Custom Cabinets - Prestigious Custom Cabinets

How to Clean Quartz Countertops: The Right Way (Without Ruining Them)

Daniel Carter / April 15, 2026

Quartz countertops are easy to care for when you follow the right steps. A simple daily wipe and quick spill cleanup keep them spotless and safe from damage. You don’t need harsh chemicals or special tools. Mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth are enough for most homes. If you’re wondering how to clean quartz countertops, the answer is simple: clean gently, avoid strong chemicals, and stay consistent. With the right habits, your countertops will stay bright, smooth, and long-lasting. Why Proper Quartz Countertop Cleaning Matters Quartz is an engineered stone. It is made from natural quartz crystals mixed with resin and pigments. That resin binder makes it strong, but also sensitive to harsh chemicals and heat. If you clean quartz wrong, you risk: Dulling the surface finish Breaking down the resin binder Causing permanent discoloration Voiding your manufacturer warranty Cleaning it right is not hard. It just takes the right products and habits. The Best Way to Clean Quartz Countertops Daily The best way to clean quartz countertops is simple: warm water, a few drops of dish soap, and a soft cloth. Here is what to do each day: Wipe up spills right away. Do not let liquids sit. Use a damp microfiber cloth with mild dish soap. Wipe in a circular motion across the surface. Rinse with a clean damp cloth. Dry with a soft towel. That is it. No special cleaners needed for everyday cleaning of quartz countertops. For a deeper clean once a week, use a store-bought quartz surface cleaner. Look for pH-neutral formulas labeled safe for engineered stone. Brands like Method All-Purpose or Weiman Quartz Cleaner work well. How Often Should You Clean Quartz Countertops? Quick answer: wipe daily, deep clean weekly. Daily: Wipe down after cooking or food prep. Quartz resists bacteria, but food residue can stain if left. Weekly: Give it a full clean with a quartz-safe cleaner. Check for stuck-on grime near edges and backsplash areas. Monthly: Inspect for any dull spots or residue buildup. Use a small amount of non-abrasive cleaner to restore shine if needed. Consistent cleaning of quartz countertops prevents buildup and keeps the surface looking polished. What Not to Do When Cleaning Quartz Countertops This section matters more than most people realize. The wrong products cause permanent damage. Do not use: Bleach or bleach-based cleaners — breaks down the resin binder over time Abrasive scrubbers — scratches the surface permanently Steel wool or rough sponges — same problem Oven cleaners or degreasers — too harsh for the resin Paint removers or solvents — will discolor or dull the finish Vinegar or citrus-based cleaners — acidic and damaging with repeated use People often think “natural” cleaners like vinegar are safe on everything. Not on quartz. The acidity slowly degrades the surface. Are Quartz Countertops Difficult to Maintain? No. Quartz is actually one of the easiest countertop materials to maintain. Unlike granite, it does not need sealing. Unlike marble, it is much less prone to etching from acids. The main rules are: Clean spills quickly Avoid harsh chemicals Use soft cloths That is the full maintenance routine. Most homeowners spend about two to five minutes a day on quartz care. For a surface that lasts 20+ years, that is a very small investment. Is It Expensive to Maintain Quartz Countertops? Not at all. The best cleaner for quartz countertops is something you probably already own: dish soap and warm water. If you want a dedicated quartz cleaner, expect to spend $8–$15 for a bottle that lasts several months. There are no sealers to buy, no professional treatments needed annually. Compare that to marble, which often needs professional sealing every one to three years. Quartz wins on low maintenance cost every time. You can read about: How Much Does It Cost to Install Countertops Can You Use Clorox Wipes on Quartz Countertops? This is one of the most common questions people ask. The short answer: occasionally, yes. But do not make it a habit. Clorox wipes contain a small amount of bleach. A single use here and there is unlikely to cause visible damage. But regular, repeated use will break down the resin over time. The surface will start to look dull and the finish may fade unevenly. For quick disinfecting, use a diluted isopropyl alcohol spray (70% solution) instead. It kills germs without the bleach risk. Can I Use Windex on Quartz Countertops? Windex is not ideal. Standard Windex contains ammonia, which is too harsh for the quartz resin with repeated use. It may not cause immediate visible damage, but long-term regular use can leave a filmy residue or dull the surface. Use a pH-neutral quartz-specific spray instead. If you want a glass-like shine on your counters, a quartz polish product delivers that without the chemical risk. How to Remove Stubborn Stains from Quartz Countertops Even with good habits, stains happen. Here is how to handle the most common ones. Dried food or grease: Soak a cloth in warm water and lay it over the stain for 5–10 minutes. Then wipe with dish soap and warm water. For tough spots, use a plastic scraper gently. Coffee or tea stains: Apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a cloth. Let it sit for 30 seconds, then wipe clean. Do not scrub. Ink or marker: Rubbing alcohol works here too. Dab, do not rub. Rinse with water after. Hard water deposits: Use a cleaner designed for calcium buildup that is also quartz-safe. Check the label. Some limescale removers are too acidic. Alternatively, soak the area with warm water, then use a soft cloth with gentle circular pressure. Grease near stovetop: Use a small amount of dish degreaser diluted in water. Apply, let sit briefly, wipe clean, and rinse. Do not use kitchen degreasers straight from the bottle. The key with any stubborn stain: patience over force. Never scrub hard. Let the product do the work. Preventing Damage and Keeping Quartz Countertops Looking New Good cleaning habits help. Good daily

