Frequently Asked
Questions

Most kitchen cabinet projects take 5-7 business days from start to finish. This includes proper prep work, primer, multiple coats, and cure time. We don't rush the process—your cabinets need time to cure properly for a factory-quality finish that lasts.

No, you can stay in your home. We work room by room, use low-VOC paints, and maintain clean work areas. Most homeowners find the process minimally disruptive. We'll discuss the schedule upfront so you know exactly what to expect each day.

Everything. Our quotes include all labor, materials, prep work, primer, paint, protection of your floors and furniture, and cleanup. No hidden fees, no surprise charges. The price we quote is the price you pay.

We use catalyzed conversion varnishes and spray application—the same materials and techniques used in professional cabinet shops. The result is a finish that's actually harder and more durable than most factory finishes, with better resistance to chipping and wear.

Yes, and it's included. Jesse will help you choose colors that work with your lighting, flooring, and overall aesthetic. We can also do large sample patches on your walls so you can see the color in your actual space before committing.

We serve Knoxville and the surrounding areas including Farragut, Hardin Valley, West Knoxville, Sequoyah Hills, Bearden, Oak Ridge, and Tellico Village. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, just ask—we likely do.

Yes. We stand behind every project with a workmanship warranty. If you notice any peeling, bubbling, or adhesion issues related to our application, we'll come back and make it right at no charge. We also use premium paints that carry their own manufacturer warranties.

We monitor weather closely and plan around it. If rain is expected, we won't start exterior work that day. If weather changes unexpectedly, we stop immediately and protect any wet surfaces. Your project timeline may shift slightly, but we'll never compromise the finish quality.

For interiors, we ask that you move small items and valuables away from walls. We handle all furniture moving and protection. For cabinets, please empty the cabinets and drawers before we start. We'll send you a simple checklist before your project begins.

We require a 25% deposit to secure your spot on our schedule, with the remaining balance due upon completion. We accept checks, cards, and bank transfers. Financing options are available. For larger projects, we can discuss milestone-based payments if that works better for you.

With Cutting Edge, you get Jesse—the owner—on every job. No rotating crews, no miscommunication, no corporate overhead passed on to you. You'll have direct access to the person responsible for your project, which means faster decisions, better accountability, and a personal stake in your satisfaction.

A typical Knoxville kitchen cabinet refinishing project ranges from $4,500 to $9,000 depending on the number of doors, drawers, and the complexity of the layout. This includes removal, shop-sprayed catalyzed finish, and reinstallation. It runs about one-third the cost of full cabinet replacement.

Cabinet painting uses standard latex or alkyd paint applied on-site. Refinishing uses catalyzed conversion varnish — a two-part industrial coating sprayed in a controlled environment. The result is harder, more scratch-resistant, and feels like a factory finish rather than a painted surface.

Yes. Oak has an open grain that shows texture through paint. If you want a completely smooth, modern look, we offer a grain-filling process before priming. This fills the wood pores so the topcoat dries glass-smooth, similar to an MDF panel. Ask Jesse during your estimate.

Most kitchen projects take 5 to 7 business days. We remove all doors and drawer fronts on day one, spray them in our shop over several days while prepping and painting the frames in your kitchen, then reinstall everything once the finish has fully cured.

Yes. Your countertops, sink, and appliances remain accessible throughout the project. We mask and protect everything carefully. The only disruption is that cabinet doors and drawers are off-site for a few days while being sprayed.

We use catalyzed conversion varnish, the same coating used by high-end custom cabinet manufacturers. It chemically cures to a hardness that resists scratches, household chemicals, moisture, and daily wear far better than any brush-on paint.

Absolutely. Going from stained wood to white or another solid color is one of our most popular requests. The process requires thorough degreasing, sanding, a stain-blocking bonding primer, and multiple topcoats — all of which are included in our standard refinishing process.

We can. If you are switching to different hardware with a new hole pattern, we fill and sand the old holes as part of prep. Many clients upgrade to modern pulls or soft-close hinges during the project. Just let Jesse know what you are considering and he will factor it into your estimate.

