Solid Color Finishes
A quick overview
Without getting too deep in the weeds of paint chemistry, a pigmented, post-catalyzed conversion varnish, or “post-cat” is generally accepted as the state-of-the-art in durable, uniform cabinet finishes.
Catalyzed finishes are 2-components that are mixed together to cure by chemically cross-linking, as opposed to a paint or enamel the will cure when the binder evaporates. Think epoxy vs. regular glue.
The challenge with post-cat finishes is that they have to be applied under very tightly controlled conditions. The cabinet component manufacturer that I use, (based up in LaCrosse, WI) has made a large investment to consistently put out a perfect, ultra-durable finish. Far better than anything I could do in-house.
So they do what they’re good at, and I do what I’m good at.
A few solid color projects…
Geneva
This kitchen started out as a very dark maple and the clients wanted to update and brighten the kitchen. They chose a Shaker style door with a little detail on the inside edge of the frame.
We also converted the cabinets under the cooktop into drawers to store pots and pans.
Color choice was Pearl for the main cabinets and Moonlight for the island.
They were able to get an entirely new look and feel in about a week with very little disruption – the kitchen was usable every evening.
Elburn
Original builder’s cabinets were in good shape but a darker wood that the clients didn’t care for. This is a warmer, soft color called Sand Dollar.
Also took the opportunity to change the some lower cabinets to drawers.
St Charles
Converting island cabinets into drawers is something a lot of customers want. Doing the island in an accent color is another. These clients decided to do both.
Color is called Java and it’s a raised panel style instead of recessed “Shaker”. Also has a rub-through distressed finish.
Islands can be a good place to introduce something bold without committing to the whole kitchen.
Sugar Grove
This started as a honey-oak builder’s cabinets. We refaced with a Shaker style with a beveled edge in Eggshell on the outside cabinets and Milky Way on the island.
Above the range was a microwave which we moved to a recess I cut into the side of the island.
Naperville
This kitchen started out with arched, raised-panel doors in what’s called a RTF or Rigid Thermofoil finish. RTF can peel and turn yellow and these weren’t looking great before the project.
Clients wanted really simple and clean. Maple frame Shaker style doors in Classic White on the outside cabinets and Black on the island. The black cabinet hardware looks great.
Like many of the kitchens I do, this one has soffits above the wall cabinets. With plumbing, ductwork and electrical all in place behind the soffits, removing and re-configuring them would’ve turned this into a major construction project involving several different trades over the course of many weeks.
They were able get a new, clean updated look by refacing with real wood.
