So you want to overhaul your kitchen interiors starting from the kitchen shelves and cabinets (admit it, it has been years since you painted those wooden cupboards). You searched the internet for inspiration and stumbled upon the phrase ‘Duco finish’ which, upon further research, you think would be perfect for your new project. This glossy finish can surely posh up any outdated, worn-out space.
This is how you achieve it the Boysen way.
Duco finish is that long-wearing, attractive, high-gloss finish that is mostly seen on interior wooden surfaces (like that picture above but less sparkly). Aside from its appeal, it is the go-to paint finish for most kitchen furniture as it provides an excellent water barrier and gives the surface the flexibility to move without cracking or flaking. Additionally, since kitchens are naturally busy with all the cooking and washing being done in there, giving your area the Duco finish allows extra protection from stain and heat.
Just Duco it!
With caution.
Make sure that your work area has proper air ventilation for faster drying time, and is cleared of visitors while the paint job is being done. When necessary, you may ask for help in uninstalling and reinstalling the kitchen doors and cabinets for easier painting. Remind yourself or anyone around to hold off with the cigars for obvious reasons. Since the paint is very flammable, you wouldn’t want anybody smoking in the vicinity. Follow this link to know everything that could go wrong with your DIY paint project and how you can avoid it.
Now you have to prepare the surface. Before you paint the cabinets, you have to sand them down until they feel smooth to the touch. Protruding nails need to be hammered down and then sealed with putty. Wipe the surface clean using a clean damp rag soon after. If repainting, remove all paint by using manual or mechanical methods before the application of the final coating. We’ve written a series about proper and thorough surface preparation. You can read it here.
How to Achieve the Duco Finish using Boysen Automotive Lacquer
Once done with the first and probably the most important step, get ready with your DIY painting skills. Painting with solvent-based paints such as the one we’re going to use today is suggested as a DIFM (do it for me) project since it tends to be messier and needs a certain technical skill to apply correctly. However, with the right knowledge and practice, you will do just fine. If you do encounter problems, better ask a professional. See the last paragraph at the end of this article. Our technical experts can help you with your questions.
You can use the following Boysen products to help you achieve the Duco finish:
Always start with the primer. Apply Boysen Lacquer Primer Surfacer B-305 and follow it up with Boysen Lacquer Spot Putty B-306 to even out surface imperfections. Wait an hour for the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step. Apply another coating of Lacquer Primer Surfacer on just the puttied areas for better paint adhesion. Finally, spray Boysen Automotive Lacquer B-1300 on the entire surface. The spraying might take more than two rounds based on your preference.
You can mix Boysen Automotive Lacquer Tinting Colors at a maximum level of ¼ Liter per 4-Liter can if you want colors. Darker shades should be factory-mixed.
Important note: The cost of materials may not be as much as other painting jobs but achieving the perfect Duco finish is labor-intensive. The process of doing the whole system can be repetitive depending on the level of imperfection evident on the surface or the aesthetics level you want to achieve. Repetitive means that you can go over the procedure again (primer-putty-primer-topcoat) without having to get rid of the new paint, considering that you’re going to use the same products. However, if the existing paint is not compatible with the ones you’re about to apply, better scrape off the coating and clean the surface straight away.
Few reminders when using Boysen Automotive Lacquer:
- It can only be used on interior surfaces, hence it’s the perfect paint for kitchen cabinets that isn’t directly exposed to sunlight. Its film isn’t UV resistant which may result in cracking and flaking if used outside.
- Aside from its ability to give any wooden surface a Duco finish, it can also be used as a metal topcoat. Just make sure that you will use the Boysen Epoxy Primer instead of Boysen Lacquer Primer Surfacer to ensure compatibility.
- Even though it is called an Automotive Lacquer, IT CANNOT BE USED ON CARS. The name of the product was coined to describe a similar finish in automobiles.
Apply what you learned and let your kitchen speak for itself. For more home inspirations and renovation tips, subscribe to our blog. If you have technical questions, you may call us at (02) 363-9738 local 417 to 418 during office hours for a one-on-one consultation with our Technical Team or write an email to ask@myboysen.com.
15 Comments
Hi,
How’s bad is the smell of these paints? Does it really takes days to go away?
Thanks in advance.
IS DUCO FINISH APPLICABLE FOR CONCRETE SURFACES?
It is used for indoor wood surfaces such as doors, doorjambs, cabinets, and shelves, and not for concrete surfaces.
Is it right for new wooden surface after sanding preparation to apply 1st boysen flat latex primer followed by boysen primeguard and finish with boysen aqua epoxy
The Comms team sent you an email. Here’s a part of it –
For your project, may we clarify:
1. What is the purpose of the wood (ex: wall / floor / cabinet)?
2. Is it exposed to sunlight?
3. Is there existing coating? If yes, what specific product was applied?
————
Please answer the email directly, or better yet, please call this number (02) 8363-9738 local 417 to 418 during office hours and talk to our Technical Team. If you talk to the technical expert directly, you will get your answers much quicker.
Good luck with your project.
Is there any boysen product can be used using roller brush with same result as duco finisg?
We do not have a product that can achieve the duco finish while being applied using a roller brush. If you have more questions, please call (02) 8363-9738 local 417 to 418 during office hours and talk to our Technical Team so that you can get your answers quicker. Good luck!
Do Boysen have other options like a ready paint spray can version of the products you mentioned so that I don’t need to invest in buying a paint sprayer?
Boysen does not have spray paint cans.
Please note that different kinds of paints have different requirements when it comes to paint sprayers. Ex: Water-based paints can only be applied using brush, roller and airless spray guns. When investing in a spray gun, kindly check with the manufacturer of the device for paint compatibility and paint viscosity requirements.
Greetings!
Is it ok to add an epoxy resin over the Boysen Automotive lacquer? I’m thinking of using the same process with an added epixy resin for my countertop.
Regards,
Junie
While you can use BOYSEN Automotive Lacquer on wooden countertops, we do not recommend adding epoxy resin to this as it may cause adverse reactions.
Can we use rollers instead of spray for automotive laquer paint?
Hi David.
Thank you for your comment and for following us at Let it B.
For best results, we recommend using spray when applying BOYSEN Automotive Lacquer.
Thank you and we hope that we were able to help you.
How to prepare lacquer finish on concrete walls? Can u give me the steps??
Lacquer finishes were formulated for use on wooden surfaces only. These cannot be applied on concrete walls.