San Jose Cabinet Refinishing is a key decision in both your kitchen’s aesthetic and its durability. It’s important to select a finish that suits your specific lifestyle and usage patterns.
Acrylic urethane is an excellent choice because of its resistance to grease and moisture. It also boasts low VOCs, making it a safer option for families.
Catalyzed Lacquer
A catalyzed lacquer is a finish that contains an acid catalyst that is packaged separately from the finish itself. When you mix the two together, the catalyst causes the ends of each molecule to crosslink with each other forming long molecular chains that make the finish harder and more resistant to moisture and chemicals. These finishes are fast drying, like nitrocellulose lacquer, and they reduce dust nibs on horizontal surfaces as well as runs and sags on vertical ones. However, they are very sensitive to temperature and you must carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions as to when and how to apply each coat. They can crack if you build up the film too thick, even if it appears fine during application. You can also run into problems with bonding to stains and glazes, and with tight-grained woods such as maple or birch.
Most of the commercial, high-volume shops use pre-cat lacquers because they know exactly how much they will need over a certain time period. Smaller shops will use post-cat lacquers that require the acid catalyst to be added just before using them. They have a short window of time in which to work because the catalyst starts to harden in the spray gun if it is left on there too long. This is called blooming and it can cause a haze in the top coat that may not show up for months.
These finishes can be brittle in cold temperatures and are easily damaged by impact. They can be resurfaced with a 2K Polyurethane but this will not make them flexible again. They are not good over oil-based stains and can have problems adhering to them. Some have very low odor, but others contain isocyanates which can cause upper and lower respiratory reactions in some people as well as skin irritations if the solvents come into contact with them. The isocyanates are released when the products are thinned with toluene (toluol), xylene, or a proprietary manufacturer’s thinner.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a synthetic resin that creates a hard protective coating on wood surfaces, enhancing their beauty and durability. It can be applied as a clear finish, preserving the natural look of the wood, or tinted for color and depth. Polyurethane offers superior resistance to scratches, stains, moisture, and wear, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas.
2K Poly provides a durable layer of protection that shields cabinets from harmful UV rays and other environmental conditions, minimizing fading of the color and richness of paint on your cabinets over time. It also prevents the wood from expanding and contracting, a natural occurrence that can lead to surface cracks and imperfections when not protected.
It’s available in a variety of gloss levels, ranging from high-gloss to satin and matte. High-gloss finishes show marks and imperfections more easily, while satin and matte have a soft sheen that enhances the texture of the wood. While oil-based polyurethane is a popular choice for its durability and rich finish, it takes longer to dry than water-based options and produces strong fumes that require proper ventilation.
Polyurethane can be applied using a brush or with a wipe-on application. The former is ideal for smaller projects and surfaces with intricate details, while the latter reduces the amount of labor needed and allows you to apply multiple coats quickly. Whether you choose to use a brush or wipe-on, make sure that each coat is applied evenly, without gaps or drips, to ensure a smooth and even surface. Allow each coat to dry fully before applying another, and allow your finished product to cure properly for maximum durability. If you notice signs of wear, lightly sand the affected area and reapply a fresh coat of polyurethane for lasting protection.
Laminate & Thermofoil
Thermofoil and laminate cabinets are a popular choice because they offer an affordable, durable finish that can handle everyday wear. However, they may not hold up well to frequent exposure to heat, which can cause them to warp or even peel. Thermofoil and laminate cabinet finishes are not as durable as painted cabinetry, but they do offer a more long-lasting appearance than paper laminates or melamine surfaces.
The durability of laminate and thermofoil is based on their vinyl surface, which creates a tough outer layer that resists scratching, denting, and minor water damage. This helps them stand up to daily use better than painted finishes, which are prone to chipping and peeling over time. This is especially important for busy households, where cabinets tend to get the most wear and tear.
Both laminate and thermofoil are nonporous, which means they won’t absorb moisture or harbor mold or mildew. This makes them an ideal option for damp environments, like bathrooms or kitchens. This also provides added protection from stains, as humidity or spills won’t soak into the cabinet faces.
While it is possible to paint laminate or thermofoil cabinets, it requires special prep and a primer designed for nonporous surfaces. This is because the slick vinyl surface can make it difficult for paint to adhere. However, this can be overcome by scrubbing and sanding the surface to smooth it out. It’s also a good idea to wipe down the surfaces regularly with a microfiber cloth and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner. This will prevent dust and grime from building up on the surface, which can lead to scratches and abrasions. It will also keep the cabinet facings looking bright and new for longer.
Conversion Varnish
A more specialized type of finish than lacquer, conversion varnish is ideal for cabinets in high-use areas, like kitchens. It’s extremely durable and creates a smooth, shiny sheen that’s visually appealing to many homeowners. It’s also moisture-resistant, making it a good choice for cabinet doors in humid environments. However, this type of finish can be difficult for the casual DIYer to apply properly, so it’s best left to a professional for application.
Another benefit of conversion varnish is that it resists heat better than other finishes, such as lacquer. This is important in homes with wood burning fireplaces or those with children or pets who may spill hot foods on wooden surfaces. This type of finish also protects against scratches and dents caused by everyday wear and tear, as well as rough handling during the furniture installation or relocation process.
Unlike polyurethane, conversion varnish isn’t prone to yellowing over time. This is because it doesn’t contain any solvents that can evaporate out of the finish and cause the color to yellow over time, which can happen with some forms of polyurethane. It’s also less prone to scratching and fading than other finishes, which is great for cabinet doors that will receive a lot of use.
As with any type of finish, it’s essential that you clean your cabinet doors regularly to prevent dirt buildup and grime from staining the wood. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent will help preserve the appearance of your cabinets, while keeping them looking new for longer. With proper care and maintenance, a conversion varnish cabinet finish can last for years, protecting your investment in kitchen cabinetry and maintaining the beauty of the wood.
Epoxy Resin
Epoxy resin is a thermosetting polymer and curing agent mixture. It forms a solid substance that resists physical forces, corrosion and moisture. The epoxy can be mixed and applied in a variety of ways, depending on the specific product. It must then be given enough time to cure, which can range from a few hours to several days. The resulting material is extremely durable, making it ideal for a wide variety of uses.
The resin is made by reacting an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic alkene with epichlorohydrin. Typical monomers include bisphenol A and phenol, and their reactivity with the epichlorohydrin leads to a chemical known as bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (commonly called BADGE or DGEBA). This type of epoxy is called a glycidyl ether or novolac resin. The resin is often modified with additives, including mineral fillers, viscosity reducers, colorants, thickeners, accelerators, and adhesion promoters.
Besides being extremely durable, epoxy is also very chemical resistant and heat-resistant. It is used to manufacture composite pipes and tanks, as well as coatings for traditional steel products. It can withstand harsh chemicals like chlorine and microbes, and is able to withstand high temperatures and vibrations.
In the construction industry, epoxy is used as an adhesive for wood, metal, glass, stone and some plastics. It is also highly heat-resistant and can withstand environmental stress, making it an excellent choice for industrial environments. It can be mixed and applied with relative ease, and it has a much higher adhesive strength than other glues. This makes it perfect for use in areas that will be subjected to a lot of stress and strain, such as in warehouses and factories. For example, flooring made with epoxy is incredibly strong and can withstand heavy loads.