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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Kitchen cabinet finishes

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Expert: - 2/27/2009


Question
I just finished building my kitchen cabinets with alder.  I will be staining them with gel.  What finish do you recommend(lacquer,polyurethane,other) and what method should be used for application

Answer
Hey Roger, that's a loaded question, it really boils down to what you're experience level is. Lacquer needs to be sprayed, and Urethanes can be sprayed, and it's the preferred application method for cabinets because it's the easiest way to get an even and professional finish over large flat areas and intricate profiles like raised panel doors, IF you have the equipment and skills. If you're going to use a Gel stain, then you probably want to stick with a Urethane as these stains are in a urethane carrier. You could use a lacquer sealer and topcoat system over a single coat of the Gel stain without concern...but typically one shouldn't lacquer over urethane or urethane over lacquer as a general rule. It's possible to apply a wipe on Gel urethane topcoat as well, or of course use a brush applied urethane, but again, it's all about good technique...and if you're not proficient with these methods I suggest you don't learn on a whole set of kitchen cabinets...start with a sample or smaller piece to develop a technique and finish schedule that will give you the results you desire.....hope that helps a bit- post back if need be- greg

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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