I used pre cat lacquer to finish a set of cabinets about 10 months ago. 3-4 months later the finish was peeling and coming off in spots. only around the sink and DW area. Refinished those with a new can of lacquer 6 months ago and now it is coming off again. I used a sand and sealer first (no stain,natural oak) and 4-5 coats of lacquer , just like always. No complaints before when I used Gemini but seems like everything I finished with a different manufacture I am having trouble with. Any help on why this is happening would be appreciated. The laq. I used was sold by a cab. supplier. When i used it the manufacterer said it was still within exp.date. I am going to switch to Gemini CV, what should I know about CV?

Explain the "sand and sealer" and if you sanded that before top coating. Most pre cat directions will say to use vinyl sealer or just seal with the first coat of pre cat. In my experience, pre cat and lacquer will never last around heat and high moisture. I've never had it peel off, but some crazing and cloudiness. Luckily it was on my kitchen before I started doing cabinets in my business.

Thanks Rich, I put 2 coats of vinyl sealer. I sanded after 1 coat but not after no. 2. I then applied 4 coats of pre cat lacquer. This was after I sanded the doors. They were finished natural.

Six coats of precat lacquer most likely exceeded the recommended dry film build which can cause adhesion issues .

Tom's right. They have very strict maximum thickness rules. I believe most say 2 coats max unless you really lay it on thin.

I switched to CV for this very reason. Biggest difference with CV is the time you have to work with after you catalyze it. I mix in small batches and use a hopper based airless sprayer with 15' hose. I do like the finish better, seems to be more durable. No issues with areas of high moisture either.

You didn’t sand between the vinyl sealer and precat laquer. The laquer is probably too thick and you encouraged it to not bond to the sealer.

Hey everyone I appreciate all the feedback on my problem. I have always put 3-4 coats of lacquer on the base cabinets, I figured more was better protection where it was needed but I guess not when it comes to number of coats. I am thinking about switching to CV.

The vinyl sealer has a top coat window. I’m thinking not only do you have a mil thickness as too much problem,you also created a bind problem with two coats of vinyl.

We switched to cv ml Campbell Crystal or SW kemvar with stellar results spraying railings and wall panel pckgs for schools not to mention kitchens.

We do use the sanding sealer as it helps with a gumming up issue.

We sand with 320 after the first coat snd hit it with 2 coats after with 2 oz of flow enhancer per gallon after 10% catalyzinv waiting for a burn in of the catalyst to coating.

It’s pretty forgiving snd straight forward. Great results and great durability. Gemini. Is a decent product always has good luck We use ml Campbell as it comes in with lots of panels melamine or quartz from the sand supplier