Foolproof Finish for the Kitchen

Q:

I found Mark Schofield’s wipe-on gel varnish (“One Editor’s Foolproof Finish,” FWW #196) very useful, as I always have trouble getting a smooth surface with a brushed finish. Would his finishing method be suitable for kitchen cabinets?

Rod Paris, Edinburgh, None

A:

You can use a similar method, but because kitchen cabinets need to be cleaned regularly, they require a more durable undercoat. First, seal the wood with a washcoat of dewaxed shellac such as SealCoat. Next, brush on a coat of polyurethane. When dry, sand lightly with P320-grit paper, vacuuming away the dust. Apply at least two more coats. Sand the last coat thoroughly until the surface is totally smooth with minimal shiny spots. This will flatten any brush marks. Then wipe on three coats of gel varnish, then a coat of paste wax.

Photos: Staff

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