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?
I haven’t tried deglossers, but I’d be hesitate to experiment after reading the NIH cautions. Would like to hear from someone who has tried these things!