A properly refinished cabinet using catalyzed conversion varnish is actually more durable than many factory finishes on new stock cabinets. The coating chemically cross-links as it cures, creating a surface that resists scratching, staining, and moisture better than standard lacquer or paint. With normal use, you can expect the finish to hold up for 10 to 15 years.

A full interior repaint for an average Knoxville home (2,000–3,000 sq ft) typically ranges from $5,000 to $12,000 depending on the number of rooms, ceiling height, trim included, and surface condition. Single rooms usually start around $400–$800. Jesse provides a detailed line-item quote so there are no surprises.

A single room takes 1–2 days. A full home repaint usually takes 5–10 business days depending on size, prep requirements, and the number of colors. We work room by room so you can continue living comfortably throughout the project.

No. We move and protect all furniture as part of the project. We shift items to the center of the room, cover everything with drop cloths, and move things back when the room is complete. We just ask that you remove small valuables and personal items from shelves and walls.

We use Sherwin-Williams professional-grade paints — typically Emerald or Duration for walls and Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel for trim. For sheen, we recommend flat or matte for ceilings, eggshell or satin for walls, and satin or semi-gloss for trim and doors. We walk you through the options during your estimate.

Yes. We use low-VOC and zero-VOC paints that have minimal odor. Most homeowners stay in their homes throughout the project with no issues. We also maintain ventilation by keeping windows cracked when weather allows.

We paint everything — walls, ceilings, trim, baseboards, crown molding, door frames, window casings, and doors. Most of our projects include trim work because freshly painted walls next to dingy trim makes the whole room look unfinished. We recommend doing it all at once.

Dark-to-light changes require a tinted bonding primer before the topcoat. This blocks the old color from bleeding through and ensures full coverage in two topcoats instead of three or four. We factor this into the estimate so the price already accounts for it.

Yes. We can match virtually any color using Sherwin-Williams color-matching technology. Bring us a sample chip, a fabric swatch, or even a photo and we will get you an exact or near-exact match. We always do a brush-out sample on your wall first so you can confirm before we proceed.

Yes. We stand behind our work with a workmanship warranty. If you notice peeling, bubbling, or adhesion failures related to our application, we come back and fix it at no charge. The Sherwin-Williams products we use also carry their own manufacturer warranties for additional peace of mind.

Most single-family exterior projects in Knoxville range from $4,000 to $12,000 depending on square footage, the number of stories, surface condition, and how much prep work is needed. A small ranch with minimal prep will be on the lower end; a two-story with peeling paint, wood rot repair, and detailed trim will be higher. Jesse provides a detailed, line-item estimate so you know exactly what you're paying for.

A typical single-family exterior takes 4–7 business days depending on size, condition, and weather. Multi-story homes or projects requiring significant prep (scraping, wood replacement, caulking) can take longer. We work weather-permitting and never rush application to meet an arbitrary deadline.

We monitor weather closely and plan around it. If rain is expected, we won't start exterior work that day. If weather changes unexpectedly, we stop immediately and protect any wet surfaces. Your project timeline may shift slightly, but we'll never compromise the finish quality.

Yes. We offer traditional paint, limewash, and mineral-based coatings for brick and masonry. The right choice depends on the look you want and the condition of the substrate. We always use breathable coatings and proper masonry primers to prevent moisture-related failures.

Pressure washing is part of our standard exterior prep process. We adjust PSI by substrate—lower for wood siding, higher for concrete and brick—to remove dirt, mildew, and chalking paint without causing damage. You don't need to do this yourself before we arrive.

With quality products and proper prep, a professionally painted exterior in Knoxville should last 7–12 years depending on sun exposure, orientation, and material. South-facing walls and horizontal surfaces degrade faster. We use premium Sherwin-Williams coatings with advanced UV resistance to maximize lifespan.

Yes. We handle minor to moderate wood repair in-house as part of the exterior painting process. Rotted trim, fascia, and rake boards get replaced before priming and painting. For extensive structural damage, we may recommend a dedicated carpenter, but most exterior prep falls within our scope.

