GENERAL: E. J. Hoffman Woodworks, Ltd. uses only the finest finishing products in its cabinetry.  It is important to realize the beauty of finished wood allows the natural qualities of the wood to show through the stain.  Each wood species has its own distinct color. Variations in color are caused by minerals and acids in the soil where the tree was planted. The appearance of natural finished and light stained woods is constantly changing from the effects of light and humidity. All wood darkens with age and new cabinetry may appear somewhat lighter than older samples, a display, or color blocks.

STAIN FINISHES: E.J. Hoffman Woodworks LTD. employs a seven step staining process in its cabinetry. These steps include machine sanding, hand sanding, cleaning, hand wiping of stain, catalyzed sealer coat, hand sanding again, and application of a catalyzed varnish top coat. The standard sheen for our top coat is 60 and 20 sheen (flat) is available. Catalyzed varnish is resistant to most household chemicals, such as detergent, fingernail polish remover, and fruit juices.

PAINT FINISHES: Our paint process employs six steps. These steps include machine sanding, hand sanding, cleaning, application of a catalyzed primer, hand sanding again, and application of a catalyzed paint top coat. Standard sheen is 60 and 20 sheen (flat) is available. Painted finishes are resistant to most household chemicals. By nature, all wood expands and contracts with the changes in temperature and humidity. When this occurs, hairline cracks may develop in the joints of cabinetry. These cracks will not affect the durability of the paint system and are considered acceptable.

BRUSHED: Brushed process is the same as paint finish, with the addition of a special sanding and glazing process. After painting, the cabinets are sanded with the grain of the wood using fine grit sandpaper. A colored glaze is then applied. After drying, a clear coat of catalyzed varnish is applied to protect the glaze.

OLD WORLD FINISH: (with or without distressing) Country is a distressed finish that gives the appearance of an old, worn look. It is available on pine and maple woods. Several steps are involved in achieving this look. We begin with machine sanding, hand sanding, and painting an undercoat of color, after which the distressing is applied. This involves applying dents, worm holes, and simulated cracks, plus the undercoat of paint is sanded off all edges, followed by glaze, then a sealer coat. After hand sanding, a clear, catalyzed top coat is applied 60 sheen is standard and 20 sheen (flat) is available.

CRACKLE: This is a process that can be applied onto a stain base or paint base. The amount and size of the crackling is unpredictable and irregular throughout which gives a natural, realistic aged appearance. E.J. Hoffman Woodworks LTD. suggests applying a glaze to better enhance the crackling effect. Once the crackling process is achieved, a clear catalyzed topcoat is applied. The topcoat is available in a 60 sheen which is standard and a 20 (flat) sheen. It is advised, on this particular process, that a sample block be ordered before ordering cabinetry.

DISTRESSING: E.J. Hoffman Woodworks LTD. definition of distressing includes the following: worn edges, worm holes, knife cuts, and hammer marks. Any combination of distressing is available. A sample must be approved before production begins.

GLAZING: This is a process used to accentuate the carved portions of doors, molding, etc. It is a stain material, which is applied between the sealer coat and the top coat.