I am refinishing my kitchen cabinets. They are made from 3/4 in. plywood with both sides being smooth. I'm not sure what the veneer wood species is (maybe birch, but certainly not oak). The current finish is a yellowish-clear color that is the original finish from 1984. They are still in pretty good condition, but I wanted an updated look with a richer color. I was going to strip them with a non-toxic stripper first, so that's what I would be starting with. I'd need a sealer to be applied to these cabinets after they were stained, but I don't want a "gloss" finish.
AFM Safecoat has been making the least toxic stains and finishes for 30 years. That said, yes, the VOC contents are very low. But do not confuse VOC’s with toxins. Some companies make completely zero VOC products that still contain a whole host of toxic ingredients. AFM is different.
For your project, The AFM Durostain will work great once the original finish is removed. For a new finish, I’d recommend the AFM Acrylacq. Apply two coats of the gloss, then one coat of the satin. This will provide the optimum durability as well as the non-gloss finish you desire.
- Andrew Pace