Expert: Greg Scholl - 2/11/2011

Question
I had custom oak cabinets in my kitchen made and the last several yrs I have noticed that wherever any steam may go up them espically around the stove area the top cabinets are turning grey in the wood grain and the varnish seems to be flaking off, this is also happening below the sink area cabinets where water may drip on them. He has now closed up his shop and I don't know how to repair these areas.

Answer
Hi Tammy, this likely isn't a varnish...it sounds like lacquer, as it is much more susceptible to water damage....and it's not durable enough to be used on kitchen cabinets if it's just a conventional lacquer. Special lacquers called catalyzed lacquers are really what should have been used, which are much more durable and water resistant...perhaps this contributed to his leaving the business, if other clients had the same problems....Lacquers were/are used primarily because they spray well and dry quickly vs. Varnishes. Varnish can take 12-24hrs. to dry PER coat, while lacquers dry in 30-45 Mins. per coat.Unfortunately, there is no way to easily repair these areas. There are clear coat touch up supplies available in aerosol cans, but it's very tricky business, and needs to be done by someone experienced with such finish restorations....especially if the wood is actually discoloring under the damaged finish. I would seek out a Restorer and see if they would be willing to come in and evaluate it with you...but chances are it will be difficult to find someone willing to do cabinet finish restoration onsite.Be wary of firms like N-Hance and others claiming miracle fixes, and products like Restorz-it and Rejuvinate, as I've seen and dealt with MANY horrors stories about kitchen cabinet issues, usually AFTER the fact,when the problems were now even worse. Proper restoration of these clear finishes can be possible, from a competent, knowledgeable, experienced Restorer...but it is NOT the realm of the DIY'er, or the person claiming a miracle solution.Refinishing cabinets with a painted or similar finish can be the realm of the DIY'er, if you should choose to go in that direction....Rustoleum has a new cabinet system that looks very promising, albeit a lot of work, (as most proper finishing/refinishing is). It can be seen here, and theres a good video on the page outlining the process quite clearly. Hope that helps a little, everyone likes to think this type of finish work is easy...but it's not if done properly. Matching an existing finish in color, sheen, etc...and blending in repaired areas with the proper materials is advanced finishing...and especially when trying to repair a finish that may have been the wrong finish to begin with.Post back if need be.....regards- Greg