Why can't I find information on Renner Wood Coatings for Refinishing?
I see this question asked almost daily and I completely understand the frustration! My newest venture with Fine Finish SupplyWww.finefinishsupply.com is a Wood Coating supply store in Humble, Texas, a suburb of Houston, Texas. Before becoming a distributor, I handled the marketing for Renner Wood Coatings North America. This unique relationship has provided a perspective that might help clear a few things up while also making recommendations for cabinet refinishing.
When I was introduced to Renner Wood Coatings, I owned a contract finishing shop with a run-through rate of 5-10 projects a week. Those projects ranged from cabinet refinishing, store fixtures, new cabinets, and millwork. We exclusively used Solvent-based Lacquers, Conversion Varnish, and P.U. We were forced to use non-flammable, waterborne coatings in some situations, but we hated everything about it! This was when I met the technical director for Renner and forever changed my opinion on water-based coatings.
Keep these things in mind when considering Renner.
Renner is new to the United States- While Renner is one of the largest producers of Wood Coatings WorldWide, they are very new to the U.S. market. Many of the marketing materials have yet to be translated from Italian or Portuguese.
Renner is an Industrial Wood coating- You have to understand that Renner products have traditionally been sold through distribution or direct to substantial INDUSTRIAL end users. The product mix includes a variety of Waterborne, U.V., and solvent-based products for automated and off the gun finishing. The beauty of working with a company like Renner is that they can make small changes to the coating formulation to suit the end-users application process or environment.
Why is this important to me?
Think about this for a second... Why would a sizeable Industrial end-user that produces thousands of finished parts a day use a product like Renner?
It's the exact reason you are considering it.
Compliant- Renner Waterborne Coatings are Compliant in all 50 states with no known restrictions.
Non-Flammable- keeps your work environment safe and dramatically reduces your insurance cost.
Water clean up- significantly reduces expensive cleaning solvents and disposal fees.
Fast dry times- Increased throughput. Most products are dry to sand within 1 hour
High Solid Coating- Renner coatings are very high in solids and allow you to build the finish in fewer coats. Most topcoats are designed to be applied once.
Non Yellowing- The waterborne formula of Renner Wood Coating ensures colorfastness. This is particularly important when considering the popularity of whites and even natural /clear finishes.
Self-Leveling- You will notice a slight orange peel in the finish when first applied, but do not worry! These products level like you wouldn't believe!
Excellent Vertical Hang- A follow-up to the above. These products can be slightly overapplied without the worry of runs and sags. I have seen 10+ wet mills hang and dry to perfection. (this is not recommended) but it happens to us all from time to time...
Tintable to any color- Yes, we can match any color you bring us in both stain and paint
Durability- Renner wood coatings are incredibly durable and typically test better than comparable solvent and petroleum products.
Let's make sure you clearly understand how we refer to these products.
1k- A 1k coating is a product ready to use out of the can. You do not add a catalyst/hardener to these products.
2k- A 2k coating is a product you add a catalyst/hardener to. Once you add this second component, you will have a "pot life," meaning you only have a certain amount of time to use the product before it begins to harden. (typically 2-4 hours) with Renner
Mono-bi-component- A Mono Bi Component product can be used either as a 1k or 2k coating. These products are very popular with Refinishers. Catalyst/hardener
Crosslinker- crosslinkers can be used with 1k products to improve adhesion and mar resistance.
Self sealer- Renner offers several self-sealing products that do not require the use of a Primer. These products are excellent for an open pore/natural look. They can also be used as a topcoat over primer.
Topcoat- A product intended to be used on top of a primer or sealer.
Primer- Primer is the first coat on the substrate. It will give you build and fill before the topcoat
Sealer- Sealers are clear and help build a finish before the topcoat.
Here is what we at Fine Finish Supply recommend for refinishing cabinets a solid color
Primer-
Renner 643 - The Renner 643 Primer is a Mono Bi Component, high solids primer. It is an excellent starting point for any refinishing project. The product can be catlayzed 10% You will need to catalyze the first coat for oak and ash cabinets to help block tannin bleed. It may be necessary to apply a second catalyzed coat.
Renner 5590/1150- The Renner 5590 or 1150 are 1k, high solid primers. These products work exceptionally well if you are working with an excellent substrate like maple or MDF, where bleed-through is not an issue. They are also very cost-effective when compared to 643
Self Sealers-
Renner 765 -The Renner 765 is hands down our new favorite product! It is a mono bi-component and can be catalyzed 5% max. It has a beautiful look and feel and has the best vertical hang tested. It can be used as a self-sealer or over primer when fill/build is needed. The only downside currently is it's only offered in a 30 sheen Satin.
Renner 851- The Renner 851 is another excellent product choice. It can be used as a self-sealer on a smooth substrate and open-pore look or over primer when fill/build is needed. It is offered in various sheens and can be catalyzed 10%.
Renner 1094- The Renner 1094 is a 1k self sealer and an excellent option for residential cabinet refinishing where bleed-through is not a concern. This is an excellent option for anyone not ready to use a 2k coating. It is also a beautiful alternative to premium box store products used on trim and casework
These are our current recommendations for cabinet refinishing. While other options are available, supply chain has caused enormous disruption in raw material availability. I strongly recommend you schedule some time with us to discuss what best suits your needs before ordering material.
We look forward to working with you!
Hi Luis, I have 643 and 688 and catalizer. Do I need a sealer in between? I’m going to refinish some oak cabinets. Thank you!
Is that "catalyzed 10%" by weight or volume? If I have 20 ounces of 851, is that 2 ounces of hardener?
Louis, thank you so much for that breakdown. Very informative and look forward to using renner coatings.
Fantastic information about Renner. I can't wait to have it in a PDF format, so I'll be able to research the best product for our application.
Good informative stuff Louis. This is a big help!