Cherry cabinet door discolored due to uneven exposure to sunlight
Cherry changes color as it ages and with exposure to light so extra care must be taken to set the right expectations on color and to make sure it does not darken unevenly due to uneven exposure to light. We do have a list of tips to avoid common mistakes that can be both costly and time consuming when working with cherry wood. View our Tips on Working with Cherry Wood below for details.
When working with cherry wood, be careful to store the components and lumber completely covered until ready to finish, and be careful even after finishing.
Cherry wood continues to darken over time and will darken unevenly if exposed unevenly to sunlight.
This is less pronounced when darker finishes are applied but still good to be careful.
Below is an example of a cherry door that had a drawer front laying across the door face. The partially covered door was exposed to sunlight for half a day and you can see the pronounced darkening of the exposed wood. This dark wood can’t easily be sanded off.
This same result occurs when labels are used on components, leaving a light spot when the label is removed. We recommend keeping cabinet doors packaged until ready to finish. TaylorCraft Cabinet Door Compay’s packaging is designed to protect the door from damage in transit as well as the elements, including humidity and sunlight.
When you are finishing cabinet doors, be careful not to let sweat from your forehead drop onto the door and be careful touching the door if your hands are very sweaty. Oil from your forehead or hands can show up as spots in the finished product.