Two-component (2K) water-based polyurethanes (polys) have become a game-changing product for the wood coatings industry. 2K polys can be used as a clear or a pigmented finish protectant coat on cabinets that makes them durable and last longer than any other cabinet refinishing product.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we have spent years searching for the best products to use while refinishing cabinets. We have been across Omaha, NE in thousands of homes to fix cabinets caused by other contractors using low-quality products.
In this article, we will give you all the information about 2K polys for painting kitchen cabinets. By reading this article, you can learn about what benefits a 2K poly might bring to your cabinets.
Painting with 2K Polyurethanes
2K water-based polys were first discovered by the automotive and wood flooring industries to make their work durable and resistant to chemicals, color fading, and abrasion. The kitchen cabinet industry professionals later found out that 2K polys did the same thing for them as well.
2K polyurethanes are used for jobs requiring a durable clear protectant like cars, hardwood flooring, electronics, furniture, and cabinets. It can be used on materials such as glass, plastic, porcelain, concrete, metal, and of course, wood.
2K polys are paints that require mixing a hardener, or catalyst, with them. When this happens, the chemicals are bonded together, forming a durable thickness on any surface. This process must be done right before it gets applied as it begins curing right away.
This also means that the product now has a pot life. Pot life is the point from mixing the two chemicals to a point where it is no longer usable. Tools like sprayers must be cleaned out before the pot lifetime runs out, so the sprayer isn’t ruined forever. Usually, this is only a few hours, so finishers have to be careful with their time.
Benefits of 2K Polys on Cabinets
1. Chemical resistant
Chemical-resistant products can be cleaned easily. All that is needed is soap and water, but their technology allows them to withstand any chemical that is used to clean it or that may have spilled on the cabinets. This means that even harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia can be safely used to clean cabinets coated with a 2K polyurethane finish without causing any damage.
The advanced formula of 2K polys creates a protective barrier that not only repels stains and spills but also ensures that the cabinets remain in pristine condition for years to come. With the ability to resist chemicals, your cabinets will not only look beautiful but will also be easy to maintain and clean, making them a practical and long-lasting choice for your kitchen.
2. Moisture resistant
Wood is a living material that naturally expands and contracts in response to changes in temperature and humidity. These fluctuations can often lead to imperfections in painted surfaces, as the movement of the wood causes the paint to crack or peel over time. However, when a high-quality 2K polyurethane product is applied to the surface, these imperfections caused by moisture are significantly reduced.
The advanced formula of the 2K poly forms a protective barrier that helps to minimize the impact of wood movement, ensuring a smoother and more durable finish for your cabinets. By using a 2K poly, you can effectively address the challenges posed by wood's natural tendencies, resulting in a long-lasting and flawless cabinet painting solution.
3. Fade-resistant
Some paint has been known to fade over time due to UV lights or the sun. A 2K poly makes this difficult because of its strong layer in between the product on the wood and harmful lighting. This protective barrier not only shields the wood from the damaging effects of sunlight but also preserves the vibrancy and richness of the color applied to the cabinets.
With a 2K polyurethane coating, you can enjoy long-lasting, fade-resistant cabinets that maintain their original beauty for years to come, even in the face of constant exposure to natural light.
4. Abrasion resistant
A durable 2K poly is the key element that protects your cabinets from the wear and tear of daily use. While cabinets are not indestructible, applying a 2K polyurethane coating significantly reduces the likelihood of scratches, nicks, or chips. This protective barrier acts as a shield, preserving the integrity of the wood and ensuring that your cabinets maintain their pristine appearance for years to come.
5. Factory Like Cabinet Finish
The factory-like, smooth touch enhances the overall look and feel of your cabinets, giving them a professional and polished appearance. This high-quality finish not only adds durability to your cabinets but also elevates their aesthetic appeal, making them a standout feature in your kitchen. The sleek and flawless surface created by the 2K polyurethane coating provides a luxurious feel that is both professional and long-lasting, ensuring that your cabinets maintain their beauty for years to come.
6. Maintains color retention
The incredible color retention provided by a 2K poly ensures that any shade applied to your cabinets remains vibrant and true to its original form for an extended period. This means that your cabinets will maintain their beautiful color and appearance over time, without fading or losing their richness.
1K Coating vs 2K Coating
1K coating, or a single component, is one paint or coating on its own. 1K paints are best for interior areas with low traffic. 1K coatings dry fast and are still excellent to use in certain scenarios. These coatings can dry simply from the air.
A 2K is a paint or a coating that requires a hardener to be mixed with it to cure and dry, hence the two components. The mixture creates a more durable coating for higher-traffic areas like cabinets and harsh conditions like exteriors.
Since 2K coatings are more complex than regular paint, they should only be applied by professionals.
Learn about the process of painting 2k polys on cabinets, here.
Milesi - 2K Poly for Kitchen Cabinets
At Brush & Roll Painting, we use and stand by Milesi for our cabinet painting and refinishing process.
Milesi was Founded in 1947 by Guglielmo Milesi. The company worked closely with the European furniture craftsman to produce products that would protect and enhance the wood. Through innovative research and a commitment to quality, they have established themselves as a leader in the wood coatings industry.
Milesi uses the same 2K water-based technology that the automotive and wood flooring finish industries have known for years to offer the most durable finish while still being forgiving enough to reduce cracking. Milesi finishes are also moisture, abrasion, and chemical resistant.
Milesi takes about 2 hours to touch dry and 4 hours to dry completely.
For a painted, solid color look, pigment can be added into Milesi in a multi-layer process. This process doesn’t require a final clear coat on top, as Milesi is already applied with the pigment.
After Brush & Roll Painting transitioned to Milesi for our cabinet refinishing services, we were amazed at how the product outperformed in consistency, flow-out/leveling, vertical hang, film build, and color coverage. What truly confirmed that owner Bill Carlson had found what he was looking for, was seeing that Milesi had the perfect balance of durability and flexibility needed for cabinet refinishing.
Brush & Roll Painting is proud to use Milesi products and we remain confident in the quality of finish we can offer our customers. To learn more about Milesi’s history, mission, and commitment to the environment, visit their website at https://www.milesi.com/en/.
The Ultimate Guide to Cabinet Refinishing.
2K Poly On Your Cabinets
2K polys have been game-changing for the cabinet refinishing industry. They make cabinets durable with their chemical, abrasion, and moisture resistance.
To have a 2K poly applied on your cabinets in Omaha, NE, schedule an estimate with Brush & Roll Painting. We have refinished cabinets since 1996 with a thorough process and high-quality products.
If you're considering a cabinet painting project, it's essential to have the right tools and materials to ensure a successful outcome. To help you stay confident throughout the scope of your project, consider downloading a cabinet painting project checklist.
By following a detailed checklist, you can stay organized and ensure that you don't miss any crucial steps, from hiring a painter to maintaining your cabinets.
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