Expert: Greg Scholl - 6/5/2009

Question
QUESTION: I'm working on a kitchen cabinet project and I want a real
good finish comparable to one being manufactured.  I did
several samples with Poly and Waterborne wiping/brushing.  
I can't get the result I want (nice and smooth/clear).  I
have a sprayer and a compressor at home and will love to
spray and i have good control with my hands for
consistency. My problem is doing the spraying at home. Can
i do it at home and where is the best place garage,
basement, under walk-out deck with plastic bag surrounding
to protect doors from dust.  Should i be using lacquer or
can i get the same result using Poly (spray method).  I
need a solution to do at home and to get the same results
if it were done at a manufacture.  I heard many debates
Poly vs Lacquer etc. and that lacquer gives a better finish
but Poly is not bad finish but more durable. As you can see
I need your help.  One more thing, do I have to build a
sophisticated spray room at home (garage,backyard - under
deck, basement) for proper air flow.  A lot of questions.

Thanks Jason.

ANSWER: Hey Jason, it's hard to advise you to attempt this type of finishing if you haven't any experience doing it. It is not easy to learn, especially when first using a new finishing material. On top of that, there is a dizzying array of finishes available. I would suggest using a waterborne product, for several reasons, most notably, explosion risk, but applying these type of finishes with a conventional air gun, is a bit tricky. An HVLP gun would be better. Pro's would use a catalyzed finish, which offer the most durable finish, a precat Urethane or a precat lacquer is a good bet. There is a learning curve with any of these finishes. Stay away from "consumer" poly's, and look towards more professional finishes, acrylic urethanes, lacquers, etc. that are designed for kitchen cabinets. The KMCA standard is the mark to look for when choosing a finish. you will need a dust free, ventilated (explosion proof fan please), environment, with not too much air movement and low humidity, but there are additives for higher humidity or warm temperatures, (retarders and anti blush additives). Not knowing your experience level, it's hard to advise you, because this is advanced finishing for sure. Post back if need be- Hope that helps a little- Greg

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the great feedback. Is spraying something I can
do at home and how would you advise.  I have a compressor
and a sprayer. So you are saying that a Waterborne will
provide a better look ?  Should i totally ignore doing it
by hand versus spraying?

Thanks Jason

Answer
Spraying is always going to give you a better, smoother finish than any brush applied finish. The only exception might be a wipe on urethane like the General Gel Urethane, which is a really good, self leveling wipe on finish, or an oil/varnish like WaterLox....but these still don't compare to a catalyzed finish in durability, depth, and film thickness, and for raised panel doors, spraying is the best way to coat them. Sure you can spray in your garage, but again, you'll need to learn to use the product you choose, with the lowest airpressure possible to get a good, even application without a lot of overspray, and you'll need to make sure you're using the correct cap and needle for the gun as well, or an HVLP system, and have proper ventilation and neighbors that are tolerant. Cabinet factories spend big dollars in their "state of the art" finishing departments, with high tech spray equipment, heated curing conveyors, or UV curing booths, and some of these finishes have upwards of 15 individual steps. They produce a furniture grade finish, with rich colors, depth and clarity, and can warranty them for 20 or more years, because they have developed the techniques and materials right along with the industry. The KCMA has developed standards that a finish must meet to be certain it will have the characteristics of durability and longevity, be virtually maintenance free, and perform the best under the rigors of the kitchen environment. For an amateur to be able to produce a finish of this level, in one's garage, is a tall order and requires some serious knowledge, experience, and finishing "chops". Can it be done? Probably.....is it easy? Definitely not. Regards- Greg