While I have experience with working wood I have precious little experience with lacquer. I’m remodeling our kitchen with new cabinets (white oak). I used a product called Magnalac Precatalized Lacquer. The instructions call for 2-3 coats without the need for a sanding sealer.
After putting two coats on my drawer fronts and doors (all vertical surfaces) I’m finding that water is making marks on the drawer fronts.
Is lacquer a poor choice for kitchen cabinets?
Would another coat provide more protection?
Is it chemically compatible to put a coat of polyurethane over this lacquer?
Is there a better fix that I haven’t mentioned?
All responses will be considered!! Please help!!!
Replies
Not using sanding sealer did not create this problem. Most lacquers and water don't mix, particularly around the kitchen sink and dishwasher. Additional coats won't help either. You can apply more durable and water resistant finshes such as poly over the lacquer surfaces.
Magnamax is an improvement over Magnalac. Good luck. Art
Two coats of the M L Campbell Pre-cat Lacquers are usually enough. I sometimes put three on table tops and other surfaces that get a lot of wear, but never more (as they recommend). Rubs out nice.
Edited 7/12/2005 8:38 pm ET by Art
Are you spraying or brushing?
Three coats spraying is nowhere near enough; you'd need 7-10 coats.Brushing at least three coats. Lacquer is water resistant. My guess is you've not built enough depth of finish. Poly over lacquer is okay, lacquer over poly is not.
rooky ,
If the only drawer fronts or false drawer fronts getting the water marks are only in the area of the sink or water source then my feeling is that you have allowed the water to remain on the finish without wiping after each time water gets on them . By using Lemon oil or some other protective coating in those areas you will be placing a barrier between the lacquer and the water . If you are seeing those marks all over the finish even in area away from the water , then you could have another problem .
good luck dusty
lacquer is like a woman.. Just about perfect and good looking at the same time..
Ya just have to learn how to handle her... takes practice.. I never have on wood but OLD cars I have over the years..
Light 'touch' and talk to her while spraying...
Yo Will ,
Now be careful , remember what happened last time that road was traveled . We don't want you to disapear again .
dusty
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