Cabinet Refinishing San Jose CA is a surface-only refurbishment that costs less than a full reface and can often be completed in one day. It can transform solid wood cabinets into something more modern or European, change door styles, and even address issues like warped doors.
However, refinishing is not an option for cabinets made of medium-density fiberboard or rigid thermofoil (RTF) as they aren’t stainable.
If you love the look of natural wood and want to showcase the grain patterns that make your cabinets unique, staining may be for you. Stain is thinner than paint, so it seeps into the wood and highlights its natural character. Stain is also better at hiding nicks and scratches than paint. In 2021, natural and organic elements are in, so a stained finish will definitely suit this design trend.
Before starting any refinishing work, it is essential to thoroughly clean your cabinets. This includes scraping off any food residue, washing with a degreaser or kitchen cleaner like TSP (trisodium phosphate) and washing again with soap and water to remove grease and other contaminants that can interfere with the final result.
Once your cabinets are cleaned, sand down the surfaces you plan to stain. You can do this manually or by using an electric sander that can tackle any areas of heavy wear and tear. This step is vital for ensuring that the new stain will adhere to your cabinets. It is advisable to start with coarse sandpaper and move up to finer grit as you work your way around the cabinet doors and cabinet boxes.
Be sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain. This will help the stain to bond with your cabinets and provide an even look. When staining, it is best to apply the first coat thinly and let it dry completely before applying another coat. Once you are happy with the color and the consistency, you can apply more coats as needed to reach your desired color.
It is important to use high-quality stain products for best results. You can find these at any hardware store. Be sure to read the label carefully and follow the directions on the back. Thoroughly mixing the stain product will help ensure that there are no solids stuck to the bottom of the container. A high-quality brush will be a must, as lower quality brushes can leave stray bristles on the surface you’re working on.
If you are refinishing dark cabinets to lighter finishes, it’s important to be patient. It can take several layers of stain to achieve the light shade you’re looking for. It’s also a good idea to scuff up the cabinets lightly before applying additional layers of stain. This will give the next layer something to adhere to and prevent flaking and peeling down the road.
Paint
Cabinets play a huge role in your home, from storing toys and books to dishes and decor. But over time, they can become worn or outdated. If you are ready to breathe new life into your cabinets, refinishing or painting is an affordable option.
Painting is a decorative and protective coating commonly applied to rigid surfaces as a liquid consisting of a pigment suspended in a vehicle, or binder, which dries to a tough film, binding the pigment to the surface. It can be used on wood, metal, glass, or any other rigid material.
Paint is made from a number of different ingredients which determine its characteristics and performance. Binders, which hold the paint together, are typically vinyl resins dissolved in solvent, such as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK). Pigments and fillers are mineral elements/compounds incorporated into the mix to contribute colour, provide texture, or add special qualities. These are often natural, but synthetics are also possible.
Once the surface has been properly prepared, sanded, and primed, it’s time for the top coat. Start with a high-quality nylon-bristle brush or roller, and take your time. Aim for smooth, even coverage, and be sure to sand between coats. It’s important to let each coat dry completely before applying the next one.
Before applying the final coat, it’s a good idea to sand again using medium-grit sanding sponges or 180-grit sandpaper on a random orbital sander, and then vacuum and tack-rag to remove all dust particles. This will ensure the best finish and help your final product last longer.
Another way to give your cabinets a boost is with custom add-ons. This includes things like under-cabinet lighting, which costs between $230 and $300 per light, and custom carvings or finishings. However, this isn’t usually included in the cost of refinishing, so you’ll need to budget for it separately.
Brush Coat
Brush Coat is a brush-on clear coating / finish in a bottle. It is great for coating buzzers and other electronics, quick drying and unaffected by water, floatants and sink treatments (it also protects brushes from becoming matted). NFPA 2112 Class 2 compliant.
The CrewBoss Brush Coat is the traditional wildland firefighter’s first choice. The optional button-in thermal liner provides extra warmth during spiked out operations and night operation conditions. The raglan cut sleeves, snap front closure and turnout-style collar offer classic elements that have worked for firefighters.
Lacquer
Lacquer is the thin finish that provides the highly-intense sheen that many people associate with Asian-inspired or modern wood furniture. It’s a solvent-based coating that is applied with a sprayer and can be used for cabinetry or high-end wood products. It is durable and resistant to water, alkali or abrasion but does not stand up well to ultraviolet light. It requires a large, well-ventilated workspace and skill to apply properly. Most professional shops use pre-catalyzed lacquers, which have the catalyst added for them at the factory. This reduces the need for operators to mix in small quantities and helps ensure that the chemicals are mixed in precisely the right ratio to create a finished product that will cure correctly. Hobbyists who use post-cat lacquers often have to purchase a large amount at one time, which can be costly and inconvenient.
Lacquers are available in a variety of sheen levels, from matte to eggshell or silk. They can also be used on wood that has been stained to give the final finish an extra dimension. Because they dry so quickly and are quick to recoat, lacquer is an ideal choice for those who want a more polished look without having to wait a long period of time.
The development of catalyzed lacquers was driven by demands from production woodworkers and cabinetmakers for a finish that had the ease of application offered by nitrocellulose lacquer, but with much better water, chemical and abrasion resistance. To achieve this, chemists combined nitrocellulose with urea resins to produce hybrid reactive finishes that cure through a chemical reaction and not simply through the evaporation of solvents. Hobbyists can use the same products as professionals but must be careful to properly prepare the work surface and follow all application instructions closely.
Lacquer can be re-coated over and over again, unlike varnish that can yellow or peel with repeated recoats. It is less expensive than other types of finishing materials and it is easy to reapply in the event that it becomes chipped or scratched. It is also a very hard material, which makes it extremely tough and durable.
