Conversion Varnish is one of the BEST FINISHES that can be applied to Wood. What is Conversion Varnish (CV) and the ADVANTAGES for your Kitchen Cabinets? By San Francisco Kitchen Cabinets Refinishing

Updated: Aug 4

Conversion Varnish 2K Varnish The Kitchen Cabinet Refinish Masters Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing Company Kitchen Cabinet Refinisher Alex Rodriguez San Francisco Bay Area Northern California Call: 510-880-1048 — The Kitchen Cabinet Refinish Masters is a Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing Company with Alex Rodriguez. SAN FRANCISCO- BAY AREA Serving Homes and Businesses -Call: **510-880-1048**

Conversion Varnish is one of the BEST FINISHES that can be applied to Wood.

Conversion varnish (CV) is a type of lacquer that includes a hardening agent. It’s often applied to cabinetry and wood surfaces for its durable protection and clear, smooth finish.

Thanks to its durability and attractive finish, conversion varnish is an excellent option for refinishing kitchen cabinets

What is Conversion Varnish, and How is it Different From Traditional Lacquers?

When choosing a wood finish, most woodworkers and Kitchen Cabinets Refinishing Masters such as San Francisco Kitchen Cabinets Refinishing Company go with one of two options: VARNISH or LACQUER.

Varnish, which is oil- or alkyd-based, dries as the solvent evaporates.

Lacquer, on the other hand, is also solvent-based but dries much more quickly due to its faster evaporation rate.

San Francisco Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing Company Alex Rodriguez Kitchen Cabinet Refinisher Conversion Varnish 2K Varnish The Kitchen Cabinet Refinish Masters Bay Area Northern California

Conversion Varnish stands apart as a two-component system renowned for its EXCEPTIONAL RESISTANCE to Chemicals, Wear, and Moisture.

While it may appear similar to lacquer in terms of finish, the two are fundamentally different products.

Here are some of the main distinctions between them:

Composition

Conversion varnish is a fast-drying, chemically cured finish made up of two components: a resin and a hardening agent, which is mixed in just before application. The hardener contains an acidic catalyst that triggers the chemical curing process.

Lacquer is a single-component finish made from a pre-catalyzed nitrocellulose formula that cures through exposure to air. Since it's pre-catalyzed, there's no need to mix in a hardener—it's ready to use straight from the container.

Curing Process

When the components of conversion varnish (CV) are combined, the hardener triggers a chemical reaction known as cross-linking. Once applied, heat is used to speed up and finalize the curing process, resulting in one of the most durable finishes available. However, it’s a precise process—the correct ratio of resin to hardener is essential for proper curing and optimal performance.

Lacquer dries as its solvents evaporate, transforming the liquid into a solid film. Although it dries quickly and is easy for DIYers to apply, it doesn’t reach the same hardness level as conversion varnish (CV).

Application

Conversion varnish (CV) can be applied in thicker layers than lacquer, creating a robust protective coating. This added thickness helps boost the finish’s durability. It can be applied using a brush or a specialized sprayer.

Because lacquer dries quickly, it is typically applied in thin coats. However, with a low solids content (12% to 18% by volume), multiple coats are necessary to achieve adequate build and a dense, solid film.

Appearance

Conversion Varnish (CV) dries to a clear finish that can be glossy or satin, highlighting the natural beauty of wood or painted surfaces without noticeably altering their color. This clarity makes it a favored option for premium woodworking projects.

Lacquer is available in both clear and pigmented forms, providing a variety of finishing options. Clear lacquer lets the natural wood color shine through, while pigmented versions offer bold colors that enhance the look without obscuring the wood’s grain.

The main point to keep in mind is that Conversion Varnish is considerably more durable. Lacquer tends to be more vulnerable to scratches and is less flexible than conversion varnish (CV) and most other varnishes, making it more likely to crack over time.

Bay Area Kitchen Cabinet Refinisher Alex Rodriguez The Kitchen Cabinet Refinish Masters San Francisco Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing Company Conversion Varnish 2K Varnish Kitchen Cabinets Northern California

Conversion Varnish Advantages

Advantages of Conversion Varnish:

High durability: It's one of the most durable finishes available, resisting wear and tear.
Moisture resistance: It protects wood from moisture damage, preventing mold and rot.
Chemical resistance: It withstands spills and exposure to cleaning products.
Clear, glossy finish: It enhances the natural beauty of the wood while providing a smooth, glossy surface.
Easy to clean: The non-porous finish makes it easy to wipe clean.
Fast drying time: It dries relatively quickly compared to some other finishes.

Things to consider when using Conversion Varnish:

Professional application: It's often recommended to have conversion varnish professionally applied due to the specialized equipment and techniques required.

Conversion varnish offers several advantages for cabinet renovation, setting itself apart with UNMATCHED DURABILITY, Resistance to Yellowing, and a finish that’s Easy to Clean and Repair. But its greatest strength in kitchen applications? Is its Ability to Deliver LONG-LASTING Performance without compromising on appearance.

Unlike lacquer, conversion varnish creates a tough yet flexible finish—perfect for high-traffic, humid environments—while maintaining a luxurious look that keeps your kitchen both beautiful and functional for years to come.

Alex Rodriguez Kitchen Cabinet Refinisher The Kitchen Cabinet Refinish Masters San Francisco Kitchen Cabinet Refinishing Company Conversion Varnish 2K Varnish Kitchen Cabinets Bay Area Northern California

High Durability

Conversion varnish delivers a harder, more durable finish than traditional lacquers or varnishes. With double the dry film thickness of lacquer, it’s far more resistant to scratches over time. This level of durability makes it a great choice for high-traffic kitchens, offering the perfect blend of style and long-lasting protection.

More Longevity

Conversion varnish is built to endure both heavy wear and the passage of time. It forms a strong bond with the wood surface, providing excellent adhesion for a long-lasting finish. Additionally, Conversion Varnish is specially formulated to resist yellowing, helping it maintain clarity and prevent the wood from developing the unwanted tint often seen with traditional varnishes and lacquers.

Flexible and Elastic

Thanks to its unique chemical curing process, conversion varnish is more flexible than lacquer. The molecular cross-linking creates a resilient finish, unlike lacquer’s more brittle structure. This added elasticity allows the finish to move with the natural expansion and contraction of wood, reducing the likelihood of joint cracks, peeling, or surface damage over time—making it ESPECIALLY WELL-SUITED FOR KITCHEN CABINETS.

Enhances Kitchen Aesthetics

Conversion varnish is a go-to for premium woodworking due to its refined, HIGH-END FINISH. Available in Clear, Glossy, or Satin Sheens, it ENHANCES Natural Wood Grain and suits Traditional, Transitional, and Rustic Kitchen Styles. It also works well as a topcoat over Painted Cabinets, adding both Shine and Chip Resistance.

Requires Fewer Coats

With a higher solids content (around 40–60% by volume), Conversion Varnish requires fewer coats than lacquer to achieve solid coverage and proper film build. This leads to greater efficiency during application, saving time and effort while helping ensure a smooth, even finish.

Easy to Clean

Conversion varnish goes on smoothly and creates a tough, easy-to-clean finish. Its non-porous surface prevents dirt and contaminants from seeping in, making it especially practical for areas that need regular cleaning—like kitchen cabinets that frequently come into contact with food and grease.