There are several levels of catalyzed varnish. And that's the problem with comparing local shop guys with the large operations that buy the top grade most durable versions in 55 gallon drum amounts. Many small shops can't afford to use the most durable finishes, buying small quanitities, without pricing themselves out of the market.

Or they may not have the supplied air ventilation and downdraft water recovery system that the more toxic versions require to be used. They can get ahold of the cheaper less durable wter based products, but that isn't going to stand up long term compared to a nationally produced KCMA certified finish.

If you have any doubts about your local custom guy's finishes, ask them to produce a sample for you, and then test it with the same proceedures that the KCMA uses.

I think she could reproduce the stain test at home: Lemon, orange and grape juice along with coffee, ketchup and alcohol applied to the cabinet finish for 24 hours, then checking for staining or discoloration.

But, for the hot and cold box tests, you almost need a lab. I can't think of any sure way to reproduce the hot box test where the cabinet is subject to 120 degrees at 70% humidity for 24 hours or the hot/cold test where the cabinet is alternated for one hour each between the 120 degree box and a -5 degrees box, repeat five times. If checking, blistering or delaminating results, the cabinet fails.

I'm pretty sure California does have restrictions on the contents of paints, etc. It is my impression that these restrictions apply to all paints, including those used in an indoor spray both.

I'm pretty sure that the referenced regulation is for paint thinners, not paint.

Sherwin Williams talks about their compliance with CA regs.

Consumer reports talks about California's lower voc requirement for paint.

Rustoleum's CA VOC compliance guide.

California does have restriction on paint. I tried to buy some oil based paint last week at Sherwin Williams and they told me they're not allowed to carry them in CA.

i also had to buy my sealer in pint size vs gallon because CA does not allow the sale of something like 511 Porous Plus.

Hmmm....Cabinets4U is spamming quite a few threads today.... (driving business to their site by posting links to their own site)

I suspect that any company that ships products to CA will have to adhere to CA laws. So, just b/c a cabinet is made in SD does not mean it doesn't have to comply with CA restrictions.

I think it depends on whether the restrictions/laws apply to the application of finishes or products that are used in finishes (out-gassing, etc.)

I'm not a legal expert, so I think you should talk to the SD company - ask them outright whether they have to handle CA orders differently than others.

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"....I have read that because California has environmental laws in place that prohibit certain types of paint that can be used within this state, the paint isn't as durable as the more "toxic" paint that can be used outside of California..."

Where have you read this?

I live in CA and as far as I know, the paint restrictions are on use within the state. I bought barker's cabinets and there is no indication in their website and they never communicated to me that they have a separate finish for CA delivered cabinets. Nor have I ever heard of such a thing on here. Nor have i seen anything like that on any of the national furniture manufacterer's websites.

I did some googling and failed to come up with the actual regulations. Perhaps someone else has them handy.

Cabinets made in Ca when made legally are to be finished with water based paint and stain products. The cabinets made in South Dakota like Starmark and Showplace are oil based catalyzed varnishes which are much more durable. If you want to test it. Ask to have a sample from both places. Put acetone on the finish and wipe it off. If it is water based the finish will dissolve to some degree during the wipe. The oil based finish will look un touched.

The La area store of Ca I work does not offer locally made cabinets for this reason. If you want to buy oil based floor stain or poly urethane you have to drive to San Diego county just to purchase it... The basic premise of the what the dealer told you is correct...

The acetone test will tell you if you will get a inferior finish from the local company...

I have heard of one company that made cabinets for a project I bid and did not get where the local cabinet maker bought oil based finish in pints to have it shipped in from out of state. You would have to mix all them together I would think it get an even finish color...

The national cabinet makers use the oven and the catalyst to be able to finish their products faster. The upside is most also add an hardener to the finish that cures with the oven making the finish more resistant to light scratches and other wear and tear.. I have spoken with many people who have locally made cabinets where the area around the knobs and pulls discolors over time from the oils in the skin from being touched.

The out of state finish is likely to be more durable from a reputable company in South Dakota.

heather, who are the Bay Area and South Dakota vendors you speak of?