Custom Cabinets, Closets

How to Build a Closet: Complete DIY Guide

Daniel Carter / April 14, 2026

Most homes don’t have enough storage. A well-built closet fixes that fast. Whether you’re dealing with a spare bedroom, a blank wall, or just wasted space, adding a closet can completely change how your home feels and functions. If you want to know how to build a closet the right way, this guide covers everything: planning, tools, materials, costs, and step-by-step instructions. You’ll get real answers, not guesswork. Understanding Closet Types Before you pick up a single tool, know what type of closet you’re building. Each one serves a different purpose. Reach-in closets are the most common. They sit flush against a wall with sliding or hinged doors. Great for bedrooms and hallways. Walk-in closets need more floor space, usually at least 4×4 feet. They offer better organization and feel more like a room. Wardrobe closets are freestanding units. No framing required. Good for rentals or rooms without built-in storage. Linen closets are narrow and deep. Shelving is their main feature. Knowing your type upfront saves time and money later. Planning Your Closet Space Good planning is half the work. Here’s what to do before building anything. Measure twice, cut once. Get the exact height, width, and depth of your space. Most standard closets are 24 inches deep for hanging clothes and 12 inches for shelves. Check for obstacles. Look for outlets, vents, or pipes inside the wall. Use a stud finder before you do anything else. Draw a simple layout. You don’t need fancy software. A pencil sketch works. Mark where the hanging rod, shelves, and drawers will go. Think about your storage needs. Do you have more folded items or hanging clothes? That decides your shelf-to-rod ratio. Pick your door style. Bifold doors save space. Sliding doors work well in tight rooms. Hinged doors need clearance but feel more traditional. Tools and Materials You’ll Need Here’s a practical list for building a closet in a room: Tools: Stud finder Level (2-foot and 4-foot) Tape measure Circular saw or miter saw Drill and drill bits Hammer Nail gun (optional but speeds things up) Pencil and square Materials: 2×4 lumber (for framing) Drywall and joint compound Wood screws and nails Closet rods and brackets MDF or plywood for shelving Sandpaper and primer Paint Closet door of your choice Door hardware (hinges, handles, track if sliding) You can buy most of this at any home improvement store. Budget items work fine for basic builds. Go with solid wood or melamine-coated MDF for shelving if you want it to last. Step-by-Step: How to Build a Closet Here’s how to construct a closet from scratch. This applies to a basic reach-in or walk-in build. Step 1: Mark the Wall Layout Use a pencil and level to mark the closet’s footprint on the floor and wall. Snap chalk lines if you want clean guides. Step 2: Frame the Walls Cut your 2×4 lumber to size. Build a simple frame: a bottom plate, top plate, and vertical studs every 16 inches. Secure the bottom plate to the floor with construction screws. Anchor the top plate to ceiling joists. Add a doorway frame. Leave a rough opening about 2 inches wider and taller than your door. Step 3: Install Drywall Cut drywall panels to fit. Screw them into the studs. Tape the seams and apply joint compound. Let it dry fully, then sand smooth. Step 4: Prime and Paint Apply one coat of primer. Once dry, paint the interior walls. White or light gray keeps the space bright and clean. Step 5: Install Shelving Cut your shelves to length. Use a level to mark shelf heights on the wall. Locate studs and screw in shelf brackets. For a standard closet, put the top shelf at about 84 inches and lower shelves at 12-inch intervals. Step 6: Install the Closet Rod Mount rod brackets 12 inches from the back wall. Standard rod height for hanging full-length clothing is 66 to 70 inches. For double-hanging, place rods at 40 and 80 inches. Step 7: Hang the Door Follow the door manufacturer’s instructions. For bifold doors, install the track first. For hinged doors, set the hinges before you hang. Check that it opens and closes without sticking. Step 8: Add Trim and Finishing Touches Install door casing and baseboard molding. Caulk any gaps. Touch up paint. Add hooks, drawer pulls, or a light if needed. That’s how to build a bedroom closet from the ground up. You can read about: How to Build Closet Shelves Closet Organization Tips A well-built closet still needs smart organization. Group clothing by type: shirts, pants, dresses, shoes. Use shelf dividers to separate folded stacks. Add a second hanging rod if you store mostly short items. Use clear bins on upper shelves for out-of-season items. Install a simple LED strip light. It makes finding things much easier. Leave a few inches of breathing room on each shelf. Overstuffing damages clothes and shelves. Common Mistakes to Avoid These are the errors that slow projects down or cost extra money. Skipping the stud finder. If you screw into drywall alone, shelves will fall under weight. Not checking for level. Even a small tilt makes shelves look off and causes items to slide. Wrong shelf depth. Shelves that are too deep waste space and make things hard to reach. Ignoring ventilation. Closets need a little airflow to prevent musty odors. Keep the door cracked occasionally or add a small vent. Buying cheap rods. Thin rods bow under heavy clothes. Go with a steel rod or use a center support bracket. Rushing the drywall. The wet compound needs 24 hours to dry between coats. Rushing leads to cracks later. Cost to Build a Closet Here’s a rough breakdown for a basic reach-in closet: Item Estimated Cost Lumber (framing) $50–$150 Drywall $40–$100 Shelving materials $60–$200 Closet rod + brackets $20–$60 Door $80–$300 Paint + primer $30–$70 Hardware $20–$50 Total (DIY) $300–$930 Hiring a contractor adds labor costs, typically $500 to $1,500 depending on size and complexity. Custom closets

