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LK23 · 03-09-2020, 02:34 PM

I have touched up to Newmar cabinets doors around the cabinet door pulls at least 3 times. Each time, it looks good and then the finish gets removed by daily use or my wife's use of disinfecting wipes on the door pulls. The last time I used water based clear Urethane over the repairs. This lasted a little longer than previous repairs but eventually, it too, succumbed to use.

Question: What is the toughest clear finish I might use over the touch-up repairs?

Unplanned Tourist · 03-09-2020, 06:35 PM

Diamond Coat Urethane floor finish has worked for me.

Made by Varathane. I use it on dining room chairs, table and hardwood floors.

It's meant mainly for floors, but is really tough and you can get gloss or semi gloss.

Happy Glamping.

JFXG · 03-09-2020, 10:30 PM

I would think your best bet would be to touch up with the OEM cabinet finish, which is likely a lacquer. Difficulty now is that you’ve got other stuff on there that may interfere with lacquer bonding.
Your wife’s disinfecting wipes probably contain alcohol, which can play hell with several types of finish.

Ljwt330 · 03-09-2020, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFXG

I would think your best bet would be to touch up with the OEM cabinet finish, which is likely a lacquer. Difficulty now is that you’ve got other stuff on there that may interfere with lacquer bonding.
Your wife’s disinfecting wipes probably contain alcohol, which can play hell with several types of finish.

Agree that the wipes are amplifying your issue, especially if the finish is lacquer. Oil based clear urethane will probably be your most durable finish.

LK23 · 03-09-2020, 11:31 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Oil based Urethane seems like a good product to try. I see Varathane makes an oil-based Spar Urethane.

What about Polyurethane? Not sure of the difference.

Ljwt330 · 03-09-2020, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LK23

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Oil based Urethane seems like a good product to try. I see Varathane makes an oil-based Spar Urethane.

What about Polyurethane? Not sure of the difference.

Something of interest for you. https://www.finewoodworking.com/2004...cting-a-finish

Janjim · 03-10-2020, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LK23

I have touched up to Newmar cabinets doors around the cabinet door pulls at least 3 times. Each time, it looks good and then the finish gets removed by daily use or my wife's use of disinfecting wipes on the door pulls. The last time I used water based clear Urethane over the repairs. This lasted a little longer than previous repairs but eventually, it too, succumbed to use.

Question: What is the toughest clear finish I might use over the touch-up repairs?

What period of time between applications

LK23 · 03-10-2020, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janjim

What period of time between applications

Probably 10 to 12 months at least.

Bob_C · 03-10-2020, 09:57 PM

Helmsman Spar Urethane

Janjim · 03-11-2020, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LK23

Probably 10 to 12 months at least.

That's not a long time between applications for any of these products mentioned.
I use polyurethane on any indoor wood such as the cabinets I built 5 years ago or the ones I installed in our kitchen 15 years ago. 2 or 3 coats.

I've never had to recoat them. The kitchen still looks good. I Don't know what your wife is using to clean but something is not right. You shouldn't have to recoat indoor woodwork every year.

TXiceman · 03-11-2020, 09:23 AM

Stop the issue of " daily use or my wife's use of disinfecting wipes on the door pulls".

This is totally not necessary.

Ken

profdan · 03-11-2020, 09:29 AM

I recommend a spray bottle of Murphy oil for wood surfaces -- much less harsh than alcohol or even Windex.

Good luck with your refinishing project. It is not easy to get a smooth coat of urethane. They say that a sprayer works better than a brush. But a floor-type product has to be the most durable product. I think there is a product for bowling alleys -- that is tough stuff.

LK23 · 03-11-2020, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

Stop the issue of " daily use or my wife's use of disinfecting wipes on the door pulls".

This is totally not necessary.

Ken

I am somewhat surprise you recommend this. I learned many years ago not to suggest my wife change any of her cleaning habits.

LK23 · 03-11-2020, 05:52 PM

Let me clarify my situation as best I remember.

1. Ten to twelve months after purchasing our 2017 DS 4369, I used Mohawk touch-up pens to repair the “open finish” areas around the door pulls. This lasted only 2 to 3 months.

2. Sometime later, I used the Mohawk pens again and after dry, used another clear finish pen to protect the repaired areas. Again, this lasted only a few months.

3. About a year later, I used the Mohawk pens to fix the "open stain" areas. After waiting a day, I used Varathane water-based Polyurethane to protect the repaired areas. This lasted longer, possibly 6 to 8 months, but eventually wore off as before.

Now, based on your feedback, I plan to use the Mohawk pens again and, this time, protect the area with oil-based Spar Urethane.

Rex