Kitchen Specification Reference Guide 01-2020

2. Next, we apply several layers of a wood conditioner/sealer to prepare the wood to accept paint evenly. 3. The hardwood or plywood piece is painted the proper color and inspected against a standard. 4. After allowing the piece to dry, a sealer is rolled on by hand. 5. The hardwood or plywood is then subjected to a specific wavelength of ultraviolet light to catalyze and harden the sealer. 6. Next, we sand with a fine grit sandpaper. 7. We again inspect against a standard to ensure the piece is within our color parameters. 8. Then an acid catalyzed topcoat is applied, and the piece is again dried. What is significant about our process is the labor-intensive nature required to achieve the finish that we believe our customers deserve. We use a pre-catalyzed conversion varnish. Why is that important? · Conversion varnish is more expensive than traditional lacquer. It may cost two times more than a traditional lacquer. · Conversion varnish has more suspended solids, has a higher buildup, and is significantly more durable than traditional lacquer finishes. · It has 2 components: a post catalyst that chemically cures the finish which requires the mixing of an independent pre-catalyst with the varnish itself. · This process is a delicate one since the mixture must have the correct ratio of the two chemicals in order to harden properly. But, with its higher solid content of 40% - 60% by volume and a dried film density that's twice that of a traditional lacquer's, conversion varnish takes fewer coats for a complete build and a satisfactory film density. Because of its ability to cure (harden) chemically, drying time is much shorter than that of traditional varnish and takes more finesse in terms of even application. That's why it cannot be completed in the field and must be completed in a controlled factory environment. Even though it costs more, we can build and ship your cabinets more quickly since they're drying faster. The results speak for themselves. Conversion varnish is more durable and has a higher elasticity, which allows it to hold up better through wood joint expansion. That expansion ability is a key component. Conversion varnish "gives" a bit with wood movement. And since all hardwood must expand or contract with changes in temperature and humidity, having a finish that will flex with the wood means you are far less likely to experience those annoying hairline cracks in your cabinet face-frame joints. Thank you and enjoy your Sunny Wood cabinets! Environmental Effects: Under normal circumstances, all wood products contain some moisture and it easily exchanges moisture with the surrounding environment. This affects all wood products even after finishing. Finishing the wood does slow the process, but it will still react to changes in humidity levels. When humidity is high, the wood will expand in response to the absorption of water. When the humidity is low, the wood will contract with the loss of humidity. Wood will not change in size or shape unless humidity levels change. When exposed to high humidity wood will primarily change in width and thickness. Normal minor variations in humidity will cause imperceptible minor dimensional responses in the wood. It is recommended that a 40 to 50% humidity level be maintained in the household to avoid environmental changes in your cabinetry. Extreme changes in humidity levels, 80% or above and 20% below can cause issues. Wood performs best in controlled environments. Problems associated with warping are usually the result of conditions at site storage, poor installation, or use. The effect of moisture can include panel expansion and contraction, joint separation (especially in mitered joints), and bowing, expansion, or contraction of frame Disclaimers: