Expert: Greg Scholl - 9/14/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Greg.  I bought a custom built unfinished bathroom vanity to install in a master bath remodel.  I am using Cabot stain, but am unsure what kind of sealant to use.  Of course I need it to hold up to the everyday traffic and high humidity of a bathroom; not to mention the sinks that will be sitting on it.  Could you give me advice on what to use to protect the wood and stain?  Thanks for your help.

ANSWER: HI Victor, the ultimate protection will come from a catalyzed finish, like Sherwin Williams KemVar, or M.L. Campbells Duravar,or Mohawk's Ultra Clear, but these need to be sprayed on with good spray equipment. The next best thing would be the best Exterior grade polyurethane you can find, or a catalyzed Acrylic Urethane product like the ones they're using on floors now. If you're not familiar with these finishes, another option would be to find a cabinet shop that is, and have them spray it for you. That should be pretty inexpensive, especially if they can just sneak it in with another job that's scheduled.What kind of wood, and which Cabot stain are you using?

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

QUESTION: Hi Greg.  Thank you for the quick response.  The wood is maple, and the stain is Cabot Penetrating Wood Stain (oil based) purchased at Lowe's.  One last question - You mention catalyzed in lots of your answers.  What is catalyzed?

Answer
Catalyzed finishes are 2 part crosslinking finishes that are the state of the art for kitchen, bathroom, Office furniture, commercial and laboratory cabinets,Marine cabinetry,etc., and have been for many years. Typically known as catalyzed lacquers or conversion varnishes,(they share a lot of chemistry), and now many waterborne catalyzed Urethanes are becoming available... these finishes are considered the toughest and most durable clear finishes available today, highly water resistant, and are used almost exclusively in the kitchen cabinet industry to meet or exceed KCMA standards for finishing. They are available as a two part system, (finish and catalyst)or as what's known as "pre-cat", meaning premixed and ready to use (with a shelf life). They are also available in aerosols for smaller projects and finish touch up and repair purposes, and that might work for you. I buy the Mohawk aerosols from Pond Cove Paint in Maine, as they're one of the only places that sells to the general public, most "end users" have to order through a Mohawk "rep", and have to spend a minimum ($84 I think) to get anything from them. I would recommend using the proper catalyzed sealer under these topcoats as well for maximum durability. There are many choices from many companies, but few that make the aerosols...the bulk of them come in Gallons and 5 Gallon containers, and must be applied with quality spray equipment.The people at Pond Cove couldn't be nicer, and will help you over the phone if you need a recommendation, and will ship directly to you. Here's a few links to help you- post back if need be- regards- Greg

http://www.pondcovepaint.com/content/page/catalog_list/cat/80/Clear_Finish_Seale

http://www.pondcovepaint.com/content/page/catalog_product/id/387/
/Ultra_Clear_Conversion_Varnish.html


http://www.pondcovepaint.com/content/page/catalog_product/id/384/DuraCoat_Pre_Ca

http://www.pondcovepaint.com/content/page/catalog_product/id/387/Ultra_Clear_Con

http://www.pondcovepaint.com/content/page/catalog_product/id/1824/DuraVar_Plus_C

http://www.pondcovepaint.com/content/page/catalog_product/id/1821/EuroBild_Clear

http://www.pondcovepaint.com/content/page/catalog_product/id/1823/Krystal_Clear.