Custom Cabinets, Kitchen Cabinet Painting

What Is the Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets | Guide

Daniel Carter / April 9, 2026

Most people spend hours picking a cabinet color and five minutes picking the actual paint. That is a costly mistake. The paint you choose decides how long your cabinets hold up, how easy they are to clean, and whether they chip after one season. The wrong paint costs you twice because you end up doing the job again. So, what is the best paint for kitchen cabinets? A water-based alkyd or urethane enamel is your best bet. These paints dry hard, resist grease and moisture, and stay clean with a simple wipe. This guide covers every option, every sheen level, and the real products that work. Why Choosing the Right Paint for Kitchen Cabinets Matters Kitchens are hard on paint. You have steam from boiling water, grease splatters from the stove, and hands touching cabinet doors dozens of times a day. Regular wall paint was never built for this. Cabinet paint needs to do four things well: stick to a slick surface, dry hard enough to resist scratches, wipe clean without losing color, and hold up to humidity over years. Most cheap paints fail at least two of those. Here is what happens when you use the wrong paint: Paint peels near the sink within months Yellow or brown stains form that no cleaner removes Brush marks show clearly in morning light Doors stick to frames in summer humidity Paint chips when a pot or pan taps the edge Getting this right the first time saves you money, time, and a lot of frustration. Once you know what to look for, the decision is actually straightforward. What Is the Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets? The best paint for kitchen cabinets is a water-based alkyd enamel or a urethane-fortified trim paint. These formulas combine the easy cleanup of latex with the hardness of traditional oil. They level out smoothly, cure tough, and hold their color for years. Three types stand out above the rest: Water-based alkyd enamels (hybrid paints) Best all-around choice for most kitchens Urethane trim enamels Best for maximum hardness and durability Cabinet-specific latex enamels Best for budget-conscious projects with lighter traffic If you are working with wood kitchen cabinets, the best paint for wood kitchen cabinets is a water-based alkyd. It bonds to wood well, sands cleanly between coats, and does not yellow like oil-based paint does over time. For MDF or thermofoil doors, use a urethane latex enamel with a bonding primer first. Skipping the primer is the single biggest reason cabinet paint peels on these materials. You can read about: How Much Does It Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets Oil vs Water-Based Paint: Which Is Better for Cabinets? This debate comes up in every cabinet painting conversation. The answer has changed over the last decade. Water-based alkyd is now competitive with oil in almost every category. Oil-Based Paint — What It Offers Dries harder than standard latex Self-levels very well, hides brush strokes Yellows noticeably on white and light colors over time Long dry time: 8 to 24 hours between coats Requires mineral spirits for cleanup High VOCs — not ideal in poorly ventilated kitchens Water-Based Alkyd (Hybrid) Paint — What It Offers Cures nearly as hard as oil-based paint Does not yellow over time stays true to color Soap and water cleanup Dry time of 4 to 8 hours between coats Lower VOCs safer for indoor use Can be tinted to thousands of colors For most homeowners and painters, water-based alkyd wins. You get most of what oil offers without the fumes, the slow drying, or the yellowing issue. It is the best paint for cabinets if you want a professional result without the mess. How and Why to Use Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel is the most recommended cabinet paint among professional painters. It shows up on almost every cabinet painting forum, contractor review site, and painter’s supply list for good reason. It is a water-based urethane formula. That means it cures into a hard, chemical-resistant film rather than just drying like standard latex. The result is a surface that handles grease, cleaning sprays, and daily contact without wearing down. Why Professionals Choose This Paint Levels out like oil paint but cleans up with water Blocks tannins from bleeding through on bare wood Resists scuffs, grease, and humidity extremely well Available in satin, semi-gloss, and gloss sheens Holds color without fading for 5 to 10 years with proper care Step-by-Step Application Guide Clean every cabinet surface with TSP substitute or a strong degreaser Sand with 120 to 150-grit sandpaper to scuff the existing surface Wipe clean with a tack cloth no dust left behind Apply a bonding primer (Sherwin-Williams Extreme Bond Primer pairs well) Let primer dry fully, then sand lightly with 180-grit Apply first coat using a foam roller on flat surfaces and a fine-bristle brush on profiles Wait 6 to 8 hours before the second coat Sand with 220-grit between coats for a smoother finish Apply second coat and allow full cure: 3 to 7 days before closing doors or heavy use One critical mistake people make is closing cabinet doors too soon. The paint may feel dry in a few hours, but it does not reach full hardness for several days. Closing doors early causes them to stick and leave marks in the fresh finish.

Kitchen Cabinet Painting, Custom Cabinets

How Much Does It Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets in 2026?

