Expert: Greg Scholl - 9/20/2010

Question
QUESTION: Checked the other maple cabinet questions but my finish is good, just the color is bad.   The clear maple cabinets are about 11 years old.  They were very light but have turned darker and somewhat orange; the picture doesn't reflect the brassy color very well.  The finish (suspect lacquer)is in good shape.  Stripping and restaining is a bigger project that I want to tackle.  We live in a rural (Appalachian almost) area and qualified painters are . . . well, I have never been able to find one.  So, is there a finish that we could apply on top of the lacquer to tone down the orange effect?  Would do the pickling idea, but know that the cabinets would not all look the same since we learn as we go!  Any other ideas?

ANSWER: Hi Bittsy, unfortunately there really is nothing you can do to fix this....it looks like it's mostly the Maple itself, reacting to UV light and oxidizing naturally....as Maple(and most wood) does over time.It will turn browner, sometimes amber or gold..trying to alter the finish would be a mistake as well, because they are likely factory finished with a catalyzed finish that's extremely tough and durable...and you could easily ruin the cabinets, leading to replacing or major refinishing, (BIG $$) and even trying to remove these finishes is extremely difficult to do properly, and unless you're an experienced finisher, trying to finish a whole kitchen full of Maple cabinets is NOT recommended...it is NOT a job anyone can do..it requires some serious finishing "chops", and experience with the materials and techniques, I would NOT let a Painter touch your cabinets...Painters as a rule, do NOT know the intricacies of these high tech clear finishes...this is NOT Minwax stain and Poly, and NOT the realm of a Painter........Producing a finish that will last 20+ years like these factory finishes will, requires spray techniques and high tech, catalyzed materials that meet or exceed KCMA standards,and must be properly applied by a skilled finisher with knowledge and experience....wish I had better news......post back if need be.Regards- Greg

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QUESTION: Thanks for the information.  But they are custom made cabinets.  The man used one of the fast drying finishes--absolutely shellac or lacquer, and there is no stain.  Does this change your advice any?  Is shellac or lacquer easier to remove?  Thanks again.

Answer
It's definitely NOT shellac....but it could be a lacquer, catalyzed lacquer, or even a conversion varnish. Conventional lacquer would not hold up well in the harsh environment of a kitchen....so it's likely a more durable type of finish, and it's possible there is some color in the finish...known as "toning", which is often used to help even out the differences between grain and coloration........the issue is still the fact that this is likely the wood and not a finish issue...you stated that the finish is in good condition, so it's not the finish at fault, as these finishes do not tend to yellow (unless it's a polyurethane..they will yellow),but from your picture, it looks like this is the natural color progression of the Maple as it ages, I'm not understanding "brassiness" from your description...perhaps another picture might help?.... the cabinets could be cleaned, scuff sanded, and then sprayed with a "toned" finish and then clear coated...but this is a huge job, and you will have trouble finding someone to take it on because it's labor intensive ($), and difficult to do on cabinets that are installed. And again, this is not the realm of a Painter OR a DIY'er. Is the Cabinetmaker still around? I'd contact him if he is and have him come over and evaluate them with you...there is no easy fix, I'm afraid..........