Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Kitchen Cabinet Refinish
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boblenney
02-28-02, 09:15 AM
We had Steam and water damage in the apartment and one major damage was to kitchen cabinets.
The finish on the doors has bubbled up and pealed in some areas.
The doors are a plywood with a maple ? like veneer.
I would like to refinish myself.
Any help on best way to proceed and top finish or coating which would hold up to kitchen wear and tear would be appreciated.
Thanks, Bob
The finish on the doors has bubbled up and pealed in some areas.
The doors are a plywood with a maple ? like veneer.
I would like to refinish myself.
Any help on best way to proceed and top finish or coating which would hold up to kitchen wear and tear would be appreciated.
Thanks, Bob
George
02-28-02, 03:26 PM
Bob:
It's possible in your case to sand out the current finish and apply a new finish - Stripping (in the traditional sense) may not be necessary.
First, determine what the current finish is. Dampen a rag with lacquer thinner and rub an affected area - if the rag starts to drag or stick, the finish is lacquer. Without stripping the cabinets completely, lacquer is the finish you'll have to go back with (if this test is positive).
If it isn't. chances rae you've got a polyurethane finish, although it could be standard varnish. It would depend on the age of the cabinets. If theu're factory made, hoever, I'd bet on lacquer.
That's the good news - here's the bad.
Polyurethane is a much more durable surface. Lacquer is used by manufacturers because it's quick drying. If you want to refinish with polyurethane and the current finish is lacquer, you'll have to strip the doors - sanding won't do the trick.
It's possible in your case to sand out the current finish and apply a new finish - Stripping (in the traditional sense) may not be necessary.
First, determine what the current finish is. Dampen a rag with lacquer thinner and rub an affected area - if the rag starts to drag or stick, the finish is lacquer. Without stripping the cabinets completely, lacquer is the finish you'll have to go back with (if this test is positive).
If it isn't. chances rae you've got a polyurethane finish, although it could be standard varnish. It would depend on the age of the cabinets. If theu're factory made, hoever, I'd bet on lacquer.
That's the good news - here's the bad.
Polyurethane is a much more durable surface. Lacquer is used by manufacturers because it's quick drying. If you want to refinish with polyurethane and the current finish is lacquer, you'll have to strip the doors - sanding won't do the trick.