Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Kitchen Cabinets

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Expert: - 1/4/2009


Question

kitchen cabinets
My son has just closed on a house that wasn't quite finished before the "flipper" ran out of steam.  The cabinets in the kitchen are unfinished.  The color looks good in the kitchen, so I think we can get by with just putting a clear finish on them.  Any suggestions with product?  Is lacquer better than polyurethane?  How about just an oil?  I assume I will have to take off the doors and do them separately...should I also finish the inside of the cabinets?  How many coats do you think I should do?  Fun, fun, fun!  Thanks...
De

Answer
I am not a painter (stair builder by trade), but I would generally lacquer if possible any stair or cabinet system.  The down side to lacquering is it has a strong odor which my wife cannot handle.  Thus I try to pre-finish in the shop before anything is brought into the house.   Polyurethane is generally brushed on and doesn't ever come out professional looking as I would like.  With lacquer, I always have the satisfactory results.   Generally your paint store (here I use Miller Paints) has a pre-catalyzed lacquer which is a sanding sealer and lacquer combined.  First coat seals which needs to be sanded with 400-500 grit paper, then a second and optional third coat applied.  With cabinets it is generally in a semi-gloss or satin finish.  I do Know that polyurethane come in an spray can can, but that can take a lot of time and probably a dozen cans of spray to do a small kitchen.   I would also get a second opinion from a painting professional or contractor; though I hope this information helps to get you started.

Joseph G. Swallow

Expertise

I can answer all staircase balustrade questions where handrails, newels posts, balusters (wood and metal), and stair treads are concerned. I cannot help with cabinetry and floor (outside of stair-related treads and risers), as well as stain and finish issues unless staircase related.

Experience

30 years in the stair industry. Founder of Hardwood Creations in Southern California and CEO of Westfire Manufacturing, Inc. I was a stair builder for 10 years, both in custom and production housing. Have estimated over 750,000 single family homes and provided materials to lumber yards and builders for 12 years. Was an expert witness in several staircase related law suits in Southern California. Stair codes, installation help, stair handrail and balustrade installation are what I know best.

Organizations
NAHB of Portland, OR. Was a member of ICBO for 9 years.

Education/Credentials
Cal State Fullerton, Cypress College

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