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II. CHARACTERISTICS OF NATURAL WOOD
The properties of natural wood are such that it reacts to the climactic or humidity changes found in its environment. As
much as half of the weight of freshly sawn wood is water. Wellborn cabinetry is crafted from wood that is carefully kiln-dried,
retaining just enough moisture for proper construction and finishing. As a product of nature, solid hardwoods continue
to react to their surroundings even after manufacturing and installation. Solid wood acts similar to a common household
sponge in that when placed in a warm, moist environment (high relative humidity), the wood begins to expand. When placed
in a dry, colder environment (low relative humidity), the wood contracts. This phenomenon can be controlled (but never
eliminated) by humidity regulation. The cabinets’ quality and sturdiness are not affected by these natural changes.
As seasonal temperature and humidity changes occur within a house, door panels are susceptible to minor expansion and
contraction. The contraction or shrinkage of door panels during low humidity periods may result in the appearance of an
unfinished line down the length of the panel where it joins the door stile. Wellborn does not consider the appearance of a
white line as a product defect and will not replace the doors on these grounds. Wellborn recommends the installation of a
humidity control system to substantially reduce the possibility of expansion and contraction in all wood products in the home.
If climactic conditions do not correct the situation automatically, obtain a Wellborn Touch-up Kit in the proper color and refer
to the repair instructions in this manual.
Storing new cabinetry for about a week in the same room where it will be installed could help the wood reach a balance with
its surroundings. Consider a humidifier in the winter and an air conditioner in the summer to stabilize your home’s relative
humidity at 40 to 45 percent.
Due to the natural variation and aging process, minor color match differences may be noticed when replacing doors on
existing cabinetry or adding additional cabinetry at a later date. It is a characteristic of stained wood finishes, especially
thermofoil cabinetry, to age over time when exposed to smoke, sunlight or general household chemicals and detergents.
III. THE WELLGUARD FINISHING SYSTEM
Wellborn takes great pride and care with the finishing of our cabinetry. Years of research, partnered with development through
Valspar, have resulted in our 24-step hand-sanded and hand-rubbed WellGuard finishing system that enhances — never hides
— the natural beauty of our fine hardwoods. Depending on wood species and finish chosen, variations may be accented or
subdued. Wellborn cabinet finishes are highly resistant to moisture, abrasion and many common household chemicals. Our
finishing process consists of four coating applications designed to provide both decorative beauty and protection to the
wood surface.
The detailed steps of our finishing process enhance the natural beauty of each wood species. Hand-rubbed stains are utilized
to uniformly achieve the maximum grain coloration that results in a beautiful yet natural look.
Protecting the beautiful appearance of the stained products is equally as important as the decorative process. Through much
research and development in the chemistry of wood finishing come finishes that, when properly applied and baked on, form an
extraordinarily tough, crack resistant coating. This tough protective finish exhibits a high order of resistance to various acids,
bases, solvents and stains, all of which are commonly found in every household kitchen.
III. KCMA CERTIFICATION
To ensure that your cabinetry will bring you years of pleasure and performance, be sure to look for cabinets bearing the
Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association’s (KCMA) seal of certification. Cabinets bearing this seal have passed nearly
60 tests for quality, from impact resistance and hinge durability to the ability to withstand such substances as household
detergents, vinegar and oil.
In addition to meeting quality and strength requirements of the KCMA, Wellborn Cabinet, Inc. has an in-house laboratory that
performs the same testing to ensure quality on a daily basis
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V. MSDS INFORMATION
Under OSHA’s Hazard Communications Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200, manufacturers of wood products, which may be
processed in a manner that would create wood dust, are required to provide Material Safety Data Sheets and warning labels
for their products. OSHA has concluded that warning labels and MSDS are appropriate because of the health hazards that
dust can cause.
Since many of our products may be cut, sanded or otherwise processed in a manner that would create wood dust, we have
provided the required MSDS and warning labels to your Authorized Wellborn Dealer. Please contact the Authorized Wellborn
Dealer from which you purchased your cabinets to obtain this information.