Carpentry and Woodworking - Cabinet finish replication
Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.View Full Version : Cabinet finish replication
PAT H.
02-08-09, 06:14 PM
i bought in stock cabinets from home depot.its there american classics line sandlewood finish.i had to make three cabinets because they wont build the size i needed.now im faced with the delema of replicating the exsisting finish.the grain has been masked on maple.ive mixed the stain to come very close but cant get the same results as the factory finish.can anyone tell me how to do this.
marksr
02-09-09, 04:32 AM
Welcome to the forums Pat!
We need more info. Can you better describe the difference in finish or supply a pic using a free site like
Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket (http://www.photobucket.com)
We need more info. Can you better describe the difference in finish or supply a pic using a free site like
Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket (http://www.photobucket.com)
PAT H.
02-09-09, 02:14 PM
Welcome to the forums Pat!
We need more info. Can you better describe the difference in finish or supply a pic using a free site like
Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket (http://www.photobucket.com)
The difference is the factory finish does not show the grain. im having trouble recreating that look.Ive sanded to 220 then used minwax prestain then stained ten mins later.The results were no blotchyness but the grain comes through proud.
We need more info. Can you better describe the difference in finish or supply a pic using a free site like
Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket (http://www.photobucket.com)
The difference is the factory finish does not show the grain. im having trouble recreating that look.Ive sanded to 220 then used minwax prestain then stained ten mins later.The results were no blotchyness but the grain comes through proud.
marksr
02-09-09, 05:01 PM
If I understand correctly, the factory cabinets are colored with little grain showing. You might try some tinted poly on some scrap and see if that will get the look you need.
PAT H.
02-10-09, 08:01 AM
Is the tinted poly something that i can do or does that have to be done for me,also the finish may have been done with a glaze.
Randy Mallory
02-10-09, 10:34 AM
Using a tinted varnish (polyurethane in this case) as marksr suggested is actually sometimes referred to as a glaze or toner. It is basically adding color between clear coats...especially after the wood has been sealed. You may be able to achieve the desired result using this approach. If multiple coats are require, you have to be patient and not try to manipulate it too much. It will begin to affect the layers underneath...can be frustrating.
That said, the best way I know to achieve the "factory" look with the grain subdued is by using dyes (not stain) on the wood before any sealer is applied. Do not apply a sealer first. The dye is best applied by spraying and then NOT wiping. I have made poplar look like fine mahony with this approach. This may be more than you want to get into, however.
If you have a local Woodcraft store, go talk to them. The two stores I go to have very helpful staff.
Good luck
That said, the best way I know to achieve the "factory" look with the grain subdued is by using dyes (not stain) on the wood before any sealer is applied. Do not apply a sealer first. The dye is best applied by spraying and then NOT wiping. I have made poplar look like fine mahony with this approach. This may be more than you want to get into, however.
If you have a local Woodcraft store, go talk to them. The two stores I go to have very helpful staff.
Good luck