How You Can Prepare for Conversion Varnish on Your Cabinets
Cabinet Renew can save you tens of thousands of dollars by putting a nice strong finish on your old cabinets, prolonging their life and saving you the trouble of having to install brand new cabinets. In order for the varnish to adhere and dry properly, there are many steps that need to be taken.
- Remove Hardware and Doors
- Take off all cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware (hinges, handles, knobs).
- Label each piece and its location to make reassembly easier later.
- Store hardware in labeled bags or containers.
- Clean Thoroughly
- Degrease all surfaces using a strong cleaner
- Pay extra attention to areas around the stove and handles — oils and cooking residue can cause adhesion issues.
- Wipe with clean water afterward to remove any cleaner residue.
- Sand the Surfaces
- Sand the existing finish or bare wood to create a uniform surface for adhesion.
- Use 120–150 grit sandpaper for the first pass.
- Follow with 180–220 grit for a smoother final surface.
- For previously finished cabinets, lightly scuff-sand to dull the sheen and promote bonding.
- Vacuum and wipe down all dust with a tack cloth or microfiber rag.
- Repair Imperfections
- Fill any dings, scratches, or nail holes with a compatible wood filler.
- Sand smooth after the filler dries.
- Spot-prime repaired areas if necessary.
- Address Contaminants
- Avoid touching sanded surfaces with bare hands — oils can transfer.
- Wipe down with a solvent cleaner (such as denatured alcohol or naphtha) to remove oils or silicone contaminants that can cause fisheyes.
- Check Environmental Conditions
- Conversion varnish requires controlled temperature and humidity for proper curing.
- Ideal temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
- Relative humidity: 40–60%
- Avoid applying in dusty or drafty environments.
By following these steps, the conversion varnish will adhere to your cabinetry and dry to s smooth, durable finish. Please click here to Request a Quote for the cabinet refinishing job you have in mind.
