No tannin pull finish for white oak cabinets- same as for floor?

6 years ago

I've been scouring Houzz for info on how to finish my live sawn white oak cabinets. I'm hoping to achieve a finish that keeps the appearance of the raw wood. Whenever I see photos of white oak cabinets that appear to be a lighter hue, even with a little grey, it always says custom finish.

I've tried a couple of white water based natural finishes but they still seem to pull the yellow- Sherwin Williams Polycrylic and Great Finishes Enduro.

Please help! Most of the info I read on here is in regards to flooring. Would I use the same product? Here's an example of the color/look I'm trying to achieve. The color is almost exactly like my unfinished cabinets.

Featured Answer

SJ McCarthy

6 years ago

Your inspiration photo looks to be European Oak. European Oak has a tendency to be silvery gray in tone (with some yellow poking through). White Oak has a harder time keeping these tones.

White Oak needs a sealant when working with a water based finish. Water will emulsify the tannins in white oak. That will allow the yellow (ie. tannins) to move up INTO the finish and cause a slight yellowing. The only way to avoid this is the use a sealant. That will prevent the emulsification of the tannins (the yellow) and maintain the appearance of your natural white oak.

And if you look at the photo above, the drawers in the island are getting into the yellow tones. This is something that is to be fully expected - even with European Oak. Both are yellow-based woods = yellowish appearance.

The good news is UV rays from natural sunlight (and even some over head lighting) will help fade the wood over time. If you have older windows with low UV block, then you will enjoy a very pale wood in a few years time.

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Comments (7)

User
6 years ago
This is why a professional cabinet finisher will use specialty products not available to homeowners. Aka “custom”. Vinyl sealers, conversion varnishes, and 2K polys are going to be far superior to anything you are considering DIY.
HeatherInOR thanked User
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PRO
G & S Floor Service
6 years ago
Floor finishes are not designed for vertical surfaces. The self-leveling agent will make the product run.
HeatherInOR thanked G & S Floor Service
HeatherInOR
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you all for your replies. SJ McCarthy, I was looking at the Rubio Monocoat finishes. Would that be considered a sealer? Or perhaps the Glitsa? I see they have a tannin block. Would you recommend I look at any specific products? Thank you for your consideration!
SJ McCarthy
6 years ago
You will want to work with the sealant/tannin blocker from the SAME LINE of product you wish to use as a finish. In other words you want to work with the same manufacturer. Do not mix and match with your chemicals. It usually results in a big ol' fail.

It sounds like you need to work backwards: find a company that makes a tannin block AND a water based cabinet finish. Good luck.
PRO
G & S Floor Service
6 years ago
Keywords : Cabinet finish
eliseharrison
6 years ago
hi there heather! Did you ever pick a finish for your white oak cabinet?!? We are in the process of ordering a custom vanity and I’d love to see any picks or see what you came up with!!