Why we Use Envirolak Water-Based 2-Component Polyurethane on our Cabinet Doors

In cabinet manufacturing, finishes matter just as much as machining. You can cut the most precise door in the world, but if the coating fails, smells terrible, or creates inconsistency, the final product suffers.

That’s why I made a deliberate decision to use Envirolak water-based 2-component polyurethane on my cabinet doors.

This isn’t a trend decision or a marketing angle. It’s a practical, long-term choice based on performance, health, consistency, and alignment with how modern cabinet shops should operate—especially in Canada.

A Canadian Company Built Around Water-Based Technology

Envirolak is a Canadian company, and more importantly, it’s a company that has specialized in water-based coatings from the start.

They aren’t a solvent company that “also makes water-based products. ”They aren’t dabbling in low-VOC finishes to follow regulations.

Water-based is their core focus.

For years, Envirolak has been at the forefront of the water-based finishing revolution, refining formulas specifically for professional cabinetmakers, finishers, and manufacturers who demand consistency and durability—without the drawbacks of traditional solvent systems.

That specialization matters.

Why Water-Based 2K Polyurethane Makes Sense

The product I use is a water-based, 2-component polyurethane. That combination is important.

You get:

• The durability and performance expected from a professional 2K system

• With the cleanliness, safety, and ease of water-based technology

This isn’t a compromise finish. It’s a modern upgrade.

Low VOC, High Performance

One of the biggest advantages is low VOC content.

Low VOC doesn’t just mean “better for the environment” (although it is). It also means:

• Better air quality in the shop

• No lingering chemical smell on finished doors

• Safer working conditions day in and day out

When doors leave my shop, they don’t smell like paint. That matters for installers, cabinet shops, and end clients alike.

No Flammability, No Solvent Hazards

Traditional solvent-based finishes come with real risks:

• Flammable materials

• Explosion-rated requirements

• Strict storage and disposal considerations

With Envirolak’s water-based system:

• The product is not flammable

• Storage is safer

• Day-to-day handling is far less stressful

That peace of mind is invaluable in a small to medium manufacturing environment.

Easy Cleanup: Rinse With Water

Another practical benefit: cleanup is simple.

Spray equipment, cups, and tools can be rinsed with water. No harsh solvents. No fumes. No waste containers full of chemicals.

This saves:

• Time

• Money

• Hassle

And it keeps the shop cleaner overall.

Finish Quality: Smooth, Consistent, Professional

Performance is non-negotiable for me. A finish can be safe and eco-friendly, but if it doesn’t look right, it’s useless.

Envirolak delivers a beautiful, consistent finish that pairs perfectly with one-piece MDF cabinet doors.

Key qualities I rely on:

• Excellent flow and leveling

• Smooth, uniform surface

• Consistent sheen across batches

• Predictable results day after day

On complex door profiles, this consistency is critical. The finish highlights precision machining instead of hiding flaws or exaggerating inconsistencies.

The result is a silky, professional surface that looks refined, not plastic or overbuilt.

Designed for Professional Shops, Not DIY

One thing I respect about Envirolak is that their products are clearly designed for professional use.

This isn’t big-box paint repackaged with marketing claims. It’s a system developed for:

• Cabinet manufacturers

• Door shops

• Finishing departments

• High-volume, repeatable production

That focus shows in how the product sprays, cures, and performs over time.

Why This Matters for My Doors

Every door I produce represents my standards.

Using a water-based 2K polyurethane from a Canadian manufacturer that specializes exclusively in water-based technology aligns with how I want to build my business:

• Modern

• Responsible

• Consistent

• Scalable

It allows me to deliver a premium product without unnecessary risk, odors, or compromises.

Rethinking Water-Based Finishing

Water-based finishes are no longer “the future. ”They’re the present.

Companies like Envirolak helped make that shift possible by proving that water-based systems can:

• Match or exceed solvent performance

• Improve shop safety

• Deliver outstanding visual results

For me, the choice is clear.

It’s time to rethink water-based.

Professional-Grade Primers for Maximum Adhesion and Durability

At TrueCore, machining quality is only half the equation. The other half is finishing — and that’s where premium, professional coating systems make a measurable difference.

That’s why we exclusively use Envirolak Envirothane high-solids primers, specifically:

• Envirothane 170 White Primer – High Solids (ELPR-170)

• Envirothane 180 Neutral Primer – High Solids (ELPR-180)

Both products are catalyzed, professional-grade primers designed specifically for cabinet and millwork applications. When applied to properly machined one-piece MDF cabinet doors, these primers deliver results that cheaper, single-component primers simply cannot match.

By catalyzing these primers, we achieve:

• Maximum adhesion to dense MDF fibers

• Improved moisture resistance and waterproofness

• Superior edge sealing, even on detailed and complex profiles

• A harder, more durable primer film

• A smoother, more uniform surface for topcoats

This performance is especially important on MDF edges and inside profiles, where inferior primers often soak in unevenly, raise fibers, or fail prematurely over time.

Because one-piece MDF doors have no joints, seams, or glue lines, the primer is able to bond evenly across the entire surface. When combined with Envirolak’s high-solids formulation, this results in cleaner sanding, better build, and a noticeably smoother final paint finish.

For those who want to learn more about Envirolak’s professional coating systems, you can visit their website here:👉 https://envirolak.com/

You can also explore their full lineup of cabinet and wood-finishing products here:👉 https://envirolak.com/our-products/all-products/

Using premium primers isn’t about marketing — it’s about ensuring that cabinet doors look better, last longer, and perform consistently for years after installation.