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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Cat urine proof finish?

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Expert: - 2/9/2011


Question
I have an oak butcher block kitchen table that I am refinishing AGAIN due to urine stains from our male cat with a kidney problem. The last time I finished it with 3 thin coats of polyurethane which seemed to work for a a couple of years, but when we came back from vacation the wood was stained again.
Short of refinishing the table every couple of years is there a product that will be more permanent yet still give me the fine poly finish? Our cat, George, still has many years left in him.
Thanks

Answer
Hey Bruce, cat urine contains many harsh chemicals like ammonia, and Uric acid...and if left for many hours or days, will damage many finishes. Also, to hope to have any protection, a thin coat of finish is not the answer. 3-4 coats of an quality urethane or a product designed for floors would be the way to go, applied full strength. You need to end up with a fairly thick film of finish to protect the wood.It's a lot to ask of a finish, though, especially over a few days....

http://www.ugl.com/zarWoodFinishing/zarInteriorPolyurethane/zarUltra.php

This is one of the better oil modified products....but my current fave is the Ultra Max Waterborne. A crosslinking finish that's low odor, tough and durable, and dries up to 4 times harder than other products in it's class....this is similar technology to what the kitchen cabinet manufacturing industry is using now...Waterborne modified Acrylic Urethanes.They dry quickly to allow you to finish the job faster as well.. The solvent based Ultra will have a warmer amber/yellow hue, while the waterborne Urethanes are "water white" meaning almost perfectly clear.(except for the EnduroVar) Instead of using a brush, try applying with a disposable paint pad in long overlapping strokes. These finishes level out well and dry smooth when applied to a properly prepped surface.

http://www.ugl.com/zarWoodFinishing/zarInteriorPolyurethane/zarUltraMax.php

Another good choice wood be this:
http://www.woodcraft.com/Family/2081078/EnduroVar-by-General-Finishes.aspx

Or this:
http://www.woodcraft.com/Family/2007259/GENERAL-FINISHES-ArmRSeal.aspx

Hope that helps a little....post back if need be- 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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