Painted cabinetry

11 years ago

I am trying to select a white paint for my custom kitchen cabinets. I feel that the standard "white" offered by my cabinet guy is a bit too stark.

I am trying to decide upon a softer white, however, regardless of the color I choose, my cabinet guy says it will change color when he adds the laquer to it.

1) Is there always laquer applied? Either mixed in, or as a top coat?

2) How do I account for this color change in order to achieve my desired color in the end result?

Any advice or insight is appreciated! Thank you!

Comments (7)

User
11 years ago
Using lacquer on kitchen cabinets has always been a mystery to me, except for how easy it is to apply and how fast it dries.

Pre-cat lacquer is more resistant to water damage than regular lacquers or non-cat.

Water based varnish will not add any tint, protects very well, and some brands can be recoated in as short a time as 2 hours(Sherwin Williams is one of those)

A much better long term finish(although much more difficult to apply is alkyd enamel. Two coats of that and water will never degrade the surface.
bobismyuncle
11 years ago
Well, that explains it:
Using lacquer on kitchen cabinets has always been a mystery to me, except for how easy it is to apply and how fast it dries.
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Brushing on an oil-based paint and putting it in a clean area for several hours is just way too slow and labor intensive for a production shop.

Most kitchens now have pre-cat lacquer. What you want to look for is a finish that is KCMA certified, q.v.

Most of the "white" kitchens I see have a base coat of white lacquer, a glaze, and a top sealer coat of clear lacquer. The top sealer can be "water white," i.e., colorless, not amber. However, be aware that damage to a glazed finish is difficult to repair in a spot.

Q: 2) How do I account for this color change in order to achieve my desired color in the end result?
A: The only way to tell is to have your finish guy / cabinet maker show you samples of the finish schedule(s), start to finish.
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mary_ruth
11 years ago
Would a Waterlox application for last coat of protection change the color of white cabinets? Would it cause an Amber film?

I want to top coat cabinet doors painted white.
User
11 years ago
If it is oil based, it will amber.

Almost all oil based finishes add an amber tine/tint.
mary_ruth
11 years ago
Thank you for the reply handymac, so I will have to go clear lacquer, this should keep white.
blackchamois
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you all. I will review this information with my cabinet guy.
mary_ruth
11 years ago
I went out today, bought stain, not water based and Lacquer. I am happy with the Rustolium Sunbleached gray stain color. I bring it to my daughter's tomorrow to see if she likes the driftwood looking light gray it came out. She liked the photo I sent her but she needs to see it IRL. I will have to find a way to post pictures on here.

I am glad I found this board, what you wrote here saved me some extra work!