Finish Matching

Custom Cabinetry & Island Design

Finish Matching and Custom Staining

Matching stain across different wood species is harder than it looks. White oak, cherry, and maple all absorb stain differently because of differences in grain tightness and porosity. A formula that hits the target color on oak will read darker on maple and lighter on cherry. We test on actual samples of the same species and cut as your cabinetry, then adjust the formula until the sample matches your approved color under your kitchen's specific lighting.

Our finishing sequence starts with progressive sanding through fine grits, water-raised grain pre-raised and sanded back, and pre-stain conditioner applied to any species prone to blotching. Stain goes on in stages until the color is right, then we seal with catalyzed lacquer or conversion varnish — a two-component finish that cures to a hard, moisture-resistant surface that holds up better than standard nitrocellulose lacquer over time.

For painted finishes, we offer everything from clean satin whites to hand-glazed two-tone traditional looks. Metro Detroit homeowners sometimes want upper cabinets in a painted finish and lowers in a stained wood — we handle both in the same project with finish samples approved before any production spraying starts. We evaluate your kitchen's natural and artificial lighting conditions before finalizing any color.