Expert: Greg Scholl - 4/2/2009

Question
Our new custom maple cabinets recently arrived stained and laquered, then all were re-stained a second time by the contractor shortly after installation to correct their color & consistency. So why is the stain chipping away everywhere during normal use after just 1-2 months? And why are the chipped areas steadily increasing in size? Our contractor and his 'outside expert' are both saying this is normal, and have forwarded us a jar of stain to repaint all chipped areas that develop, presumably forever. Is this chipping normal for new cabinets? Please see my youtube post of the damage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiZGh2ab2ow Thank you very much, bb  

Answer
Hey Brent, thanks for the video post...this is definitely NOT normal. These cabinets do not even look stained...they look "toned" which is the use of colored clear coats. Since the chipped areas are clearly white, (the natural color of plain,raw Maple), it's clear they didn't stain these properly, (if at all)....if the clear coat chips off, you should see colored Maple, not raw wood. Properly stained and finished cabinets should withstand the rigors of a kitchen environment for 20-30 YEARS. Certainly their explanation and "fix" is pretty ridiculous to say the least, and the fact that you're experiencing this after 1-2 MONTHS, is inexcusable. To me, it looks as though they are not using proper methods or proper products,or they tried to finish over an existing finish, and they owe you a complete refinish, (done properly by someone more qualified), or some other total remedy. Conventional lacquer just doesn't cut it as a kitchen cabinet finish, but as I'm in the dark as to what their finish schedule was here, it's hard to know exactly why they're failing so badly.Even a properly done conventional stained, sealer, and lacquer finish would stand up better than that...but you're absolutely in the right to demand that they rectify the problem, and I would change to some more serious language at this point, as they're clearly trying to deflect the problem. Who is this finisher, and how many kitchens have been done by these people? I would ask, (or demand) to talk to some other customers they've done cabinets for, and see how satisfied they are.....here's a link to how the typical high end cabinet finish is done, and this shows a Kraftmaid Cherry style finish on a light wood like Maple that's very similar to what you should have there. Notice the steps involved, and the multiple coloring and toning steps at the wood and sealer level. The final clear coats are catalyzed lacquers or Urethanes, which are super durable and up to KCMA standards, producing a furniture grade finish that is extremely durable and will not chip, crack, or degrade...and with minimal maintenance will last more than 20 years. If there's anything I can do, I'm here to help- regards- Greg

http://www.kraftmaid.com/doorsfinishes/index.cfm?navigationid=36900