Daniel Carter / March 10, 2026

You do not need a full kitchen renovation to make your space feel new again. Painting your cabinets is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. It is affordable, fast, and when done right, it looks like a brand new kitchen. At Prestigious Custom Cabinets, we get this question every week from homeowners across Long Island: how much does it cost to paint kitchen cabinets? The honest answer is that it depends on a few key factors. But in this guide, we will give you real numbers, clear breakdowns, and everything you need to make a confident decision. Average Cabinet Painting Cost in 2026 Before we get into the details, here is a straightforward look at what cabinet painting costs across different scenarios. Project Type Estimated Cost DIY (materials only) $200 – $600 Professional (small kitchen) $1,500 – $3,000 Professional (medium kitchen) $3,000 – $6,500 Professional (large kitchen) $6,500 – $10,000+ These are real-world ranges based on current labor and material costs in the Northeast US. Your final cabinet painting cost will depend on how many cabinets you have, what condition they are in, and the finish you want. Cost Per Cabinet and Per Linear Foot Some contractors price by cabinet, others by linear foot. Here is how both methods break down: Per cabinet: $75 to $150 depending on size and condition Per linear foot: $30 to $60 for standard cabinetry A kitchen with 20 cabinets typically costs $1,800 to $3,500 A kitchen with 30 or more cabinets may run $3,500 to $6,000 Always ask your contractor which pricing model they use before comparing quotes. Factors That Affect Cabinet Painting Cost The painting kitchen cabinets cost estimate you get from a contractor is shaped by several real variables. Understanding them helps you avoid surprises on final invoices. 1. Number of Cabinets and Kitchen Size More cabinets mean more prep time, more paint, and more labor hours. Even adding 5 or 10 cabinets can increase the total cost by $500 to $1,500. 2. Cabinet Condition Cabinets with grease buildup or old paint layers require more prep work. Expect to add 10 to 25 percent to your estimate if your cabinets need significant cleaning or repairs. 3. Cabinet Material Solid wood is the easiest to paint. MDF and laminate require special primers. Thermofoil cabinets are the hardest to paint well. 4. Paint Type and Finish Acrylic enamel: $50 to $100 per gallon Waterborne alkyd: $60 to $90 per gallon Oil-based enamel: $40 to $80 per gallon Professional spray-grade: $100 to $200 per gallon 5. Spray vs Brush and Roller Spray finishing produces a factory-smooth result. Brush and roller is cheaper but leaves a slight texture. 