Topcoat for Unfinished Soft Maple Kitchen Cabinets

[Ruth Ferguson]

Too many choices for a newbie to decide on which topcoat to use for our unstained kitchen cabinets. My husband is making them and I'm the sander and finisher. Is it possible to use only a topcoat period and if so which brand will protect, provide a satin finish and easy to clean. I don't want to alter the natural look of the maple.

Thanks for any help offered.

[Sam Murdoch]

Here are a few recent threads that should give you some ideas http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?180918-Why-is-Poly-Varnish-Bad

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?182267-Brands-of-various-types-of-varnishes

Like it or not you, newbie or not, only you guys can decide :)

[John TenEyck]

You might consider one of the KCMA rated ones in this thread. All are waterbased so they are easy on your lungs and clean-up is easy. Some are spray only, in which case you'll need spray equipment and an organics respirator.

John

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?182722-Readily-Available-Water-Based-Products-that-meet-KCMA-Performance-Standards

[Rob Sack]

I built my kitchen cabinets about 20 years ago using solid soft maple for all the doors and end panels. The cabinets have been a "test kitchen" for a wide variety of waterborne clear finishes, as my policy has always been to try out a new product for myself before using it on a client's project. Having just finished new doors for the utility room, I used Centurion waterborne conversion varnish. Lacquer on maple eventually turns too yellow for my tastes. The Centurion, while being completely waterborne, provides a crystal clear topcoat that is extremely durable. It seems to add just enough "warmth" to the maple, similar to a fresh coat of conventional lacquer. It doesn't seem to yellow with age though, as will conventional lacquer. It is as easy to spray as lacquer, builds faster, and cleans up with water.

[Ruth Ferguson]

Thanks so much Rob for your input. Definitely going to check the Centurion waterborne conversion varnish out. Kinda' scared at first about spraying but getting to like the idea, especially a water base. Would appreciate going one step further for your recommendations on a sprayer. We have an air compressor and air hose so only need the gun, regulator, etc. Went to Annix site but nothing came up on the "Gold Star" gun. Thanks again.

Ruth

[Ruth Ferguson]

Thanks John for your response. Appreciated the waterbase idea and am proceeding in that direction with Centurion as Rob Sack suggested. Appreciate your time.

Ruth