Expert: Jamie Yocono - 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
Brent,

Let me first say that your YouTube video was the coolest! I've been asked a lot of questions here, but your presentation was unique and detailed. I hope I can help you.

The next thing I want to say is that I feel your pain. Those job was pricey, and you deserve better than what you got.

Here's my opinion - I think the whole problem is that the second coat of stain was applied on top of the first finish. See, wood is like a sponge when it's in it's unfinished state. So that first coat of stain is going to be absorbed and bond with the wood. The lacquer on top simply protects the stained wood from anything else absorbing into it. When they sprayed the second coat of stain right on top of the double layer of stain and lacquer, it has nothing to "bite" into, or hold onto. The wood is already sealed. So unlike most stains, that are penetrating finishes, this second coat of stain became a surface coat of stain.

Now let's get back to something I just said - there are two types of finishes - penetrating ones and surface ones. They do exactly what it sounds like they would do - either penetrate and absorb into the wood, or sit on the surface.  Now there are some stains on the market that I have seen (and used) that are called opaque stains. They're designed to be applied over wood that already has a finish on it. They don't do a good job, but they save you the trouble of having to strip the first coat of finish off the wood. But honestly - this sort of stain isn't attractive, and is very prone to chipping. I strongly suspect this is what you have - a surface opaque stain that is thin enough to allow the wood grain to show through, but thick enough to cover the first coat.

The proper way to fix your problem would have been to completely strip the components down to a bare state, and then start the staining process all over again with a penetrating stain in the right shade. In essence, they didn't really "re-stain" the cabinets, they painted them. It's really a paint that's chipping off, and I suspect that they didn't even prime or scuff the wood up so that the cabinets would hold onto the finish better.

So - to me, the big question is - how did the cabinets show up in the wrong color in the first place? If it was the fault of the contractor, then I feel he should be responsible for getting these cabs stripped and finished correctly. It is not true that this is normal.  On the other hand, if YOU were responsible for the first color mishap - like maybe you "thought" you wanted maple and then after you saw them in place,requested that they be re-stained, then I think the problem is on your shoulders.

That's pretty much it in a nutshell. By the way, the quality of your video was excellent, especially the sound quality. I wish I knew more about how you filmed that - I occasionally make videos for my blog, and I sure wish mine were as good as yours was!

Good luck, I hope this helps. Feel free to write back if you need more help, or just a shoulder to cry on. I'd be raising some hell if I were you.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com