Greetings all,
I have a friend who wants me to build new kitchen cabinets for her.
I'm not uncomfortable with the woodworking part, but the finish she
wants is a deep red cherry she sees at some of the home centers.
I've often wondered about how the commercial cabinet makers achieve
their finishes. From the research I've done over the past few days it
would appear that they use spray lacquers. I would like to know the
following:
1. Am I correct in thinking the commercial cabinet producers use
spray lacquers?
2. If I decide to use a spray lacquer, should I tint the lacquer or
spray a clear lacquer over a stained wood? (I have used aniline dyes
for a smaller project and sprayed a clear coat over that, but I'm not
sure if this would be good for a large project).
3. If I am going to color the wood, does it really matter if I use
cherry wood or not? Couldn't I just use birch in such a case?
4. I have an HVLP spray setup, but since I don't have proper
ventilation I'd prefer using water based lacquers. Anyone had any
experiences with these?
Thanks in advance for the help. This project is still in the planning
phase, so I have some time to experiment with suggestions.
Regard,
Jerry
I can't help but am very interested in what responses you get. I made
this post only to say that I've seen charts in books that compare the
properties of various finishes. I've posted some questions about
finishes which mix things like Danish oil and wax -- these books don't
treat the mixes (that I know of).
For your cabinets you're probably interested in color, durability, and
perhaps water resistence on the inside (since sometimes dishes get
returned to the cabinet not completely dry).
I suppose you also need to decide how glossy you want them to look.
[email protected] (Jerry) wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Greetings all,
>
> I have a friend who wants me to build new kitchen cabinets for her.
> I'm not uncomfortable with the woodworking part, but the finish she
> wants is a deep red cherry she sees at some of the home centers.
>
> I've often wondered about how the commercial cabinet makers achieve
> their finishes. From the research I've done over the past few days it
> would appear that they use spray lacquers. I would like to know the
> following:
>
> 1. Am I correct in thinking the commercial cabinet producers use
> spray lacquers?
>
> 2. If I decide to use a spray lacquer, should I tint the lacquer or
> spray a clear lacquer over a stained wood? (I have used aniline dyes
> for a smaller project and sprayed a clear coat over that, but I'm not
> sure if this would be good for a large project).
>
> 3. If I am going to color the wood, does it really matter if I use
> cherry wood or not? Couldn't I just use birch in such a case?
>
> 4. I have an HVLP spray setup, but since I don't have proper
> ventilation I'd prefer using water based lacquers. Anyone had any
> experiences with these?
>
> Thanks in advance for the help. This project is still in the planning
> phase, so I have some time to experiment with suggestions.
>
> Regard,
>
> Jerry
I can't help but am very interested in what responses you get. I made
this post only to say that I've seen charts in books that compare the
properties of various finishes. I've posted some questions about
finishes which mix things like Danish oil and wax -- these books don't
treat the mixes (that I know of).
For your cabinets you're probably interested in color, durability, and
perhaps water resistence on the inside (since sometimes dishes get
returned to the cabinet not completely dry).
I suppose you also need to decide how glossy you want them to look.
[email protected] (Jerry) wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Greetings all,
>
> I have a friend who wants me to build new kitchen cabinets for her.
> I'm not uncomfortable with the woodworking part, but the finish she
> wants is a deep red cherry she sees at some of the home centers.
>
> I've often wondered about how the commercial cabinet makers achieve
> their finishes. From the research I've done over the past few days it
> would appear that they use spray lacquers. I would like to know the
> following:
>
> 1. Am I correct in thinking the commercial cabinet producers use
> spray lacquers?
>
> 2. If I decide to use a spray lacquer, should I tint the lacquer or
> spray a clear lacquer over a stained wood? (I have used aniline dyes
> for a smaller project and sprayed a clear coat over that, but I'm not
> sure if this would be good for a large project).
>
> 3. If I am going to color the wood, does it really matter if I use
> cherry wood or not? Couldn't I just use birch in such a case?
>
> 4. I have an HVLP spray setup, but since I don't have proper
> ventilation I'd prefer using water based lacquers. Anyone had any
> experiences with these?
>
> Thanks in advance for the help. This project is still in the planning
> phase, so I have some time to experiment with suggestions.
>
> Regard,
>
> Jerry
On Tue, 28 Sep 2004 09:52:11 -0400, MikeG <[email protected]> wrote:
>In article <[email protected]>, GAB_1956
>@hotmail.com says...
>> Greetings all,
>>
>> I have a friend who wants me to build new kitchen cabinets for her.
>> I'm not uncomfortable with the woodworking part, but the finish she
>> wants is a deep red cherry she sees at some of the home centers.
