Case Study: Ferber Cabinet Workz June 13 2014

“[Aqua Coat is] far more durable, easier to use, dries quicker, dries harder, easier to sand, non-yellowing—all the things you want in a good finish.”

Nick Ferber, owner/operator of Ferber Cabinet Workz, was introduced to Aqua Coat’s waterborne wood coatings when he moved to New Orleans in the 1980s. “There are some extraordinarily talented people here, and a couple craftsmen took me under their wings,” he said.

Nick told one of his mentors about the waterborne finishes he’d been using. The reaction: “Oh, no! Not that! You have to switch to Aqua Coat.”

According to Nick, “The improvements were miraculous—far more durable, easier to use, dries quicker, dries harder, easier to sand, non-yellowing—all the things you want in a good finish. I’ve used Aqua Coat ever since.”

Staying Healthy

Now Nick makes fine furniture, custom stereo loudspeakers, and kitchen cabinets finished with Aqua Coat’s waterborne stains, toners, grain filler, top coats, and tabletop finish. 

“I use all the Aqua Coat products,” he said. “They’re very safe to use, which is a top concern because I have a small, one-man shop. Most solvent-based finishes are extremely hazardous to your health over time. Aqua Coat is so much safer and environmentally friendlier.”

Saving Time and Trouble

To achieve a high-quality end product, Nick starts with quality stains. “Aqua Coat stains are far superior to any other stain I’ve used. Period. Using a good waterborne stain with rich color really cuts down your work time. Oils take a long time to dry and gas-off, but with Aqua Coat stains, you can put on a clear finish in a matter of an hour, so you save many hours.”

Nick doesn’t fret about achieving an entirely dust-free environment for finishing. “In a one-man shop, it’s very difficult to achieve that, so what I usually do is lightly sand the product, then buff it with a finishing compound to remove all the debris and get a nice finish. Aqua Coat products buff out very nicely.”

With all the Aqua Coat products, “I’ve always had very good results and the service has been top-notch,” Nick said.