types of finishes
there are three types of cabinet finishes commonly used in all wood cabinetry: cabinets can be stained, painted or glazed. and, while all of them have their advantages, there are several points that need to be considered: the coverage of the finish, resistance to UV and moisture and, of course, durability. while finishes will protect cabinets from mosture, it is needless to say that ll wood species and finishes should avoid long term exposure to moisture.
stain finish
the lightest of all, semi-transparant finish, that gets absorbed by the wood coloring it without coverring the grain. stain toner characteristics vary with different wood species, grains and end cuts. once the stain is applied it is hand wiped to remove excess stain. there can be small amount of residue build up in small notches and where door panels and frames come together. this is a normal part of the stain finish and cannot be prevented. no matter which species you choose, please keep in mind that no two pieces of wood are exactly the same. stains are likely to exaggerate the difference between open and closed grains and other markings in wood. grain variation and color change should be expected. ss hardwood ages, it will darken when exposed to different types of light. color differences or changes in wood can also be caused by exposure to harsh chemicals, extreme heat or other contributing external conditions. based on independent testing, discoloration will occur to doors, drawers and cabinet parts after prolonged exposure to tobacco smoke. this is especially noticeable on white and other lighter finishes.
painted finish
this finish has the highest coverage of all. hardwood maple or cherry is used for all painted styles. paint will develop hairline cracks in the finish, most notable around the joints - especially miter joints. this is a result of natural expansion and contraction of the wood. with that, vurtually all kitchen producers, use MDF for center panels with all painted door styles to help with the stability of the door. painted doors do require more maintenance for chips, marks, residue from normal kitchen use, and hand/finger prints. paint may also have a slight difference in tones between doors, drawer fronts and face frames.
glazed finish
glazes are hand-applied. glazing is most apparent in contours where "hang-up" can occur. doors with less detailed profiles will show less hang-up which accentuates the grain's natural attributes. dlaze adds depth, dimension and an understated appearance that's guaranteed to endure.
1. dlazing will range from a consistent, even appearance to varied, almost uneven, coverage.
2. dlaze marks may appear outside of the general "hang-up" area.
3. dou should expect subtle to dramatic look based on the complexity of a cabinet door's design, as glaze may collect in the corners and grooves.