Cabinet makers and home improvement experts often like to toss around the idea that elbow grease is always preferable in remodeling or restoring cabinets to the use of toxic chemical products. Arguments usually center on the familiar debate over whether time and patience produce superior craftsmanship. I know that it’s easy to paint cabinets with a sprayer, but the end result always shows up in quality when you take time to use a brush and painstakingly produce an even finish.

The same debate seems to circle around the use of deglossers. There’s hardly an argument that these so-called “liquid sanders” can remove the gloss from old cabinets. The question is, does exposure to the naphtha and toluene chemicals in the deglossers offset the elbow grease it takes to get out some TSP and sandpaper and do the work by hand? Many people insist on paint stripping with chemicals.

Ace Hardware contends that you can get the right tacky surface for applying new finish from a deglosser. I’ve heard cabinet makers say that the liquid does not provide the same kind of reliable surface as does sanding. And you have to continue to use fresh rags after a few minutes or you’re just smearing oils around on the surface.

I’d like to hear if you think deglossers are safe for prepping for a cabinet paint job. On the other hand, the National Institute of Health (NIH) certainly has reservations. In a Material Safety Data Sheet  on one such liquid sandpaper product, the NIH lists the following warnings:

• Harmful in contact with skin.
• Risk of serious damage to eyes.
• Possible risk of harm to the unborn child.
• Acute overexposure can cause serious nervous system depression.

Where do you stand?

Are you considering installing acrylic countertops? So many manufacturers are producing them these days that you have an exceptional range of choices in colors and styles. Maintenance is relatively simple, but you do have to follow some guidelines in use or you can discolor or burn the surfaces.

I’ve read that a quick way to damage an acrylic or other solid surface counter is to set a hot fry-pan or saucepan directly on the countertop. Instead, put your pots and pans on a trivet or solid cutting board. In fact, the cutting board is an acrylic countertop’s best friend. Use the board instead of cutting and slicing anything on the counter.

In some cases, if you burn the surface, you can call in a professional contractor/countertop fabricator to sand or buff down the finish. But not always. And repair jobs may void your warranty.

Countertops and Going Solid

Chemical giant DuPont first invented Corian for bathroom counters back in the 60s, and today’s kitchen countertops in the material can be cleaned with dish soap, soft soaps, and water. A mild abrasive may remove shallow cuts and scratches.

Products like Meganite clean up with water and dish soap. LG Surfaces are said to resist knives and, if you choose a matte finish, you can even use an abrasive cleaner. While LG’s High Mac surfaces are said to resist temperatures up to 225 degrees, they can yellow under continuous high heat exposure.

Other solid surface choices include Agonite, Formica, Centura,  Swanstone, and Royalstone. One of the best qualities of solid surfaces is that they’re extremely hygienic. In this day and age, that’s a great attribute.