We typically use flat or matte for siding (hides imperfections and reduces glare) and satin or semi-gloss for trim, doors, and shutters (durable, easy to clean, and adds visual contrast). Jesse will recommend the right combination for your home's style and substrate.

Most deck staining projects in Knoxville range from $1,200 to $3,500 depending on the size of the deck, condition of the wood, and the product used. A standard 300–400 sq ft deck with cleaning, prep, and two-coat stain application typically falls in the $1,500–$2,500 range. Jesse provides a detailed quote after inspecting your deck in person.

In Knoxville, most penetrating oil stains last 2 to 3 years on horizontal surfaces (decking boards) and 3 to 5 years on vertical surfaces (railings, posts). This varies with sun exposure, foot traffic, and the product used. We recommend inspecting your deck annually and re-staining when water stops beading on the surface.

Stain. Paint sits on top of wood and traps moisture, which leads to peeling, cracking, and a surface that is slippery when wet. Penetrating stain soaks into the wood grain, allowing it to breathe while protecting against UV and moisture. Paint also requires scraping and stripping to recoat, while stain can be cleaned and reapplied directly.

Yes, but the paint must be fully stripped first. We use chemical strippers and pressure washing to remove the old paint down to bare wood, then sand and brighten the surface before applying stain. This adds cost and time but is the only way to get a clean, long-lasting stain finish over previously painted wood.

New pressure-treated lumber needs 2 to 4 weeks to dry before staining. The treatment chemicals need time to evaporate and the wood pores need to open. We test moisture levels before applying any product. Staining too soon causes the stain to sit on top rather than penetrate, which leads to early failure.

We recommend TWP 1500 Series for most Knoxville decks. It is a penetrating oil-based stain with excellent UV blockers and mildew resistance, specifically formulated for southern climates with high humidity. For homeowners who want more color, Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck in semi-transparent is a great option.

Yes. We stain privacy fences, split-rail fences, and decorative wood fences. The process is the same — clean, brighten, dry, and stain. Fences typically need less prep than decks since they are vertical surfaces with less wear, which makes them more affordable to maintain.

Absolutely. Front door staining is one of our most popular services. We sand, clean, and apply marine-grade spar urethane or exterior wood stain to restore the natural beauty of wood entry doors. We work on-site with the door in place or remove it for shop-quality results depending on the situation.

Most penetrating oil stains need 24-48 hours of dry weather to absorb and set properly. We monitor the forecast closely and only stain when we have a clear weather window. If unexpected rain occurs within the cure window, we inspect and re-apply any washed-out areas at no additional charge.

Trim painting is typically priced by the linear foot or by the room. For a standard Knoxville home, painting all baseboards, door casings, and window trim throughout costs between $2,500 and $6,000 depending on the amount of trim, condition, and whether we are converting stained wood to painted. Jesse provides a line-item quote after walking the home.

We hand-brush most trim for the best control and finish quality. In new construction or empty rooms where overspray is not a concern, we may spray and back-brush for efficiency. Hand-brushing gives the smoothest, most durable result on installed trim in occupied homes.

Semi-gloss is the traditional choice for trim because it is durable, easy to clean, and provides visual contrast against matte or eggshell walls. Satin is a great option for homeowners who want a softer look without the high sheen. We typically use Sherwin-Williams ProClassic or Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel.

Yes, and it is one of our most popular services. Converting stained trim to painted requires sanding, cleaning, a bonding primer (shellac-based for tannin-rich woods like oak), and two coats of trim enamel. The result is a clean, modern painted finish that hides the old wood grain completely.

For a typical 2,000–3,000 sq ft Knoxville home, painting all baseboards, door casings, and window trim takes 3 to 5 days. Homes with crown molding, stair railings, and extensive millwork will take longer. We schedule to minimize disruption and typically work room by room.

Yes. We lightly sand between every coat on trim work. This knocks down any dust nibs, brush marks, or raised grain and gives the next coat a better mechanical bond. It is an extra step that most painters skip, but it is the difference between a good finish and a great one.

