Lacquer finish over General Finishes Gel Stain?

9 years ago

I had my oak kitchen cabinets gel stained with Antique Walnut General Finishes Gel Stain. It was done by a professional painter at my request (stripping and restaining was out of my budget and I wanted to keep a wood-toned look). The cabinets turned out very nice, but now it is time for a top coat. He is going to spray one coat of a lacquer finish. Originally I thought that would be okay becaue he told me that is what was on my existing cabinets. As I have been reading about lacquer finishes, I am worried that:

1. It will be too shiny (he said he is using satin)

2. The fumes will be too bad to live with

3. One coat won't be enough (he said it would be fine becaue the gel stain had some poly in it)

4. It won't be durable

I don't know much about lacquer, does anyone have any advise about whether or not to use it? He is coming to spray the cabinets on Tuesday and I am a little worried.

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Comments (4)

PRO
PPF.
9 years ago
People often use the term Lacquer and Varnish generically to mean clear finish.

You will need to ask the painter for specifics.

Generally, lacquer is a poor finish when compared with many other finishes.

A pre catalyzed lacquer is better, and a post catalyzed is even better.

One coat is not enough. Lacquer needs multiple coats to build sufficient film thickness.

Lacquer also comes in various sheens. You might ask to see samples.
Tammy
Original Author
9 years ago
I have been thinking about it more and may ask him to give me some other options. General Finishes has a water-based top coat that I have used on furniture and really like it. It dries fast and seems pretty durable afterwards.

Is there a "best" option for top coating kitchen cabinets?
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Porter Edun
9 years ago
General Finishes is actually a wonderful product. I have used their water based poly, but I would call them and ask them what works best with what you used being the Gel stain which I do believe works with the water based poly acrylic. They are very helpful. You can also see them on You Tube Videos by searching GF gel stain and they will then show you videos if you look up the product you used as they have a lot of their own videos on You Tube. Good luck!
Tammy
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you Porter. I love the way the cabinets turned out, so I am very happy with the gel stain itself. I will give GF a call tomorrow and see what they recommend.