Project Description
This cabinet refinishing project was centered around transforming a large set of built-in bookshelves and cabinetry located in the main living room of a beautiful home in Columbia, SC’s prestigious Wildewood neighborhood. The client reached out for a full cabinet makeover—looking for something that didn’t just refresh the space, but truly elevated it.
The scale of the built-ins was impressive, spanning nearly the full length of the wall, including crown moldings, cabinet doors, adjustable shelving, and intricate trim work.
For this full refinish, our pricing fell within the $2,800 to $3,200 range, reflective of the detail involved, the premium materials used, and the turnaround time of just 2.5 days.
Background/Story:
The homeowners—a warm, welcoming family—were in the middle of reimagining their main living area. The space was beautiful in structure but felt dated due to the dark, worn finish of the cabinetry. We primarily worked with the wife, who had a clear vision for a lighter, cleaner aesthetic that aligned with the airy, modern updates happening throughout the rest of the home.
She shared stories about how much time they spend in that room—whether it was hosting family movie nights or reading in the quiet corners—so getting the tone and finish just right really mattered.
After reviewing samples and walking her through our process, she felt confident in taking the leap with us. Her excitement was contagious. And by the time we wrapped up, that excitement turned into joy. In fact, the transformation had such an impact that she invited us back not long after to refinish both the kitchen and laundry room cabinetry as well.
Scope of Services
To bring this client’s vision to life, we performed the following services:
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Surface preparation: thorough degreasing, sanding, and cleaning of all built-ins and cabinetry
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Masking and protection of surrounding flooring, walls, and furniture
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Removal of all doors, shelves, and hardware for separate treatment
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Application of high-performance water-based polyurethane primer and topcoats
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On-site color consultation and finish sampling
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Reinstallation of hardware and final inspection walk-through
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Paints/Products Used:
- Icro 1K Polyurethane Primer – applied to all cabinet surfaces to ensure optimal adhesion and sealing
- Icro 2K Polyurethane Topcoat (custom-mixed satin white) – used on all cabinet doors, face frames, and shelves for a durable, elegant finish
- Fine-grit sanding sponges and Festool dust extraction system – used throughout the prep and between coats for smooth, dust-free results
- Low-tack tape and plastic sheeting – used for full protection of walls, floors, and adjacent surfaces during spraying
Results:
The transformation was immediate and stunning. What was once a dark, heavy feature in the living room became a soft, refined focal point that brought balance and warmth into the space. The cabinetry looked brand new—clean lines, a smooth finish, and a fresh white tone that reflected natural light beautifully.
The wife was thrilled, calling the results “better than I even imagined.” She appreciated not just the look, but the way we respected their home, kept things clean, and delivered on our timeline.
It was one of those projects that felt more like a collaboration than a job—and we’re honored to have played a part in bringing her vision to life.
