Smart Cabinetry Finishes - Uses and Benefits

Smart cabinetry finishes are also known as raw surface finishes or undercoating finishes. The term finishes comes from the process of painting, in which the metal cabinet doors, face plates and knobs are painted with a particular material to cover them up but not interfere with the finish or protection that they need. Some of the more common finishes are:

For some, the reason they choose laminate finishes over resin is for the non-porous properties that they offer. Laminate finishes usually require some basic preparation prior to application.

The first step involves leveling the surface of the wood with a pre-stressed sealant. This seals the wood and smooths it out to allow proper moisture and heat dissipation. Any built-up sealant is left on the wood surface. Afterward, you will apply the laminate product.

With some finishing products, such as paint and sealants, there is an option for a protective top coat. The main disadvantage with this option is that it can often ruin the look of the cabinetry as the protective layer hides the painted surface. This doesn't happen with laminates since the product is bonded directly to the wood.

The key factor to note when choosing any finish is to select a finish that matches your furniture. Some products actually enhance the style of the furniture, some will hide flaws, while others will block light.

Once you have chosen a smart cabinetry finish, you will need to attach the knobs and handles and open the doors and cabinets. You may also want to test the product to make sure it doesn't cause any sensitivity or irritation before putting it on any knobs or handles.

What are the benefits of laminate finishes? Well, aside from the fact that they are quite affordable, these new kinds of cabinetry finishes give us a new design option for our cabinets and doors.

Most of these products are made from synthetic materials, which don't cost a lot of money but are quite durable. With resin products, we have the option of several finishes that we can go with depending on our needs. Resin products also allow us to keep the heat in and out.

Smart cabinetry finishes come in a variety of colors and textures, so no matter what kind of color scheme you prefer, there is likely a product out there that will complement it. And although their prices are more expensive than traditional cabinetry, they are also lighter and thinner.

On the other hand, smart cabinetry products are considered a way to save space. Because they are built to be thinner, they don't require a back-and-forth roller system for cabinet knobs and handles to be attached. They are also available in designs that have less cabinet widths and have back-to-front operating mechanisms.

One of the most popular styles is called honeycomb design. This is a mix of drawer fronts and drawer compartments. These products are also quite durable and can last for decades with only minimal care.

While there are many benefits to smart cabinetry finishes, it is also important to remember that the use of non-transparent material should be followed closely. Non-transparent materials should be protected with a clear varnish when applying the finish.