1K waterborne Cross Linking Urethane VS 2K for Re-Spraying Cabinets & How we found a way to get the Best of Both without the Toxicity

Cross-linking waterborne polyurethane coatings are increasingly favoured for safeguarding and improving the appearance of kitchen cabinets. Each type presents distinct advantages and disadvantages. Let's examine the differences more closely to help you make an informed choice for your upcoming project.

1K: PROS Waterborne coatings are single-component, water-based products that are simpler to apply, dry quickly, and provide a smooth, factory-like finish when used in a small workshop or at home for recoating an old finish. They deliver a highly chip, chemical, and moisture-resistant coating, making them ideal for indoor surfaces that don't endure heavy wear like floors. These coatings can be applied more slowly, resulting in a thicker, more even film that accommodates the expansion and contraction of solid wood products due to temperature and humidity changes typical in northern climates. Touch-ups and repairs are much easier to integrate with a 1K cross-linking polyurethane coating.

1K coatings lack the significant toxicity associated with 2K finishes. This is an important consideration when recoating cabinets inside a home, especially where residents with respiratory issues, the elderly, or young children are present.

CONS The chip, chemical, and moisture resistance of 1K coatings is slightly lower compared to 2K. This does not imply that 1K has low resistance; even automotive finishes can scratch and chip under certain conditions.

2K: PROS For a more commercial-friendly finish, 2K coatings offer a two-component system consisting of additional cross-linking resins and hardener. The hardener provides stronger and more durable protection.

CONS: However, this comes with its own challenges; 2K products are highly toxic in there liquid form. Applying 2K requires careful surface preparation, sealing off of cabinets from the rest of the home, and thorough equipment cleaning to achieve optimal results. The vapours and dust from sanding are known health hazards and are classified as carcinogens. Using these products requires strict adherence to guidelines; exposure during application is limited to the duration of use in your home and requires proper cleanup.

2K products demand a higher skill level as they reduce the margin for errors such as runs and sags, issues with contamination on existing surfaces, and require consistent and uniform mixing for an even appearance. 2K hardeners increase sheen levels by about 5%, so consistent mixing is essential for uniform sheen across your cabinets.

A common issue with either coating is pre-existing contamination, like grease or silicone, penetrating wood pores and causing bleed-through. Cleaning is essential, yet it is nearly impossible to remove all contaminants from deeper wood pores, especially in oak and grainier woods. Modern solvents in waterborne products act like ammonia; as they penetrate the surface, they can draw contamination through primers and topcoats, leading to stains and poor adhesion for both 1K & 2K products.

1K products can be sanded; fixed and blended in smaller areas without the full prep conditions of 2K

With 2K products, fixing or touching up these areas is more challenging, requiring sanding and blending. This bleed-through may take hours to weeks to appear. If these problems occur, fixing requires sanding and respraying the entire area with the exact ratio used initially. You will need to set up the enclosure again for respraying to ensure protection from dust and fumes.

Spray It Like New utilizes the versatility and application benefits of 1K polyurethane by initially using InfraKure infra-red heating to cure doors and drawer fronts in our workshop, followed by a thin application of a clear aluminum oxide-based finish. Infra-red curing employs infrared light lamps to swiftly dry and harden newly applied finishes.

How Infra-Red Works:

Rather than heating the surrounding air, IR energy penetrates directly into the 1K finish, transforming it into heat from the inside out.

• Solvent Evaporation: It allows solvents to escape quickly and freely without being trapped or forming a skin over the finish.

• Faster Turnaround: It cures topcoats and primers much faster, significantly reducing downtime for woodworking and even auto body repairs and detailing.

How Aluminum Oxide Works:

Aluminum oxide is incorporated into finishes to significantly enhance durability and scratch resistance. It is finely ground ceramic like & blended into a microscopic powder and blended with urethane, forming a robust layer that protects wood from heavy foot traffic. This makes it ideal for achieving a harder, safer finish than 2K, without the toxicity and additional application steps needed for a consistent, long-lasting finish.

Our application techniques have been refined through the completion of over 935 kitchens, consistently delivering outstanding, durable results while continually improving our system to ensure proper application with the most advanced wood finishes available.