>>
>> I've often wondered about how the commercial cabinet makers achieve
>> their finishes. From the research I've done over the past few days it
>> would appear that they use spray lacquers. I would like to know the
>> following:
>>
>> 1. Am I correct in thinking the commercial cabinet producers use
>> spray lacquers?
>>
>> 2. If I decide to use a spray lacquer, should I tint the lacquer or
>> spray a clear lacquer over a stained wood? (I have used aniline dyes
>> for a smaller project and sprayed a clear coat over that, but I'm not
>> sure if this would be good for a large project).
>>
>> 3. If I am going to color the wood, does it really matter if I use
>> cherry wood or not? Couldn't I just use birch in such a case?
>>
>> 4. I have an HVLP spray setup, but since I don't have proper
>> ventilation I'd prefer using water based lacquers. Anyone had any
>> experiences with these?
>>
>> Thanks in advance for the help. This project is still in the planning
>> phase, so I have some time to experiment with suggestions.
>>
>> Regard,
>>
>> Jerry
>>
>
>Hi Jerry
>
>Yes commercial cabinet makers use lacquer, most likely a catalyzed
>lacquer. However a good water based lacquer would do the job. My
>preference is for Crystalac 2000. Of the several water based lacquers
>I've used it come the closest too looking like nitrocellulose.
>
>Yes you can add color to the lacquer as long as it is like based, water
>too water, oil to oil.
>
>In fact the method used by commercial cabinet makers is called toning.
>One or more colored coats of the finish are sandwiched in between the
>clear coats.
>
>Doing it that way, since it avoids the usual staining problems, is a
>great labor saver for the commercial people and can be for you. It also
>by passes the problem of solid wood not taking color the same way ply of
>the same species will.
>
>As too whether staining another species rather then use actual cherry.
>That is pretty much up for discussion between the person footing the
>bill and the person who has too look at the job day after day.
>
>I'd strongly suggest doing up a couple of samples and a sit down with
>the person you are making the cabinets for.
>
There are a few variations of the "commercial" cherry. In general, the deeper
and more uniform reds include a glaze coat. This provides an easier and closer
match between the pieces of cherry. I did get a close match by selecting the
wood, then applying a combination of dye then toner (Transtints from
Homestead).
GerryG
"[email protected]" wrote:
> Visit www.homesteadfinishing.com as Jeff Jewitt designed TransTint
> dyes that mix with many liquids. He carries Fuhr and Target WB
> finishes. I've used the Target lacquer mixed with TransTint with no
> problems beyond what I've caused. Also visit his forums both the
> general finishing as well as the spray forum.
Hi Jerry,
Also in Jeff Jewett's book "Great Wood Finishes" he outlines a
procedure for "Colonial Cherry", the look of commercial cherry furniture on
page 222. The book should be available at your local library.
--
Jack Novak
Buffalo, NY - USA
(Remove "SPAM" from email address to reply)
In article <[email protected]>, GAB_1956
@hotmail.com says...
> Greetings all,
>
> I have a friend who wants me to build new kitchen cabinets for her.
> I'm not uncomfortable with the woodworking part, but the finish she
> wants is a deep red cherry she sees at some of the home centers.
>
> I've often wondered about how the commercial cabinet makers achieve
> their finishes. From the research I've done over the past few days it
> would appear that they use spray lacquers. I would like to know the
> following:
>
> 1. Am I correct in thinking the commercial cabinet producers use
> spray lacquers?
>
> 2. If I decide to use a spray lacquer, should I tint the lacquer or
> spray a clear lacquer over a stained wood? (I have used aniline dyes
> for a smaller project and sprayed a clear coat over that, but I'm not
> sure if this would be good for a large project).
>
> 3. If I am going to color the wood, does it really matter if I use
> cherry wood or not? Couldn't I just use birch in such a case?
>
> 4. I have an HVLP spray setup, but since I don't have proper
> ventilation I'd prefer using water based lacquers. Anyone had any
> experiences with these?
>
> Thanks in advance for the help. This project is still in the planning
> phase, so I have some time to experiment with suggestions.
>
> Regard,
>
> Jerry
>
Hi Jerry
Yes commercial cabinet makers use lacquer, most likely a catalyzed
lacquer. However a good water based lacquer would do the job. My
preference is for Crystalac 2000. Of the several water based lacquers
I've used it come the closest too looking like nitrocellulose.
Yes you can add color to the lacquer as long as it is like based, water
too water, oil to oil.
In fact the method used by commercial cabinet makers is called toning.
One or more colored coats of the finish are sandwiched in between the
clear coats.
