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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Peeling clear coat on Bathroom and Kitchen Cabinets

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Expert: - 7/21/2010


Question
Hi Greg,

I have two questions on peeling clear coat/varnish applied to Maple Fronted cabinets. The cabinets are 10 years old.

First, the cabinets in my bathroom are showing heavy peeling.  They are under the sink and in direct sunlight.  Is this causing the peeling?

Second, some of my kitchen cabinets are starting to show peeling around the edges.  There are near a window, but not in constant direct sunlight.

I am curious as to what would cause this peeling.  Like I said, the cabinets are 10 years old and were installed in the condo by the builder.  Also, is there a lifespan for varnish/clear coat?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Carrie, the peeling is not from the light, it is from moisture. Depending on what the finish was, it could have a life span of a few years, (consumer polyurethanes) to more than 15, (professional urethanes, catalyzed lacquers/varnishes). It would also depend on the products used to clean, location near dishwashers, sinks, cooktops,etc., where steam emanates from....

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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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