Frequently Asked Questions


How can I get a quote for custom refinishing?

For commissioned refinishing (client owned pieces), we can generally give an estimate virtually so that you don’t need to transport your piece before deciding if our services are right for you. We will need pictures of your piece as it currently stands along with details on current condition, as well as a description of what you want it to look like. Typically we will ask for a few “inspo” pics - these can be pictures of pieces you like from the internet, magazines, Amazon, Etsy, Wayfair… anywhere you’ve seen a style or design you like. After a brief discussion, we can provide you with an estimate, and you can decide if you’d like to proceed.

For custom refinishing of an inventory piece or a sourced piece, a quote can be given virtually as well. We will need to know which piece you are looking at (if it’s from inventory) and a description of what your vision for it is. “Inspo” pictures as described above are helpful for us to determine the level of finish you are looking for.

What factors contribute to the cost of a custom refinish?

There are a lot of details that need to be considered when we quote a piece. We do our best to keep our prices affordable for our clients, but keep in mind the level of detail and the amount of time we take to complete a project. Here are some key contributing factors we consider when quoting a custom project:

  • current condition vs style of finish desired

  • size of the piece and amount of products used

  • sanding and staining vs painting

  • wood types - some woods bleed more than others and require special primers. Engineered woods and man made materials also require special products for proper adhesion.

  • value of the piece (if being picked from inventory or sourced.)

  • Hardware exchanges, transfers, decoupage, stenciling.

What is included in an estimate?

Our estimates DO include:

  • thorough cleaning, scuff sanding prior to paint, complete sanding back prior to stain

  • appropriate primer for the project

  • paint or stain

  • stripping of old finishes, sanding of any scratches or wear, filling of veneer chips, veneer removal

  • repair of dovetails, drawer guides, legs, etc. If you know of damage before hand please let us know - not everything is in our repair wheelhouse

  • finishes - polyurethane, wax, varnish, clear coats, shellac, oils, salves

  • detailing - glazes, antiquing wax, shading, metallic highlights

  • hardware gilding - changing the color of current hardware

  • custom touch up kit (brush, paints in your colors, and a care card)

Our estimates DO NOT include unless specified beforehand:

  • hardware exchanges - filling current holes, drilling new holes, purchasing new hardware

  • decoupage, transfers, stenciling, drawer liners

  • interior refinish of pieces - this includes inside cabinets and drawers. We do clean and repair as deemed necessary, but if you’d like any sort of new finish on the interior of a piece, please be sure to request it.

What kind of products do you use?

We use a variety of products in our daily work. We use a diverse array of paint products because we feel there’s a paint type for every job! The type of finish you want is a big part of our initial discussion, and the purpose of the piece needs to be taken into consideration when choosing the ideal type of paint for a project. We use chalk paints, enamels, acrylic all in ones, waterborne alkyds… you name it. Brands include specialized boutique brands such as Dixie Belle, Fusions, Silk and Wise Owl, to mainstream brands like Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore and Rustoleum. All of our paints are water-based, low VOC, and safe for our clients.

Other products we use on your finished piece include protective coatings such as polyurethanes, varnishes, and waxes. We typically use water-based finishing products but this depends greatly on what it is going over and what the intended use of the piece is. Brands include General Finishes, Varathane, Dixie Belle, Wise Owl and Fusion. Redesign with Prima is another brand we use a lot of when it comes to the final details, such as gilding waxes, metallics, transfers and decoupage.

We don’t pledge allegiance to any one particular brand. Instead, we use the products that have proven themselves over the years, as well as try out new and evolving brands. And because we don’t sell a paint line, we don’t limit ourselves to any affiliations.

How do we get our furniture to you?

There are a couple of options when it comes to delivering a commissioned piece. Generally, people drop them off. We have a commercial garage bay located conveniently on Rt 4 in Chichester, just minutes from Concord. If you can load your piece and drive it to us, we can help you unload it. If you do not have access to a vehicle that can fit your piece, you could always consider renting a truck from Home Depot or Uhaul, which is fairly cost effective.

How do we get our furniture from you and how does shipping work?

There are a few options for getting a piece from us. The most economical is for the buyer to pick it up by appointment. We are happy to help load and assist in any way we can to make pick up as easy as possible.

If this is not an option for you, we offer delivery for an additional fee. Delivery options are subject to your location, our schedule, and weather, and are curbside only. For insurance purposes, we do not go into homes. Delivery is at the discretion of Revival Custom Designs - it is not routinely offered. Please inquire about delivery during the quoting process to see if it is an option.

For further distances, we offer nationwide shipping. Shipping is done via freight or independent carrier. Freight quotes can typically be obtained on the day of inquiry if you provide us with a zip code. Freight shipments will come pallet wrapped on an 18 wheeler, and should be inspected for potential damage prior to signing for delivery. Quotes for shipment via an independent carrier can take up to a few days depending on the location. We network with a handful of shippers that we use on a regular basis, but if your state is not on their route, we can put the shipment out to bid. It can take up to a week to obtain this type of quote. Independently carried pieces may come in a cargo van, truck and trailer, or box truck. Pieces shipped by independent carrier are blanket wrapped and should be reviewed upon delivery. We will work with you to figure out which type of shipping best meets your needs.

Do you have a contract?

Yes, yes we do. Here is an upfront look at our terms and conditions:

  1. A signed contract is required before the start of all commissioned pieces.  The contract will include the agreed on paint and/or stain colors, finishing products, and desired alterations to the piece.  A statement of agreement to the contract can be done by email if the owner is not present for delivery.

  2. A deposit of up to, but not to exceed, 50% will be required at the time of drop off.  The remainder of balance is due at pick up or delivery of finished pieces.  Changes and additions to the original plan that incur additional charges will be added to the total balance due.  Similarly, should a discussed and agreed upon change happen during the creative process that decreases the total cost of the project, a decrease will be reflected in the balance due. 

  3. Interiors of cabinets and drawers are cleaned but not painted unless otherwise requested.  Backs of pieces are not touched unless the back is currently finished by the manufacturer or the preference is discussed in advance.

  4. All furniture must be picked up and paid in full within two weeks of completion.  After two weeks, if the item is still on premises, there will be a $25 per week storage fee.  After four weeks without arrangements made, the customer forfeits any paid deposit, and Revival Custom Designs retains the rights to sell, donate or dispose of the item. 

  5. The customer understands that the estimated completion date is an estimate only, and work may take longer due to weather, illness, order delays, or repairs.  Revival Custom Designs will make every effort to have work completed by estimated completion date. 

  6. Every type of paint, stain and finish has an indicated cure time.  Before furniture is completely cured, the customer will take every measure to keep out of heavy use.  Damage to finish incurred during this time is not the responsibility of Revival Custom Designs and will be subject to the artist’s discretion if it should be professionally touched up. Please follow the care instructions provided in the touch up kit at the time of pick up.

  7. Estimates are based on the dimensions, description and photos provided by the customer via phone, message, or email.  Should unexpected damage be present or the piece is found to be in a condition other than what was communicated, additional work may be required.  In that event, Revival Custom Designs will contact the customer immediately to inform them of any changes to the agreed upon amount.  

  8. By signing below, I agree to the colors, finishes and changes discussed with Revival Custom Designs and recorded on this form.  The customer understands that once work has begun any changes in design are subject to additional fees.