Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/cabinet paint

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Expert: - 2/6/2011


Question
Hi Greg!

I am going to be painting my kitchen cabinets soon, but as a professional decorative painter I have a few questions about specialty paints on the market. I've seen the rustolem cabinet paint kits - but exactly what type of 'paint' is the bonding coat?

I've been considering using an epoxy to paint my cabinets; perhaps a product like Sherwin Williams makes, as I need something very durable. Satin Impervo (acrylic or oil based are both options) or even a latex paint with a high gloss acrylic top coat might work as well.

I plan on repainting one of the cabinets as a test run before doing the entire kitchen, and will be using Stix primer from Insl-x after prepping the cabinets.

What product to you think might give me a tough, durable, and gloss finish? And should I stay away from epoxy?

Thanks for your help!

Answer
Hi Natalie, since you like the Stix Primer, why not look into their Cabinet paint "CabinetCoat". These are Acrylic Urethane type finishes...which are the latest Tech in finishes....most Cabinet manufacturers are using Catalyzed Acrylic urethane technologies from Europe now, completely supplanting the older solvent based technologies....I am not a fan of High Gloss finishes in a kitchen I must tell you, and yes, I would stay away from epoxies.A test is always a good idea, and a clear coat over the color coat is also a good idea...I would look into these products that are designed to use with the Stix primer bond coat from Insl-X...the Rustoleum system is the same technology, I'm sure, and both are capable of a very high quality, durable finish...just keep in mind that as with any refinish, Prep is 85% of the job, and proper prep takes work to do right. Hope that helps- post back if need be- regards- Greg
If you haven't been there already...check out their site:

http://www.insl-x.com/

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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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