Doing it that way, since it avoids the usual staining problems, is a
great labor saver for the commercial people and can be for you. It also
by passes the problem of solid wood not taking color the same way ply of
the same species will.
As too whether staining another species rather then use actual cherry.
That is pretty much up for discussion between the person footing the
bill and the person who has too look at the job day after day.
I'd strongly suggest doing up a couple of samples and a sit down with
the person you are making the cabinets for.
--
MikeG
Heirloom Woods
www.heirloom-woods.net
[email protected]
MikeG <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> In article <[email protected]>, GAB_1956
> @hotmail.com says...
> > Greetings all,
> >
> > I have a friend who wants me to build new kitchen cabinets for her.
> > I'm not uncomfortable with the woodworking part, but the finish she
> > wants is a deep red cherry she sees at some of the home centers.
> >
> > I've often wondered about how the commercial cabinet makers achieve
> > their finishes. From the research I've done over the past few days it
> > would appear that they use spray lacquers. I would like to know the
> > following:
> >
> > 1. Am I correct in thinking the commercial cabinet producers use
> > spray lacquers?
> >
> > 2. If I decide to use a spray lacquer, should I tint the lacquer or
> > spray a clear lacquer over a stained wood? (I have used aniline dyes
> > for a smaller project and sprayed a clear coat over that, but I'm not
> > sure if this would be good for a large project).
> >
> > 3. If I am going to color the wood, does it really matter if I use
> > cherry wood or not? Couldn't I just use birch in such a case?
> >
> > 4. I have an HVLP spray setup, but since I don't have proper
> > ventilation I'd prefer using water based lacquers. Anyone had any
> > experiences with these?
> >
> > Thanks in advance for the help. This project is still in the planning
> > phase, so I have some time to experiment with suggestions.
> >
> > Regard,
> >
> > Jerry
> >
>
> Hi Jerry
>
> Yes commercial cabinet makers use lacquer, most likely a catalyzed
> lacquer. However a good water based lacquer would do the job. My
> preference is for Crystalac 2000. Of the several water based lacquers
> I've used it come the closest too looking like nitrocellulose.
>
> Yes you can add color to the lacquer as long as it is like based, water
> too water, oil to oil.
>
> In fact the method used by commercial cabinet makers is called toning.
> One or more colored coats of the finish are sandwiched in between the
> clear coats.
>
> Doing it that way, since it avoids the usual staining problems, is a
> great labor saver for the commercial people and can be for you. It also
> by passes the problem of solid wood not taking color the same way ply of
> the same species will.
>
> As too whether staining another species rather then use actual cherry.
> That is pretty much up for discussion between the person footing the
> bill and the person who has too look at the job day after day.
>
> I'd strongly suggest doing up a couple of samples and a sit down with
> the person you are making the cabinets for.
I want to thank everyone who posted answers to my questions. You all
have given me a lot to research and practice with. Woodworkers are
the greatest!
Jerry
On 27 Sep 2004 21:10:22 -0700, [email protected] (Jerry) wrote:
>Greetings all,
>
>I have a friend who wants me to build new kitchen cabinets for her.
>I'm not uncomfortable with the woodworking part, but the finish she
>wants is a deep red cherry she sees at some of the home centers.
>
>I've often wondered about how the commercial cabinet makers achieve
>their finishes. From the research I've done over the past few days it
>would appear that they use spray lacquers. I would like to know the
>following:
>
>1. Am I correct in thinking the commercial cabinet producers use
>spray lacquers?
Yes
>
>2. If I decide to use a spray lacquer, should I tint the lacquer or
>spray a clear lacquer over a stained wood? (I have used aniline dyes
>for a smaller project and sprayed a clear coat over that, but I'm not
>sure if this would be good for a large project).
Dye the wood and shoot it with clear
>
>3. If I am going to color the wood, does it really matter if I use
>cherry wood or not? Couldn't I just use birch in such a case?
Sure. As long as the grain pattern is acceptable to the customer
>
>4. I have an HVLP spray setup, but since I don't have proper
>ventilation I'd prefer using water based lacquers. Anyone had any
>experiences with these?
>
Best thing you can use. All the benefits of nitrocellulose with
almost none of the drawbacks. My favorite for cabinets is the Oxford
Ultima by Target Coatings. Get a quart of retarder at the same time
you order the lacquer. You dont need much (10%) but it helps the
lacquer to level out better. http://www.targetcoatings.com/
>Thanks in advance for the help. This project is still in the planning
>phase, so I have some time to experiment with suggestions.
