Expert: maura macaluso - 3/16/2009

Question
QUESTION: We moved into brand new house 2 months ago.I have beech raised panel cabinets with Cherry stain. The Cabinet door under the sink has started to swell or have some bumps at the raised panel. When I feel the raised panel I can feel the swell or bump.I called the Cabinet Company and they told me not to drop any water on the panels and that the water was seeping in through the grain of the wood.
Since it is under the sink , it is really hard not have water drop it.
How do I protect my cabinet from getting worse.

ANSWER: Hi Vanitha,  The only way to stop the damage is to stop the water from penetrating into the wood.  You are going to have to coat those cabinets with some satin oil-based polyurethane.  You have to make sure that they are completely dry when you do this, you don't want to seal moisture in.  You are going to have to put at least two coats on, letting each dry for at least 24 hours before doing the next.  You also may have to do all your cabinets so that the finish matches.
 
But before you do this, I would get in touch with the builder and file a complaint. Be aware that the cabinets should have been finished properly to prevent this problem.  Not every house in America has their under sink cabinets get water damage.
I believe, this being a new house that this should be covered by your warranty.  You may void your warranty by trying to remedy the problem yourself.  Good luck with your situation and thanks for the question.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the answer. This would help me argue with the Cabinet Company.
Could you give the name or brand of "satin oil-based polyurethane" which I could use.

Answer
Hi Vanitha,  Miniwax, Varathane or Epifanes(available at Marine stores) are all reliable brands of polyurethane.  They are all available in different finishes. Clear satin is the recommended finish to use.  One other note:  apply a little of the polyurethane to the inside of a cabinet door as a test to see how it matches the shine on the rest of the cabinets.  There is a possibility that the shine may not match perfectly. The easiest way to remedy this would be to apply a coat of poly to the rest of the cabinet faces also.  Please be sure to use a good quality brush and to not use too much on the brush at one time so as to prevent any runs or drips. As I advised before, please make sure that this does not void any warranty you may have before proceeding yourself.  Good luck with your project and thanks for the question.