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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Kitchen Cabinets with Lacquer

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Expert: - 6/23/2010


Question
I have maple kitchen cabinets, some are refaced maple and some were built new about 7 years ago.  The cabinet finisher sprayed on a satin clear coat lacquer.  It is in really bad shape anywhere it has come in contact with moisture.  I need to refinish them but am unsure what product to use over the lacquer. I do not have access to a sprayer. Some of the bare wood on the door tops has been exposed. The finish has completely worn away.  I live in California so don't have access to all finish products.  What do you suggest?

Answer
Hi Christine, this is not a 'do it yourself' project I'm afraid. If the original finish is failing all over then it's not really easily fixed, and you risk adhesion and blending (or feathering as it's known), issues if you try. Conventional lacquer is not suitable for kitchen cabinets, so if that's what they used it was a mistake. This type of work is specialized, requiring skill, knowledge, and experience, (and spraying is a must). Water damage can easily discolor the Maple as well, so applying finish over that will just accentuate any discoloration, and make it stand out even more. If you can still contact the finisher, I would have them come and evaluate the cabinets with you, and ask them about the product they used, and why it didn't last.The other issue now is that California has the strictest VOC regulations in the Country, so I am not even aware of what products he can use to repair conventional lacquers, (which I wouldn't recommend anyway). Almost all the commercial cabinet manufacturers are using waterborne catalyzed Urethane technologies now, which are very different, and cannot be used over lacquer. They are however, extremely tough and durable, and will provide a finish that will last upwards of 20+ years.Hope that helps a little- please feel free to post back- regards- Greg

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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