About this restoration

This cherry cabinet came through our Fort Collins shop for a full finish transformation. The original honey-toned surface was warm but visually dated, while the cabinet itself had the structure, scale, crown molding, and door detail needed to become a much stronger finished piece with the right preparation and finish system.

What was wrong

The cabinet did not need to be replaced, but the existing finish no longer fit the look the piece needed. The honey color made the cabinet feel older and less intentional, and any new finish had to be built correctly over detailed surfaces, molded edges, doors, panels, and crown molding so the result would look clean rather than painted over.

What we did

• Evaluated the existing cherry cabinet finish to determine the right preparation process before applying the new color.
• Cleaned and prepared all cabinet surfaces including flat panels, doors, edges, crown molding, and detail areas.
• Converted the cabinet from honey-toned wood to a dark slate finish for a more refined and updated appearance.
• Worked carefully around molding and profile details so the new finish stayed crisp instead of heavy or uneven.
• Balanced sheen and coverage across the full piece so the cabinet reads as one cohesive refinished surface.
• Completed final inspection to confirm clean lines, consistent tone, and durable finish quality.

Care tips

• Dust regularly with a soft microfiber cloth; avoid abrasive pads or scrub sponges.
• Clean fingerprints or smudges with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner applied to the cloth, not sprayed directly onto the cabinet.
• Wipe spills or moisture promptly, especially around crown molding, panel edges, and lower cabinet areas.
• Avoid harsh chemical cleaners, ammonia, alcohol-heavy products, and silicone sprays on the refinished surface.
• Use care when moving décor or objects near the cabinet to prevent chips and scuffs in the dark finish.
• If the finish begins to dull, chip, or show wear, book maintenance early before damage spreads.