04-26-2026, 06:51 PM
Roy,
Your cabinet is looking fantastic, nice one!
I personally do the sanding sealer after I do grain filler. I find that the grain filler blends in well without the sealer on. Then after the grain filler process is complete and any light sanding done, then I apply sanding sealer before toner. And I just spray a light coat of sanding sealer. If you don’t have it, you can use a very light spray of lacquer. I feel like the goal is just to seal things before you apply toner to ensure the toner is uniform. And I do very light coats of toner and I do three. Then I move on to lacquer spray. When you strip down the cabinet like this don’t go heavy on first few coats of lacquer go light and take your time. Once you have a base built up you can get wetter in each spray of lacquer.
Now, take all this and add it to what others say, since I’m not an expert. Full disclosure I’ve only used grain filler twice now, but found the process pretty straightforward. I have grown to enjoy the cabinet refinishing process and with each one I’m getting more comfortable. But it does take some practice for sure. Samples attached of my most recent two, both in lacquer cure stage.
Your cabinet is looking fantastic, nice one!
I personally do the sanding sealer after I do grain filler. I find that the grain filler blends in well without the sealer on. Then after the grain filler process is complete and any light sanding done, then I apply sanding sealer before toner. And I just spray a light coat of sanding sealer. If you don’t have it, you can use a very light spray of lacquer. I feel like the goal is just to seal things before you apply toner to ensure the toner is uniform. And I do very light coats of toner and I do three. Then I move on to lacquer spray. When you strip down the cabinet like this don’t go heavy on first few coats of lacquer go light and take your time. Once you have a base built up you can get wetter in each spray of lacquer.
Now, take all this and add it to what others say, since I’m not an expert. Full disclosure I’ve only used grain filler twice now, but found the process pretty straightforward. I have grown to enjoy the cabinet refinishing process and with each one I’m getting more comfortable. But it does take some practice for sure. Samples attached of my most recent two, both in lacquer cure stage.
Craftsmanship is an ongoing cycle of learning fueled by patience, persistence, and care, where every project refines our judgment and challenges our skills, in the steady pursuit of the Path to Mastery.
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