Replies

1. 
   Sgian_Dubh | Sep 10, 2000 10:49am | #1

   *
   I don't do kitchens, but I do build furniture, and sometimes my stuff is 'built in'. I build the piece in my workshop and deliver complete items that need no more than attaching to the wall, and a scribing piece or two. I've also seen on site spray finishing done, and it looks a thankless task, a bit like pushing a bit of string uphill. Is this the kind of finishing to which you refer? I'll assume so for now.

   My practical experience on spray finishing on site is nil, therefore take my opinions only for what they are worth.

   There is nothing special about my equipment. A compressor, a selection of spray guns, various stains and polishes and a booth. But I am in
   i my
   workshop, not the punters house. I'm in pretty good control of
   i my
   work environment. I think control is the key.

   My observations of people finishing on site is that the job is a pure pain in the arse. Shielding off rooms, masking off, tripping over the owners other property, no extract system, cabinets stuck on the wall so that they are awkward to get at, cramped makeshift arrangements for drawer fronts and doors whilst these are polished, punter standing over you watching your every move, gashing the finish on thickly to get a high build, (leading to gumminess?) etc..

   I've never seen pre-cat or post cat lacquer sprayed on site (my experience only remember, and maybe some finishers do.) The fumes and overspray really do need proper extraction, which is obviously not available in a clients house. Just my take on the subject. Sliante.

1. 
   Jed_C. | Sep 13, 2000 03:47pm | #2

   *This client is upset that the finish on her custom cabinets lasted only 25 years? That's longer than the life span of the average kitchen. Kitchen cabinets take a lot of abuse because of moisture and cooking oils spewed into the air, condensing on the surface of the cabinets. It's very common for them to "gum up."Catalyzed lacquers and conversion varnishes are by far the toughest finishes and the best choices for kitchens. They do require that you have spray equipment and a good spray booth to apply them correctly and safely.Fine Woodworking had an article on kitchen cabinet finishes in issue no. 139 (Dec.'99), pp. 141-142.

1. 
   aramos | Dec 08, 2000 01:11am | #3

   *Hi Jed,I just read your comments about kitchen cabinets.I do have a question for you, related to lacquers and kitchen cabinets. I am interested on catalyzed lacquers and conversion varnishes. I haven't used them before but I do spray lacquers on my shop.I have to finish my first pine kitchen cabinets.Have you finished pine for a demanding environment like a kitchen?How will you apply some color on it? Will you tint the lacquer or conversion varnish?If you don't tint the lacquer, how will you avoid blotching when coloring? I hope you can help me.Thanks, Antonio--------

1. 
   Drew_Nyman | Dec 08, 2000 11:20am | #4

   *Ernie; The finishes you're speaking of are HIGHLY TOXIC. Spraying them in other than an approved spray booth would be a violation of EPA rules. I use acrylic lacquer with a vinyl sealer for such applications.(always in a spray booth) If the problem is a gummy finish, it sounds like a good cleaning might be what's needed.

1. 
   Lucy_Snow | Jan 02, 2001 05:42pm | #5

   *My carpenter wants to use catalyzed pigmented varnish. Is this the same thing as a catalyzed lacquer? Please advise-this is "greek" to me.