Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Dec 14, 2009 04:27pm | #1

   Waterborne finishes, with or without polyurethane added, are primarily acyrlic resin finishes.  The polyurethane additive may provide a little more abrasion resistance, but little else.  Durability, especially with respect to chemicals and moisture, are more on a par with nitrocellulose lacquer and significantly less than oil based varnishes.  I'd call it a marginal choice for kitchens.

   I don't quite understand what you mean about places where the finish isn't getting.  Are you saying that when the finish is brushed over these places in a normal way that the finish doesn't adhere and pulls away from the wood?  If so what temperature is your finishing space? 

   What wood is in this cabinet, and is it brand new, raw wood or has it been stained, or stripped. 

1. 
   tobiasshadow | Dec 14, 2009 04:58pm | #3

   Thanks.. It's all raw wood. Drawers made with 1/2 inch birch ply, face frame oak, exposed side oak-veneered ply. Doors and drawer faces a 3/4 inch ply that I thought was cherry veneer. It's gorgeous bookend matched veneer - a piece I've kept (and moved mulitple times) for 20 years since my father used the rest to make a gorgeous counter. The counter has poly on it. I'm worried about your durability comment. This cabinet isn't near water but it will be used lots. It will house bread, onions and recycle... Can I cover the polycrylic with polyurethane? Thanks

   Edited 12/14/2009 9:01 am ET by tobiasshadow

2. 
   Turnerman | Dec 14, 2009 04:29pm | #2

   I use a piece of old t-shirt rolled up and apply a wet coat in long even storkes. It usually takes three coats with light 320 grit sanding between coats to get good coverage.

    

    

3. 
   Dave45 | Dec 14, 2009 05:52pm | #4

   I use that stuff by the gallon, and love it. Easy to use, easy to clean up, dries quickly, and is very durable.

   I apply it with either my HVLP spray rig, or with good quality foam brushes. (Good quality DOES NOT mean the 10 brush bargain pack on the $1.00 clearance table. - lol) I don't know the brand offhand, but I get the brushes from my local ACE Hardware store. I don't try to roll it on although I've had sorta-ok results with a foam "weenie-roller".

   I apply it in thin layers allowing at least an hour (depending on the weather) between coats and give it light once over with a fine sanding sponge before tacking off and applying the next coat. Most projects get at least three coats depending on the wood species.

   You mention "unfinished" places, and that can happen on oak or other porus woods where absorbtion is greater. I usually go back over those areas with a very light touch. Yes, it looks like it's too thick, but that disappears when it dries.

1. 
   tobiasshadow | Dec 14, 2009 06:31pm | #5

   Okay you give me confidence! Actually I didn't realize that there "good quality" foam brushes. I'll look for one or two and also sanding sponge. That makes sense. Thanks!

1. 
   Dave45 | Dec 14, 2009 06:39pm | #6

   I found an old brush and they're from JEN MFG. I get mine from the local ACE Hardware, but you might try here. Their prices are a few cents lower than ACE.http://www.thepaintstore.com

1. 
   tobiasshadow | Dec 14, 2009 07:31pm | #7

   But they are still pretty cheap. Thanks for following up - I was going nuts trying to figure out what you meant. I might actually have a supply - but they might be the cheaper version. My dog LOVES to chew them.. Ugh.

1. 
   Dave45 | Dec 14, 2009 08:03pm | #8

   Better to be lucky than good, don't ya know. - lolI just finished a minor face lift on my kitchen cabinets that I built ~12 years ago. Red oak cabs with Golden Oak stain. This facelift involved a thorough cleaning, scuff sanding, new hinges and hardware, and refinishing with the Polycrylic. They came out looking like brand new.I clean and reuse the foam brushes during a project then toss them when it's done. Lucky for you, my trash day is Wednesday. - lolBTW, I noticed that that website had foam rollers as well as brushes. I might order a few and give them a try.Good luck with your project

2. 
   tobiasshadow | Dec 15, 2009 05:25am | #9

   The "good quality foam brush" is a great hint. What a difference!Looks much better. And I used lots less of the expensive finish. I'm impressed with how fast the stuff dries. Did wonder as I rinsed the brush out what the chemicals would be like in the water table. Sigh...