Michael from Craine Painting LLC here.
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the products we use in our Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing Process, I thought I’d go into how we decide on the products we use.
We Test all of our coatings in house first!
I’ve spent a year and a half testing different products. Primers, paints, polys, Traditional Lacquer, WB Alkyd, WB Lacquers, Pre-Cat and Post Cat and glazes.
Solvent based Lacquers can be hazardous and stink up a home in a heartbeat.
I personally prefer the waterborne option for topcoats, here are my top 3 picks.
Our Go to Topcoat is currently General Finishes Enduro Poly, an acrylic-urethane. 
After testing numerous paint Retailer products (WB, WB Alkyd), this product is Amazing. Dries to the touch in minutes and sands like glass, with a recoat time of 1 hour. It is a furniture grade finish that meets KCMA standards of durability.
Cons, couple days of lead time and that it’s not available in deep base colors 🙁
My next pick is realistically tied for first place as well.
ML Campbell Agualente Plus, a waterborne pre-catalyzed finish.
Agualente has the same great performance qualities of Quick dry time, sandability and recoat time, with the added bonus of being available in deep base colors. Beautiful finish that also meets KCMA standards of durability. This one is on the fast track to taking First place in my eyes.
Cons, couple days lead time.
Last but not least we have Sherwin-Williams Kem-Aqua Plus
Pros, is available at most Sherwin-Williams stores nation wide, 20 min dry time, 25 min sand time, half hour recoat time. Sands nicely, great finish and also meets KCMA standards.
Cons, micro-foams or micro-bubbles if to high of pressure is used, and getting it tinted can be an issue at some stores.
Well those are my favorites, we will continue to test out products and will be going in depth in our future discussions on product selection for Cabinet Refinishing.
If you have any questions feel free to email me at crainepaintingllc@gmail.com
Hi there
What would you recommend to sand the enduro poly with? Would 3M 7447 scuff pads be ok?
Hey Debbie are those the super fine ones or ultra? Red or grey? I use the red ones to knock down any bumps. We also use 320 grit and higher regular sandpaper.
Then vacuum and tack cloth before re coating
Hope that helps
Michael
I’m curious about the primer you use with these topcoats.
Usually Bin Shellac, oil based or a bonding primer depending on the scenario