6. Labor Rates and Location Labor accounts for 60 to 70 percent of your total cost. In Long Island, expect $50 to $100 per hour for professional cabinet painters. Cabinet Painting vs Cabinet Replacement Cost Option Average Cost Disruption Time Cabinet Painting $3,000 – $7,500 Low 2 – 5 days Cabinet Refacing $8,000 – $15,000 Medium 3 – 7 days Full Replacement $20,000 – $40,000+ High 2 – 6 weeks Most homeowners save 60 to 80 percent by painting rather than replacing. DIY vs Professional Cabinet Painting What DIY Cabinet Painting Actually Costs Paint (2 gallons minimum): $100 – $200 Primer: $40 – $80 Sandpaper and tools: $30 – $60 Brushes, rollers, or sprayer rental: $50 – $200 Drop cloths and tape: $40 – $80 Total DIY cost: roughly $260 to $620. The hidden cost of DIY is time. A medium kitchen takes 3 to 5 full days when done properly. What Professional Cabinet Painting Gives You Full degreasing and sanding of every surface Shellac or bonding primer for proper adhesion Spray finish applied in a controlled environment Two to three topcoats with sanding between coats Proper drying time before reinstallation Real talk: Many homeowners attempt DIY, get frustrated with brush marks or drips, and end up calling a professional anyway, often paying more to fix the DIY work first. Best Paints and Primers for Kitchen Cabinets Why Primer Cannot Be Skipped Primer seals the wood, improves adhesion, and blocks stains. Never apply cabinet paint directly over bare or previously painted wood without primer. Top Paint Options Benjamin Moore Advance — self-leveling, excellent for brush or spray Sherwin-Williams Emerald Urethane — extremely hard finish for high-traffic kitchens Behr Cabinet & Trim Enamel — solid budget option for DIYers ML Campbell Magnamax — professional spray-grade used by cabinet shops For sheen, semi-gloss and satin are the most practical for kitchens. You may also read: How to Clean Greasy Kitchen Cupboards? When You Should (and Should Not) Paint Your Cabinets Painting Makes Sense When Cabinet boxes are structurally sound You want a color update without changing the layout Doors and drawers still function properly You need maximum visual impact on a limited budget Consider Replacement Instead If Cabinets are water damaged or warping Thermofoil surfaces are already peeling You need a layout change or more storage Hardware is worn out and hard to replace Real Cost Examples Project 1 — Small Kitchen (12 cabinets) Solid wood, good condition, brush and roller finish. Total: $1,800 – $2,800 Project 2 — Medium Kitchen (22 cabinets) Mixed wood and MDF, spray-applied semi-gloss enamel. Total: $3,500 – $5,500 Project 3 — Large Kitchen (35 cabinets) Full spray finish, two-tone color scheme, some repairs needed. Total: $7,000 – $10,000+ Tips to Save Money on Cabinet Painting Remove cabinet doors yourself before the painter arrives saves 1 to 2 labor hours Clean cabinets with degreaser before the job starts Stick to one color instead of two-tone Get at least three itemized quotes Schedule work in January or February for potential off-season discounts Reuse existing hardware if it is still in good shape Cabinet Painting Services in Lindenhurst, NY Prestigious Custom Cabinets provides professional Kitchen Cabinet Painting Services in Lindenhurst, NY. Every project starts with a thorough in-home assessment. We evaluate your cabinet material, finish condition, and layout before giving you a clear, itemized