>
>Regard,
>
>Jerry
Visit www.homesteadfinishing.com as Jeff Jewitt designed TransTint
dyes that mix with many liquids. He carries Fuhr and Target WB
finishes. I've used the Target lacquer mixed with TransTint with no
problems beyond what I've caused. Also visit his forums both the
general finishing as well as the spray forum.
On 27 Sep 2004 21:10:22 -0700, [email protected] (Jerry) wrote:
>Greetings all,
>
>I have a friend who wants me to build new kitchen cabinets for her.
>I'm not uncomfortable with the woodworking part, but the finish she
>wants is a deep red cherry she sees at some of the home centers.
>
>I've often wondered about how the commercial cabinet makers achieve
>their finishes. From the research I've done over the past few days it
>would appear that they use spray lacquers. I would like to know the
>following:
>
>1. Am I correct in thinking the commercial cabinet producers use
>spray lacquers?
>
>2. If I decide to use a spray lacquer, should I tint the lacquer or
>spray a clear lacquer over a stained wood? (I have used aniline dyes
>for a smaller project and sprayed a clear coat over that, but I'm not
>sure if this would be good for a large project).
>
>3. If I am going to color the wood, does it really matter if I use
>cherry wood or not? Couldn't I just use birch in such a case?
>
>4. I have an HVLP spray setup, but since I don't have proper
>ventilation I'd prefer using water based lacquers. Anyone had any
>experiences with these?
>
>Thanks in advance for the help. This project is still in the planning
>phase, so I have some time to experiment with suggestions.
>
>Regard,
>
>Jerry
On 27 Sep 2004 21:10:22 -0700, [email protected] (Jerry) wrote:
>Greetings all,
>
>I have a friend who wants me to build new kitchen cabinets for her.
>I'm not uncomfortable with the woodworking part, but the finish she
>wants is a deep red cherry she sees at some of the home centers.
>
>I've often wondered about how the commercial cabinet makers achieve
>their finishes. From the research I've done over the past few days it
>would appear that they use spray lacquers. I would like to know the
>following:
>
>1. Am I correct in thinking the commercial cabinet producers use
>spray lacquers?
>
>2. If I decide to use a spray lacquer, should I tint the lacquer or
>spray a clear lacquer over a stained wood? (I have used aniline dyes
>for a smaller project and sprayed a clear coat over that, but I'm not
>sure if this would be good for a large project).
I spray a waterborne finish from www.compliantspraysystems.com. I tint
it with waterbase stains from http://www.wdlockwood.com/main.html. my
goal with this approach is to avoid the "grain reversal" that comes
from the stain absorbing more into the softer, usually lighter grain.
it just looks wrong to me to have the grain reverse....
>
>3. If I am going to color the wood, does it really matter if I use
>cherry wood or not? Couldn't I just use birch in such a case?
I did a dark red over birch recently. I did all of the color as tint
mixed into the topcoat. it came out looking good, but it took a lot of
coats. I think if I was doing it again I'd apply at least some of the
color to the wood first.
>
>4. I have an HVLP spray setup, but since I don't have proper
>ventilation I'd prefer using water based lacquers. Anyone had any
>experiences with these?
>
>Thanks in advance for the help. This project is still in the planning
>phase, so I have some time to experiment with suggestions.
>
>Regard,
>
>Jerry
Jerry,
I can't add anything about the finishing, but let me remind you to
stain/color the raised panels (if you use them) before assembling the
doors. Just in case the panels shrink or shift....
Mark L.
Jerry wrote:
> Greetings all,
>
> I have a friend who wants me to build new kitchen cabinets for her.
> I'm not uncomfortable with the woodworking part, but the finish she
> wants is a deep red cherry she sees at some of the home centers.
>
> I've often wondered about how the commercial cabinet makers achieve
> their finishes. From the research I've done over the past few days it
> would appear that they use spray lacquers. I would like to know the
> following:
>
> 1. Am I correct in thinking the commercial cabinet producers use
> spray lacquers?
>
> 2. If I decide to use a spray lacquer, should I tint the lacquer or
> spray a clear lacquer over a stained wood? (I have used aniline dyes
> for a smaller project and sprayed a clear coat over that, but I'm not
> sure if this would be good for a large project).
>
> 3. If I am going to color the wood, does it really matter if I use
> cherry wood or not? Couldn't I just use birch in such a case?
>
> 4. I have an HVLP spray setup, but since I don't have proper
> ventilation I'd prefer using water based lacquers. Anyone had any
> experiences with these?
>
> Thanks in advance for the help. This project is still in the planning
> phase, so I have some time to experiment with suggestions.
>
> Regard,
>
> Jerry