plan that outlines how you will market your services, manage your finances, and track your progress.
Market Your Services. Use a variety of marketing tactics to promote your kitchen cabinet refinishing and painting business, including direct mail, networking, and advertising in local publications.
Set Your Prices. Set your prices based on the competition in your area and the quality of work that you provide.
Track Your Progress. Track your progress and make adjustments as needed to ensure that your business is successful.

When hiring a kitchen cabinet refinisher/painter, it is important to ensure that they are reliable and qualified. Doing research and obtaining references from past clients is a great way to determine if the contractor is experienced and trustworthy. Checking with the Better Business Bureau is another way to find out if the contractor has had any complaints filed against them.

In addition, it is prudent to check licensing and insurance information to make sure they are legally allowed to work in your area and that they are properly insured. Taking the time to perform due diligence when selecting a kitchen cabinet refinisher/painter will help ensure you get a quality job with lasting results.

You may want to check Custom Cabinetmaker, Cabinet and Countertop Installer, and Woodworker/Cabinet Maker/Fabricator for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare surfaces for painting, including washing and sanding cabinets.
Mask, seal, and cover all areas that should not be painted.
Mix paints and other materials according to manufacturers instructions.
Apply primer, paint, and/or clear coats to cabinets as desired.
Operate spray equipment or use brushes/rollers to apply paint.
Inspect cabinets to ensure proper coverage and smooth finish.
Troubleshoot any problems that arise during painting process.
Repair and refinish existing cabinets as needed.
Remove old paint and finish from cabinets using appropriate methods.
Clean up workspace and dispose of any debris from project.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the proper techniques needed to refinish or paint kitchen cabinets.
Ability to use a variety of tools and equipment to strip, sand, paint, and refinish cabinets.
Ability to follow instructions for mixing and applying paint and other finishes.
Ability to assess the condition of kitchen cabinets and determine the best approach for refinishing or painting.
Attention to detail in order to achieve a professional finish with smooth lines and even coverage.
Ability to troubleshoot and make adjustments to address any issues that may arise while refinishing or painting kitchen cabinets.
Physical strength and endurance to lift and maneuver heavy kitchen cabinets.
Knowledge of safety protocols when using power tools and chemicals.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Excellent communication skills in order to advise customers on the best approach for refinishing or painting their cabinets.

Having the right skills to be a successful kitchen cabinet refinisher/painter is essential to providing quality results. The primary skill needed is an eye for detail and an ability to pay close attention to the finer points of a project. having a good understanding of color theory and texture will help create a pleasing aesthetic.

A knowledge of basic carpentry principles is also important for proper preparation and installation of cabinets. Finally, having the proper tools and protective equipment is key for safety when working with chemicals and applying finishes. All of these skills are necessary for a successful kitchen cabinet refinisher/painter, and when combined, can create a beautiful end result that will add value and beauty to any home.

Custom Millwork and Cabinetry Designer, Woodshop Technician/Cabinetmaker, and Kitchen Cabinet Installer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have refinishing/painting kitchen cabinets?
How familiar are you with the tools and techniques necessary for this job?
What safety measures do you take when performing this type of work?
Can you describe a project you have completed in the past that you are particularly proud of?
How do you prepare the surface of the cabinets prior to refinishing/painting?
How do you determine the right type of paint to use for a given project?
What techniques do you use to prevent paint from chipping or fading over time?
How do you handle difficult situations while working on a project, such as damage to existing cabinets?
How do you handle customer complaints or special requests?
What measures do you take to ensure a clean and safe work environment?

Common Tools in Industry

Sandpaper. Used to smooth surfaces and remove old finishes. (eg: 120 grit sandpaper)
Putty Knife. Used to scrape off old paint and prepare the surface for refinishing. (eg: Plastic putty knife)
Paintbrush. Used to apply a new coat of paint or stain. (eg: Angled paintbrush)
Paint Roller. Used to apply a new coat of paint quickly and evenly. (eg: Foam paint roller)
Paint Tray. A tray used to hold the paint and rollers. (eg: Plastic paint tray)
Paint Sprayer. Used to apply a new coat of paint or stain quickly and evenly. (eg: Airless paint sprayer)
Primer. A type of paint used to prepare the surface for painting or staining. (eg: Oil-based primer)
Drop Cloth. A sheet of material used to protect furniture and floors from drips of paint. (eg: Canvas drop cloth)
Masking Tape. Used to protect surfaces from paint and protect areas from paint overspray. (eg: Painters tape)
Paint Thinner. Used to clean up spills and thin down paints for spraying. (eg: Mineral spirits)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Professional Painters (NAPP)
Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA)
The International Coating and Laminating Association (ICALA)
American Coatings Association (ACA)
American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)
Professional Remodelers Organization (PRO)
The Painting and Decorating Association (PDA)
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)

We also have Closet and Cabinet Installer, Refinisher/Cabinetmaker, and Master Craftsman/Cabinet Maker jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Cabinet Refinishing. The process of restoring and reviving the look and finish of cabinets by either replacing, staining, or painting them.
Cabinet Painting. The process of painting cabinets to give them a fresh look.
Woodworking. Working with wood, such as cutting, shaping, and joining, to create and assemble items.
Staining. A process of applying color to wood to enhance its appearance and protect it from wear and tear.
Sanding. The process of smoothing the surface of a material using sandpaper or other abrasive material.
Finishing. Applying a sealant or finish to protect a material or surface against damage and wear.
Sealants. A substance applied to a surface to prevent moisture, dust, and other contaminants from penetrating it.
Priming. A process of preparing a surface by applying a coat of primer before painting it, in order to provide an even surface for the paint to adhere to.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of finishes can a kitchen cabinet refinisher/painter provide?

A kitchen cabinet refinisher/painter can provide a variety of finishes, such as lacquer, enamel, acrylic, oil-based, water-based, and stain.

How long does it typically take to refinish or paint kitchen cabinets?

The amount of time it takes to refinish or paint kitchen cabinets depends on the size of the project, but it can typically take anywhere from 2-4 days.

Is it necessary to completely remove the cabinet doors for refinishing or painting?

It is not always necessary to completely remove the cabinet doors for refinishing or painting, as long as they can be properly masked off and protected from any over-spray.

Are there any special considerations for painting or refinishing kitchen cabinets?

Yes, when painting or refinishing kitchen cabinets, it is important to consider the type of material they are made from, the type of existing finish on them, and the type of finish that is desired.

What products should be used to clean the cabinets before painting or refinishing?

When cleaning the cabinets before painting or refinishing, mild detergent and warm water should be used. A mild degreaser can also be used to remove any oils or grease that may be present.