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Cabinet Terminology

What is a Finish?

FinishFinish refers to the final application of color or lamination that gives a cabinetry run its finalized appearance. The finish on kitchen cabinets can be made by gluing a finishing layer of laminate to the wood used to construct it. However, most wooden cabinets will have a painted or stained finish if they are constructed with solid wood. There are different methods for achieving different styles of finish to suit the desired texture and sheen of any project.

Before determining what finish to add to a project, one will need to consider many contributing factors. First, are there any other pieces that the finish needs to match and how were they finished? Another significant factor that is used to determine which finish to apply is based on a projection of how durable the finish is expected to be. For example, a simple oil-based finish is easy to work with and very attractive, but it is only suitable for surfaces that may not risk prolonged exposure to water, heat or abrasion. That means a kitchen cabinet door is more likely to be finished with an oil-type than a table would be. Tables and other horizontal surfaces will often benefit from the application of a finish that is waterproof and abrasion resistant.

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