johnb_brandyb@yahoo.com Posted April 2, 2014 Report Share Posted April 2, 2014 Very new to this but I am looking for suggestions on top coat for kitchen cabinets. Cabinets were built from birch plywood with poplar stiles and doors. All wood has been dyed w WDLockwood Dutch Brown (water soluble) but I would appreciate suggestions on what route to take to finish them. Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave H Posted April 2, 2014 Report Share Posted April 2, 2014 I don't know if your brushing the finish or, spraying if your brushing I like Minwax water based Polycrylic it drys fast, goes on smooth and, cleans up in a jiffy I would invest in a quality synthetic brush. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnb_brandyb@yahoo.com Posted April 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2014 I will be brushing the finish but Minwax Polycrylic is water base and it picks up the dye from board. Any other suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted April 2, 2014 Report Share Posted April 2, 2014 If you have an entire kitchen's worth of cabinets to finish, do yourself a favor and spray them. From what I hear, this (very inexpensive) HVLP system from Rockler will give you acceptable results...and you'll probably be able to finish your project before it burns up and dies on you... http://www.rockler.com/hvlp-spray-system Then you can spray water-based without worrying about losing your dye, or you can spray whatever else you might decide on. Either way, brushing three or more coats on a whole kitchen of cabinets...lots of work and most likely a mediocre looking finish in the end. The spraying will cut your time down to a fraction of what brushing would take and will give you a much nicer finish. Brushing and wiping finishes takes some practice to get right. So does spraying, but at least you won't have to do as much work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnb_brandyb@yahoo.com Posted April 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2014 Would you also recommend the Minwax Polycrylic, if sprayed, or is there something better? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted April 2, 2014 Report Share Posted April 2, 2014 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave H Posted April 2, 2014 Report Share Posted April 2, 2014 If they are already hanging on the wall I think it would be easier to brush but if they aren't installed I agree with Eric spray them. Inside the house you would have protect everything from over-spray that's why I said brush them. If your worried about sealing the wood you could use a product like Seal Coat before the water based Minwax Polycrylic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry_in_SD Posted April 2, 2014 Report Share Posted April 2, 2014 Spraying is a learning curve. Not difficult but there is technique. Practice before your project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted April 2, 2014 Report Share Posted April 2, 2014 I sprayed my cabinets in place using HVLP without issue. Yes, there's more prep time but, the finish is much better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodger. Posted April 2, 2014 Report Share Posted April 2, 2014 I recently did my cabinets as well. In order to to a professional looking job, you pretty much have to take them all down. I did, and then I finished them. I also took off every hinge, door, drawer front, pull, etc. this gives you a flat surface to work on that is horizontal. It's a lot more work, but the finished project is worth it. For a top coat I would avoid minwax polycrylic. Go or something better, like general high performance poly or endurovar. These are available at lee valley. DEFINITELY spray them. An earlex 5500 is about 350, or go and rent an hvlp if you can. Wear respirator, and spray outside (or in your garage with a tarped off section with the bay door open). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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