Expert: Greg Scholl - 2/11/2010

Question
QUESTION: I am building new maple cab. what is the best sequence i.e. sanding sealer,stain,laquer,glaze,more laquer?

ANSWER: Hey Bill that's a really loaded question, and it will depend on the look and protection level you're after, and your skill level and equipment...typically it's stain(s) , sanding sealer, glaze/toner coats, finish coats...making sure to use compatible products and allow proper drying times between steps.Many of these cabinet finishes are comprised of 10+ individual steps..if these are kitchen or bath cabinets you'll likely want to use a catalyzed finish for the ultimate in durability, and these are available in Urethanes, Acrylic Urethanes, Lacquers, and varnishes....from many different manufacturers. Getting a durable, furniture grade, matching finish on room full of cabinets is a skilled art, and takes knowledge and experience. It's not something anyone can do, unless they have learned and mastered the necessary skills...

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

QUESTION: I am using a laquer sand. seal. followed by a spray on laquer.My plan on the "new" progect is to use a stain first then a sand. seal. followed by laq.I am told by some cab. shops that the glaze goes after the first coat of laq.How many coats of laq. should follow the glaze.Also what is the diff.between Cat. laq.and cell. laq.After having used Laq. I will never use any of the urethanes or varnish again.Am I,as a novice using HVLP in a small work shop on the "right path".
Thanks for your response

Answer
Glazing is usually done after the sealer coat, or the first topcoat, but it can be used over a stain in some cases as well..it depends on the product and technique .. it should be coated with one to three coats of clear. Catalyzed lacquers are two part crosslinking finishes that utilize catalysts to make them cure many times harder than conventional nitrocellulose lacquers.Pre-cat is premixed with a shelf life- post-cat is supplied in two parts and you add the catalyst before application. It increases the moisture resistance and durability substantially...and is what commercial cabinet manufacturers use exclusively nowadays...(catalyzed Urethanes, varnishes, and lacquers in solvent base or Acrylic {waterborne})...you're on the right path, but I wouldn't write off Urethanes, as the Acrylic Urethanes are becoming "state of the art" in catalyzed waterborne finishes...used by many major cabinet manufacturers....solvent lacquers are toxic, and very explosive, and proper protection and ventilation with an explosion proof fan system is essential...