What is Conversion Varnish & When to Use it?

Are you looking to invest in replacement cabinet doors for your commercial kitchen or bathroom? Are you refacing your cabinets and exploring finishing options? Conversion varnish is one of the most popular, high-quality finishes for solid wood cabinet doors. Conversion varnish for cabinets offers many functional and aesthetic advantages.

This article will explore the benefits of applying conversion varnish before installing your cabinet doors. Here's everything you need to know:

What is Conversion Varnish?

A conversion varnish is sometimes referred to as a catalyzed varnish. It's a protective coating with aesthetic and functional benefits for solid wood cabinet doors. This finishing option offers a smooth, glossy finish and prevents unwanted scratches, dents, and damage.

When a conversion varnish is applied to wood, it undergoes a chemical curing process, which "hardens" the varnish. This helps create a clear, glossy finish.

Conversion varnishes dry quickly but offers next-level results that can extend your cabinet doors' longevity while enhancing the solid wood's natural beauty.

Benefits of Using Conversion Varnish on Cabinet Doors

Conversion varnishes are a high-performing finish that has many benefits for cabinet doors. Some benefits include:

• Long-Lasting Protection: The conversion varnish offers durable protection for wood. It also makes the wood grain more resistant to scratches, stains, and heat damage.
• Ideal for High-Moisture Areas: Conversion varnishes are moisture-resistant, so it's commonly used on cabinets in high-humid environments.
• Smooth, Shiny Sheen: Conversion varnish is available in matte, glossy, satin, and semi-glossy. Matte and semi-glossy have a more natural appearance, while glossy has a shiny finish.
• Tinted Finish: Some conversion varnishes have a colored tint. This can help enhance the natural grain pattern. If you like the natural color and hue of the wood species, you can choose to go with a clear conversion varnish.
• Increased Longevity: Some experts believe a clear conversion varnish can help extend the longevity of your cabinets by up to 5 years. The conversion varnish will help prevent everyday wear and tear, maintaining the integrity of the wood.

When Should You Use Conversion Varnish?

Conversion varnish is best for high-traffic areas like commercial kitchens, bathrooms, and heavy-use cabinets in office buildings. It's also a great option for custom-made cabinet doors with intricate detailing you'd like to preserve and keep protected.

Application Process for Cabinet Doors

Conversion varnish finishes can be brushed or sprayed onto the cabinet doors. Brushing on the conversion varnish is more beginner-friendly and easier to do at home. While spraying it on will give you a more even, precise finish.

It's important to note that conversion varnish dries faster than other finishes. So, it can be difficult for beginner home renovators without professional experience. Applying a conversion varnish at home can also cause an acid catalyst, which leads to color shifting and imperfections. Applying too many coats or thick coats can also cause cracking.

If you don't have experience with conversion varnish, consider getting it professionally done by a cabinet door manufacturer for the best results. This will preserve the integrity of your cabinets and help you streamline the application process.

Is Conversion Varnish Right for Your Cabinet Doors?

Conversion varnish is more expensive than other finishes. If you're unsure if you want to make the investment or hire professional help, ask yourself:

• Is high durability needed for your kitchen or bathroom?
• Will the cabinets face high moisture or heat?
• Do you have the budget for a professional application?
• Will the conversion varnish for cabinets give you the desired look you're looking for?

Polyurethane is a popular, durable finish alternative to conversion varnish for cabinets. It offers the same level of durability, but it takes longer to dry, which is something to consider if you plan on applying the finish yourself.

Add Conversion Varnish for Cabinets to Your Order

At Cabinet Door Factory, we have a wide range of custom-made cabinet doors and drawer fronts. You can order your custom cabinet doors, finished or unfinished, when placing your order. One of our finishing options is a clear conversion varnish. Adding this finishing option is a great way to add a durable, high-end touch to your next cabinet door order.

Explore our custom cabinet door styles today to get started.

How to clean cabinet doors with a conversion varnish finish?

Conversion varnish for kitchen cabinet doors should be cleaned regularly. Use a gentle soap and warm water to keep them clean, and avoid cleaners with harsh chemicals.

Is conversion varnish waterproof?

No, it isn't waterproof. However, it is water-resistant. Applying a thin layer of conversion varnish to your cabinet doors can help protect your cabinets from damage caused by water and humidity.

How to apply conversion varnish?

This finishing option can be applied using a brush or spraying technique. However, getting a smooth, even finish when using a brush can be more challenging.

Can conversion varnish be used on other surfaces?

Yes, conversion varnish is for more than just cabinet doors. This finish can be applied to anything made with wood, including furniture, wood panels, and coffee tables.