When you’re investing in a modern kitchen or custom cabinets, the finish you choose makes all the difference. Many homeowners don’t realize that the finish is more than just “paint” or “stain”—it’s the protective barrier that determines how your cabinets will look and perform for many years to come. 

At Wildwood Cabinets in Knoxville, Tennessee, we take finishing seriously. Unlike many small shops or budget manufacturers, we use only professional-grade Conversion Varnish (CV)—a finish trusted by architects.

Why Many Shops Still Use Pre-Catalyzed Lacquer

Most budget cabinet shops in East Tennessee rely on lacquer, often called “Precat” or Pre-Catalyzed Lacquer. Here’s why: 

● It’s inexpensive (roughly half the cost of premium finishes). 

● It requires little training or specialized equipment.

● It can be sprayed in a garage or ad-hoc space without climate control. 

But the trade-off is significant. Precat lacquer is a relatively weak finish that:

● Scratches easily. 

● Lacks resistance to everyday household chemicals. 

● Yellows and discolors over time. 

The yellowing issue is especially problematic with white or light-colored cabinets, which can quickly look “antiqued” or simply “old.” This happens because Precat lacquer is made with nitrocellulose—a textile byproduct derived from cotton fibers—which naturally shifts color or “ambers” as it ages. 

Even when properly applied in 2–3 coats to meet the minimum KCMA and AWI standards, the durability and longevity of lacquer remain limited.

Why Wildwood Cabinets Uses Conversion Varnish (CV)

At Wildwood, our state-of-the-art, climate-controlled finishing facility sets us apart from every other custom cabinet shop in Knoxville and East Tennessee. 

Here’s why Conversion Varnish is the professional’s choice—and our standard at Wildwood: 

● Superior Durability: CV is twice as tough as lacquer, offering unmatched scratch resistance. 

● Chemical Resistance: Everyday spills, cleaners, and moisture won’t damage your cabinets. 

● Color-Fast & Non-Yellowing: Unlike lacquer, CV stays true to its original color—perfect for modern whites, soft grays, or bold finishes. 

● Architect Specified: Architects and designers specify CV for all commercial and residential millwork. 

Our professional finishing process includes:

● premium Conversion Varnish application in a state of the art facility

● Hand sanding between each coat for flawless smoothness. 

● Controlled application at a dust controlled and at constant 70 degrees for maximum performance. 

We partner with Sherwin-Williams Conversion Varnish Wood Finishes.  

The Details That Matter

Conversion Varnish isn’t easy to apply—it requires a skilled team and a carefully maintained environment. It must be exactly measured and mixed by a professionally trained cabinetmaker. The product is catalyzed much like epoxy, creating a strict 8-hour pot life where chemical cross-linking begins. This precision process is why most smaller shops avoid it—and why our finishes stand out. 

At Wildwood, we typically finish at a low 10-sheen matte gloss, with ultra-low 5-sheen options available for those who want the softest, most modern look. 

The result? Wildwood’s cabinet finish would be qualified as premium by the KCMA/AWI standard and elevates your home with a modern, timeless aesthetic.

Choose Knoxville’s Premier Cabinetmaker 
If you’re looking for modern, transitional or transitional fully custom cabinets in Knoxville that combine beauty, performance, and durability, Wildwood Cabinets delivers a finish you simply won’t find anywhere else in East Tennessee. 

Your cabinets should look stunning on day one—and stay that way for decades. With our Conversion Varnish finish, they will.

Ready to upgrade to the best modern cabinet finish in Knoxville? 

Schedule your design consultation with Wildwood Cabinets today.