Foolproof Finish for the Kitchen

Give your kitchen cabinets the protective film of finish they need.

By Mark Schofield #211–Mar/April 2010 Issue

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.

protective film finish on cabinets — **Protective base coats.** Give kitchen cabinets the protective film of finish they need by brushing on at least three coats of either an oil- or water-based polyurethane. After sanding smooth the last coat of polyurethane, wipe on three coats of gel varnish. While offering little added protection, each coat dries smooth with no brush marks or dust nibs and doesn’t require sanding or rubbing out.

Photos: Staff

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

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