Specialized Training in Luxury Finishing

A pursuit of perfection

I’ve been painting for a long time, and along the way, I’ve had the privilege of learning from people who are better at the craft than I am. Over the years, that desire to learn has grown into something of an obsession with perfection.

There are painting companies, particularly along the East Coast, that have mastered some of the most extraordinary finishing techniques in the world. I would come across their work on Instagram and Facebook, often watching videos that seemed almost unbelievable. A video might begin with a beautiful reflection of historic buildings or a picturesque landscape. As the camera slowly zoomed out, the illusion would reveal itself: what appeared to be a mirror was actually a front door, finished with such remarkable precision and such a luxurious high-gloss coating that its surface reflected the world around it.

These finishes can be achieved on much more than front doors. Walls, ceilings, cabinetry, and other interior surfaces can all be transformed into stunning, glass-like works of art.

I found myself asking two questions:

How in the world do they do that? And how can I learn to do it myself?

Those questions would lead me on a long, challenging, and very expensive journey into the world of luxury finishing.

ZK Finishing School, Boston

Eventually, my pursuit of this craft took me to Boston, where I enrolled in an intensive, two-day master class at ZK Finishing School, founded by Zach Kenney. Zach had spent years perfecting his craft while serving some of the highest-end clientele in the Boston area.

The course took place inside their actual workshop, where I had the opportunity to learn directly from the team responsible for producing these extraordinary finishes every day.

The first day was dedicated entirely to surface preparation. I quickly learned that achieving a flawless, mirror-like finish requires far more than simply sanding a surface smooth. The entire surface must be made exceptionally flat, even, and free of imperfections. This involves multiple rounds of filling, priming, and sanding, eventually working toward an exceptionally smooth 320-grit finish. Even the smallest imperfection can become glaringly obvious when covered with a high-gloss coating.

The second day focused on the application process itself. We worked with Fine Paints of Europe Hollandlac Brilliant 98, an exceptionally luxurious, high-gloss paint, using specialized spray equipment similar to that found in automotive refinishing. With high-volume air compressors and precision gravity-fed spray guns, we learned to apply the material in a way that produces a remarkably smooth, reflective surface.

I even had the opportunity to put my newly acquired skills to the test on a three-foot-by-three-foot sample panel, where every movement and adjustment mattered.

It was an eye-opening experience. I had gone to Boston to learn how to create beautiful finishes, but I came away with a much deeper appreciation for the preparation, patience, equipment, and technical skill required to achieve them.

Bringing the craft home

When I returned to Sioux Falls, I was eager to put everything I’d learned into practice. I began experimenting with high-gloss finishes on just about every suitable surface I could find, working to recreate the mirror-like appearance that had initially captivated me. Naturally, my own front door was among my first projects.

Achieving this level of finish is an expensive undertaking. The materials themselves are among the most costly in the painting industry, the specialized equipment represents a substantial investment, and the preparation alone can require many hours of meticulous labor. For these reasons, mirror-finish projects are relatively uncommon in our local market, and I’ve had limited opportunities to offer this particular service.

But the value of this training extends far beyond the occasional high-gloss project.

A higher standard of craftsmanship

Although I may not paint mirror-finish doors every day, the skills and principles I learned in Boston influence virtually everything I do.

The same attention to surface preparation, precision, and material application that goes into a mirror-finish door also informs the way I approach kitchen cabinet refinishing and exterior painting. My understanding of professional spray techniques, surface preparation, and the behavior of premium coatings allows me to approach these projects with a much greater level of care and technical knowledge.

Even when working with a traditional brush and roller, I find myself striving to achieve the smoothest, most refined finish possible, paying close attention to brush marks, transitions, and other details that might otherwise go unnoticed.

I believe that exceptional craftsmanship isn’t reserved for extraordinary projects. It’s a standard worth pursuing in every project, regardless of its size or cost.

My experience at ZK Finishing School gave me the opportunity to study techniques used by some of the finest finishers in the country. More importantly, it reinforced something I believe deeply about painting: there is always more to learn, always room to improve, and always another opportunity to create something beautiful.

That pursuit of excellence is something I bring to every home I paint.