while i was reading another post on GW, i saw this link, and it seems like you can buy it online? See link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.o-geepaint.com/ArchiCoats/inslx.shtml

Thanks, ummm. If we can't find it locally, we may just buy it online.

I'm surprised that Cabinet Coat isn't more widely available in a shopping and home improvement mecca like the Chicagoland area.

Hi McGill...,
Any upper-midwest ACE store can get it out of the Wisconsin warehouse. I'm up in Fargo, ND, and our ACE orders are shipped from there twice a week. We've had CC on our shelves for a year. Average retail is $35-$40/gal. It's made by the Insul-x co.

If your ACE doesn't carry it, they can get it via their internet connection with ACE from the WI warehouse. If they choose not to stock it, the minimum order is a case of 4 gal's I believe (they can't just ship 1 gallon to a store). Each retailer's "special-order" requirements vary, so check with your store to see how they will handle your request.

You may get lucky if your ACE decides to carry it; you wouldn't have to pay any special freight...all they'd have to do is add the upc/sku/$retail # to their system, and you're off & running!

Thanks,
Faron

Faron,

Thanks for the tip. I was able to talk to an actual person at the Insl-x factory today. She pointed me to a local retailer called Epco. Turns out Epco stocks some of the Insl-x paints, but not CC (of course!), so they're looking into whether they can do a small order (just 1-2 gallons) for me.

We're in a bit of time crunch because we're trying to make the unit habitable again by March 1. If I can't quickly order a small amount, I may just choose something else for this job, and then take the time to order CC when I'm ready to do the cabinets and trim in my own house.

I appreciate your help!

If you're in a crunch and depending on where you're at in the city, if you don't mind driving a bit (in this weather no less) for that elusive pot of acrylic gold, the Gus Bock Ace Hardware chain carries it in stock (on shelves). Closest store for you would be Lansing, IL store (sister stores in Indiana have it as well). It's nearly all expressway driving (head south to 80/94 east, exit Torrence Ave south to Ridge Road east a few miles to 3455 Ridge). Here's the Lansing store's phone: (708) 474-5940

Try e-mailing the Insl-x company. I did and they gave me the name of a local retailer. Also, our local Ace hardware store special ordered it for us and I did have to buy two gallons, but, after using it, I'm sure I'll finish it all. I was so pleased with the finish that I plan to use it on all the rest of the woodwork in my home. Here's their e-mail address: CustomerCare@insl-x.com

Hang in there, the paint is worth waiting for.

Thanks, everyone, for this great information!

Moonshadow -- If it weren't for the snow, I just might drive to Lansing for the CC paint. Although, if it clears up by the weekend, it still might be worth a trip.

Loomis -- Thanks for the e-mail tip. Maybe they'll be able to send me a retailer closer to my area. I haven't heard back from the Epco guy, so I assume he hasn't had much luck.

Thanks again everyone!

mcgillicuddy, I've found it at Ace Hardware in Wheaton and Carol Stream. Both locations are about 26 miles west of downtown Chicago. I've seen the white, almond and tint base CC gallons and quarts.

Where are you in the Chicago area?

Dees, I'm on the North Shore. None of the local Ace's I've called (Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Chicago) carry it (and they seem not to have heard of it either).

I may just get up early on Saturday and go for a drive to pick it up in person at one of the locations mentioned in this thread.

I don't want a special color, so an in-stock white should work just fine.

I am not in Chicago, but just this week I went to my local Ace and asked the girl at the door and the guy in the paint department for cabinet coat. I got the same, "We don't carry it, I've never heard of that". Then I went to the special order/customer service desk where the guy looked it up on the computer and VOILA! there it was! $38/gallon.

I think the 'confusion' with differing Ace hardware stores is due to the fact they are somewhat independent of the mother ship ;) The local chain I mentioned above are all owned by the same people, so they carry it at all three stores. Yet I can go to a closer Ace and they give me that clueless look ;)

This reminds me. A member emailed me about a new product coming out from CC, but I don't think she posted pertinents here yet. So I'll go gather info she gave me and post it ;)

Oh joy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I finally found CC closer to home, at Shannon Lumber Company (an Ace store) in the city proper (Chicago).

It was literally about the 10th Ace I called today (not counting the ones I called earlier in my search).

They have gallons and quarts in a variety of colors, but they charge around $50/gallon. I guess it's worth it if I don't have to special order it or drive out of my way to find it.

Thanks again everyone for your help :)