What is My Kitchen Cabinet Finish?

Kitchen cabinets in serious need of revamping can either be repainted, refinished, refaced, or replaced. Before you take on the repainting/refinishing projects, you first need to determine what kind of finish you currently have. Blindly applying paint or new finish can result in irreversible damage, which means that you must replace them.

You will need to test the surface. The way to do this, without ruining your finish, is to pick an unobtrusive spot. One place to test is on the back side of cabinet doors. Or, you can try on the bottom edge of a door or bottom side of the cabinet. Whatever you do, assume that the test will damage a portion of your finish--after all, that is the point of this test.

Is the Finish...a Water-based Finish?

Water-based finishes are common. Use a Q-Tip to apply a drop or two of Xylene. If the surface becomes mushy and liquefies, it is a water-based finish.

Is the Finish...Shellac?

With the Q-Tip, rub a few drops of rubbing or denatured alcohol. If the finish dissolves, it is shellac.

Is the Finish...Wax?

You will not find wax finishes very often. Common turpentine (like you would use for painting) will dissolve a wax finish.

Is the Finish...Lacquer?

Judiciously rub a drop or two of lacquer thinner to see if the finish dissolves.