heat resistant finish?

Epoxy might, unless the temp got too high. Some conversion varnishes might
come close. About the only thing you can be sure about is porcelain enamel, as
that'll take both the heat and even steam.

Now, have you thought of a deflector? Say, painted sheet aluminum as a
decorative shroud to redirect or disperse some of the heat and steam? If put
under a cabinet, it may not be very visible. And, if the temp is really high,
put a thin layer of space-age insolation between it and the cabinets. Not
foolproof, but may delay the damage further, so that your grandchildren are
dealing with it instead.

GerryG

On 19 Aug 2004 01:16:00 -0700, [email protected] (Neil) wrote:

>Hello,
>
>I am building some new QS white oak kitchen cabinet doors and am
>hoping for some insight into finishes. The previous set of cabinet
>doors were damaged over the years by an under cabinet mounted toaster
>oven and coffee maker. So, one area was damaged by heat
>(discoloration of the finish) , and another was damaged by
>steam/humidity (finish broke down, peeled off, and the wood started
>drying out and splitting). What finishes would you recommend that
>might minimize discoloration by heat and penetration of steam into the
>wood? Yes, one right answer would be to not mount the appliances
>under the cabinets, but that isn't going to happen.
>
>BTW, the damage occurred over about 15 years, so I am resigned to not
>being able to absolutely _prevent_ this from happening again.
>
>Thanks,
>Neil