In a remodel, it depends on the situation. If new flooring is going in, we prefer to paint baseboards after the flooring is installed and before the baseboards are nailed up. In existing homes where baseboards are already in place, we paint them in position with careful masking along the floor line.

Yellowing is caused by oil-based or alkyd paints oxidizing over time, especially in rooms with low natural light. Bathrooms, closets, and rooms behind furniture are the worst offenders. Modern hybrid and waterborne enamel products like Sherwin-Williams ProClassic resist yellowing significantly better than traditional oil-based trim paints.

Absolutely. Crown molding painting requires careful caulking at both the ceiling and wall joints, proper masking, and a steady hand. We brush-apply crown molding with two coats of enamel for a crisp, professional finish. We also paint coffered ceiling details, dental molding, and other decorative millwork.

Interior door painting typically costs $150 to $300 per door depending on size, condition, and whether both sides are being painted. A standard 6-panel hollow-core door costs less than a solid wood door requiring significant prep. Most homeowners painting all doors in the house find it more cost-effective as a bundled project. Jesse provides a per-door and total-project quote.

We spray most doors for the smoothest possible finish. Spraying eliminates brush marks and roller stipple, giving doors a factory-fresh appearance. For doors that cannot be removed (like pocket doors or some French doors), we use a mini-roller and brush-tip technique that gets very close to a sprayed finish.

Yes. While we prefer to remove front doors when possible, we can paint them in place when removal is not practical. We mask the hinges, threshold, and surrounding trim carefully and apply the coating in thin, even layers to prevent drips. Drying time between coats is longer when painting vertically, so we plan accordingly.

In Knoxville, we see strong demand for classic black (SW Tricorn Black), deep navy (SW Naval), rich red (SW Fireweed), and warm wood-stained tones. The best choice depends on your siding color, stone or brick, and personal style. Jesse can bring color fan decks and help you visualize options on-site.

We remove all shelves and hardware, mask surrounding walls and floors, sand and prime every surface, and spray two coats of trim enamel with sanding between coats. Adjustable shelf pin holes get masked to prevent paint buildup. The result is a smooth, durable finish that looks custom-built.

Yes, this is one of our most common requests. Stained doors — especially oak and pine — can be converted to a clean painted finish with proper sanding, a shellac-based bonding primer to block tannin bleed, and two coats of enamel. The wood grain may telegraph slightly on heavily grained species like oak, but with proper prep, the result is clean and modern.

Absolutely. Bi-fold doors, sliding closet doors, and standard swing closet doors all get the same treatment — removed from tracks or hinges, sanded, primed if needed, and sprayed for a smooth finish. Bi-fold doors are especially worth painting because their louvered or paneled designs show every flaw when brush-painted.

Most trim enamels are dry to the touch in 1–2 hours and can be lightly handled in 4–6 hours. Full hardness and cure takes 7–14 days depending on temperature and humidity. During the cure period, we recommend avoiding slamming doors, placing heavy objects on shelves, and using harsh cleaners on painted surfaces.

Yes. We paint steel, aluminum, and wood garage doors using exterior-grade coatings. Steel and aluminum doors get a bonding primer followed by exterior acrylic enamel. Wood garage doors can be painted or stained depending on the desired look. We spray garage doors for the most even coverage across large panels.

A simple single-color accent wall in a standard room typically costs $250 to $600 depending on wall size, ceiling height, and the number of coats required for full coverage (dark colors often need 3 coats). Specialty techniques like geometric patterns, board and batten, or limewash cost more due to the additional labor and materials involved. Jesse quotes every accent wall individually.

The headboard wall is almost always the best choice in a bedroom. It is the focal point, typically the largest uninterrupted surface, and it creates a dramatic backdrop for the bed without overwhelming the space. We generally advise against accenting the wall opposite the bed, as it can feel like the room is closing in on you.

Yes, and it often works better than homeowners expect. A dark accent wall in a small room adds depth and makes the space feel intentional rather than cramped. The key is limiting the dark color to one wall and keeping the remaining walls and ceiling light. Cool, deep tones like navy and charcoal work especially well.

