Cabinet refinishing is no longer just a side hustle for painters and contractors—it’s a booming niche market with high margins, increasing demand, and plenty of opportunity for upselling. But if you’re still using off-the-shelf coatings or relying on trial-and-error finishes, you could be leaving serious revenue on the table.
In today’s competitive landscape, the products you use directly impact your results, client satisfaction, and ultimately, your bottom line. Whether you're looking to justify higher prices, reduce callbacks, or offer premium upgrades, your choice of coatings can make or break the deal.
Let’s break down how professional coatings can boost your cabinet refinishing sales—and which ones should be on your radar.
Why Coatings Matter More Than You Think
Your coating isn’t just a finish—it’s a sales tool. Homeowners expect their refinished cabinets to hold up like factory finishes. Using low-quality coatings can lead to wear, chipping, or peeling—leaving you on the hook for fixes or refunds. Using our high-performance coatings like 2K polyurethanes cure faster and require fewer coats. That means faster turnarounds and more bookings each month. The end result –– a silky smooth finish that mimics high-end factory cabinetry is what earns you word-of-mouth referrals and glowing reviews.
If you're still brushing on trim paint from the hardware store, it's time to upgrade your arsenal.
Best-Selling Coatings That Set You Apart
Here are top-rated coatings from the Accessa Marketplace that cabinet refinishers across the U.S. are using to scale their businesses:
ICA 2K Polyurethane System
A game-changer for professionals who need durability and high-end aesthetics. This two-component polyurethane system offers:
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Factory-grade durability
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Excellent chemical resistance
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Silky smooth matte or satin finishes
Use it for: Kitchens, high-traffic cabinets, luxury refinishing packages
Renner Italia 851 Water-Based Polyurethane
Water-based doesn’t have to mean weak. Renner’s 851 Series is a water-based 2K polyurethane system that dries fast, sprays smooth, and is low odor.
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Meets stricter VOC compliance
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Excellent leveling and hardness
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Contractor favorite for on-site jobs
Use it for: Occupied homes, green building projects, upscale offerings
Centurion 400 Series
A fast-drying, single-component finish that’s ideal for jobs that need to move quickly without sacrificing quality.
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Great value for production refinishers
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Minimal sanding between coats
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Sprays beautifully with HVLP or air-assisted systems
Use it for: Budget-conscious projects, commercial cabinetry, rapid turnarounds
How to Use Coatings to Boost Your Sales Pitch
Selling a better coating isn’t just about chemistry—it’s about confidence. Here are 3 tactics to close more cabinet jobs using coatings as your edge:
Create Tiered Packages
Many customers are price minded or are working within a specific budget. By offering 2-3 levels of service you are giving them flexibility to get a quality job within their range. Consider a package program like:
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Standard: Budget-friendly finish using a single-component acrylic
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Premium: Durable, 2K water-based polyurethane
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Elite: Factory finish using ICA’s solvent-based 2K poly system
This helps customers self-select, gives you upsell opportunities, and makes your pricing seem more justified. Side note: most of the time the customer will sell themselves knowing there is a higher-quality option within reach.
Use Samples and Swatches
Bring real wood panels finished in different coatings. Let clients feel the difference between retail paint products versus your premium industrial coating products. This creates a tactile, persuasive experience that sets you apart. If you are matching a specific color or style from a previous area – our Custom Color Studio is perfect to get the right match for a job well done.
Mention Maintenance and Longevity
Nothing hurts the pocketbook more than having to repeat the same job within 3-5 years. Position premium coatings as long-term value while providing any real-world examples of past jobs. The goal here is to not implement the typical 'fear-mongering' sales approach – but to educate the customer on the 'why' behind a higher quality product.
Clients will often choose durability once they understand the ROI.
Don’t Forget About Primers and Sealers
Even the best topcoat will fail if your primer isn’t dialed in.
Renner 648 Water-Based 2K Primer
Fast drying, sands like butter, and provides a smooth base for water-based topcoats. Great for MDF and pre-finished surfaces.
ICA Polyurethane Sealer
Ideal for high-end refinishers looking for complete adhesion and clarity under top-tier finishes.
Sell the Result, Not Just the Paint
Homeowners don’t generally care about the chemical makeup of a product or their specific resin types, but they do care about results. Using professional coatings allows you to position yourself as a premium service provider, charge more, reduce callbacks, and grow your referrals.
Your coatings are more than products—they’re part of your reputation. Make sure they’re working just as hard as you are.
If you have any real-world stores and want to share – drop us a message or email your story here for a chance to be featured on our social media channels.
