Expert: Greg Scholl - 10/20/2009

Question
Greg, Thanks for the information about cabinet refinishing (from my question on 10/16/09).  Actually, the cabinet refacing is quite a bit more expensive than the color toning quoted to me, and over our budget. You have convinced me the color toning over the existing stain is a bad idea.  What about the Faux Effects (trademark name) products on oak cabinets?  The cabinets are good quality and the finish is in excellent condition (just not a color I like).  The cabinets are 15 years old, so they probably have the catalyzed surface you referred to.  I have talked to a faux painter about painting a cream color Faux Effects product over the oak, and then lightly glazing them.  Would that finish adhere to the catalyzed surface if prepped and applied properly?  After the painting, glazing, and sealing, a urethane topcoat is applied.  The products are low VOC, and they "bridge the gap between oil-based products and waterborne technology for professional use and results."  Does this sound like a technique that could be durable?  Does it need to be sprayed rather than brushed to look uniform?

Answer
HI Dee, I looked at the website for Faux Effects, and their range of products is pretty big, but it's one of these companies that wants to be a bit "proprietary" in it's product availability, (requiring membership and "log in" to access the best, or "Pro" products)....but they seem to offer a good range of products, including a range of catalyzed urethane topcoats, (which I would insist on as a final clear coat). So if the products are applied properly, by a skilled finisher, over properly prepped cabinets, you should expect a good result and a fairly good durability factor. Spraying will always give the best finish, and brushing, rollers etc., can yield varying results depending on who's applying the product and their skill level. I would definitely want to see at least one kitchen that was done with these products and techniques,and by the finisher you would be hiring, in person, before I decided to go that route....finishing a kitchen with a multi step process like this is vastly labor intensive ($)..I would be absolutely sure of the difference between refacing, and the cost of a process like this when all is said and invoiced...before signing on....and be sure that the final effect is what you want, because there will be no going back once you commit. I would also seriously consider paying to have a single, raised panel door, completely finished in this process....you can even secure a door from someone else's kitchen remodel (a refacer/Contractor might be able to supply one for you for cheap or even free..), so that you can see the quality of the finish up close....while I might be sounding a bit paranoid, believe me, I have heard SO many horror stories when it comes to kitchen cabinets, and there are many people who claim they can finish cabinets.....who provide a much less than satisfactory job, or even worse....ruin the cabinets. Hope that continues to help- Post back if need be- regards- Greg