We use a combination of high-quality painter's tape (FrogTape or 3M 2090) and hand-cutting techniques. After applying tape, we seal the edge with the base wall color first to prevent bleed-through, then apply the accent color. The tape comes off while the paint is still tacky for the crispest possible line.

Yes. We install shiplap, board and batten, tongue-and-groove planking, and other dimensional treatments as a complete project — framing, installation, caulking, and painting. This is a popular upgrade in living rooms, bedrooms, mudrooms, and entryways.

Limewash is a mineral-based coating made from slaked limestone that creates a soft, mottled, Old World look with natural depth and movement. It works best on porous surfaces like brick, plaster, and drywall. We use Romabio Classico Limewash for interior accent walls — it is breathable, VOC-free, and develops a beautiful patina over time.

A simple single-color accent wall takes about half a day to prep, tape, and paint. Specialty techniques like geometric patterns, board and batten installation, or limewash application can take 1–3 days depending on complexity. We schedule to minimize disruption and typically complete accent wall projects within a day or two.

You can, but the results often disappoint. The most common DIY accent wall issues are bleeding under tape, uneven coverage (especially with dark colors), visible roller marks, and messy transitions at corners and ceiling lines. Professional execution ensures clean edges, uniform coverage, and a result that looks intentional — not like a mistake.

Accent walls have been a design staple for decades and continue to be recommended by interior designers. What changes is the technique — solid colors are timeless, while trends like ombre and geometric patterns cycle in and out. We recommend choosing a technique and color that fits your home's overall style rather than chasing a trend you may tire of quickly.

Minor repairs like nail pops, small holes, and hairline cracks are typically included in our standard painting prep. Larger repairs — patches over 6 inches, sheet replacement, or extensive texture matching — are quoted separately based on the scope. Jesse identifies all needed repairs during the initial walkthrough so there are no surprises.

We drive a new drywall screw about 2 inches above or below the popped nail, then reset the original fastener. The dimpled area gets a thin coat of joint compound, dries, is sanded smooth, and primed. The repair is invisible under the topcoat. This is the most common repair in Knoxville homes, especially those under 10 years old.

Yes. We match orange peel, knockdown, skip trowel, smooth, and other common textures found in Knoxville homes. We spray test patches on cardboard first, adjusting pressure and nozzle settings until the match is right. For small areas, we may hand-apply texture with a knife or roller for the most precise match.

Water stains require a shellac-based stain-blocking primer like Zinsser BIN before painting. Regular primers and paints will not block the stain — it bleeds through within days or weeks. We apply BIN primer over the stain, let it dry, then topcoat with ceiling paint. The stain is permanently sealed.

Yes. For holes larger than 6 inches, we cut a clean rectangular opening, install a new piece of drywall with backing support, tape all seams with mesh or paper tape, apply three coats of joint compound with sanding between each, prime, and texture-match to the surrounding wall. The repair is invisible.

Not every surface needs priming, but many do. New drywall, patches, bare wood, stains, glossy surfaces, and color changes from dark to light all require primer for proper adhesion and coverage. We assess every surface and prime where needed — skipping primer where it is not necessary saves you money, and priming where it is necessary saves you from early failure.

Yes. We scrape popcorn texture, skim-coat the ceiling with joint compound to create a smooth surface, sand, prime, and paint. If the popcorn contains asbestos (common in homes built before 1980), we recommend professional abatement testing before removal. The result is a clean, modern smooth ceiling that transforms the room.

Peeling paint is scraped back to a sound edge using putty knives and scrapers. The transition between bare surface and sound paint is feathered smooth with sandpaper. The bare area is primed with a bonding primer, then topcoated to blend with the surrounding surface. We identify the cause of the peeling — moisture, poor adhesion, incompatible coatings — and address it before repainting.

Drywall cracks are caused by house settling, seasonal expansion and contraction, improper taping during original construction, and moisture changes. Most cracks can be permanently repaired with mesh tape and flexible joint compound. Recurring cracks at the same location may indicate ongoing structural movement, in which case we recommend evaluation before repair.