Lead Painter/Cabinet Finisher

Job Description

Job Description

Lead Cabinet Finisher – Lead Shop Finishing Operations and Execute Custom Wood Finishes at Wolter's Custom Cabinets

Job Overview

• Company: Wolter's Custom Cabinets.
• Salary/Pay Rate: $27 to $30 per hour.
• Location: Evansville, IL.
• Job/Employment Type: Full Time.
• Project Scope: High-End Custom Kitchens, Baths, Built-Ins, and Closets.
• Mandatory Licences & Certifications: None Required.

The Opportunity

You will lead our three-person paint department while actively working in the spray booth to produce flawless finishes on custom cabinetry.

This role puts you at the forefront of quality control and color innovation, allowing you to mentor team members and set the standard for excellence.

You will thrive in a close-knit, family-owned shop that values positive character, teamwork, and master craftsmanship.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Lead and coordinate the paint department team by assigning daily tasks, setting priorities, and serving as a respected role model.
• Spray stains, glazes, toners, and paints onto assembled custom cabinets while preparing and sanding diverse hardwoods like maple, white oak, red oak, alder, hickory, and walnut.
• Develop new custom colors and specialty finishes to keep our cabinetry current with woodworking trends while matching customer samples accurately.
• Inspect every cabinet before it leaves the finish room, directing touch-ups and collaborating with the production manager to keep projects on schedule.
• Mix, test, and document finish formulas while tracking inventory and ordering finishing materials to prevent production delays.
• Train and mentor paint department team members on proper spray techniques, finish consistency, and shop safety protocols.
• Maintain spray booths, equipment, and filters to ensure a clean, safe, and fire-compliant working environment.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 5 or more years of experience in wood or cabinet finishing within a professional shop environment.
• Strong knowledge of spray equipment (HVLP, airless, air-assisted) and finishing materials (conversion varnish, lacquer, waterborne, catalyzed).
• Proven ability to match colors accurately and produce consistent, flawless finishes across varied wood species.
• Creative eye for color and finish trends with the technical skill to translate new ideas into physical samples.
• Prior leadership or mentoring experience as a lead hand, foreman, or department lead, paired with positive character and a strong team-player attitude.
• Physical capability to stand throughout the shift and lift up to 100 pounds with assistance or equipment as needed.
• High reliability, punctuality, and pride in delivering detailed craftsmanship.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Experience applying finishes to fully assembled custom cabinets.
• Advanced background in custom glazing and complex color matching.
• Familiarity with operating or working alongside a flat-line finishing system.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay rate ranging from $27 to $30 per hour with overtime potential on a bi-weekly pay cycle.
• Profit-sharing opportunities and a 401(k) retirement savings program with employer matching.
• Comprehensive medical, life, and disability insurance options.
• Paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Paid training and ongoing skill development opportunities in a supportive shop environment.

About Us

Wolter's Custom Cabinets is a second-generation, family-owned custom cabinet shop established in 1984.

We specialize in building high-end kitchens, baths, built-ins, and closets, investing in top-tier machinery while maintaining a collaborative, team-oriented culture.

Learn more at

Wolter's Custom Cabinets is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.