Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - refinishing kitchen cabinets
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01-12-01, 08:57 PM
We have oak cabinets with a fruitwood stain that are 35 years old - in wonderful shape, they just need to be freshened up a bit. We are planning on refinishing them ourselves, perhaps going a bit darker if necessary, and replacing the hardware (at least the knobs/handles). Is this really a do-it-ourself job? We've got more time than $$ but don't want to start something we can't finish. Any advice & guidance is appreciated.
George
01-13-01, 05:03 PM
Annie:
That's what this site is all about - ducking the hard working professional (liike me)and getting the job done yourself!!
You need to think about a few things in your project. If the cabinets were factory made and haven't been redone since installed, the finish is lacquer and fairly easy to deal with. A thorough cleaning, light sanding, wipe clean, and recoat with a good lacquer aerosol (I use Deft).
Getting it a little darker is another ball game - here you're either going to need a glaze to apply over the existing finish or strip the cabinets, restain and refinish. If you decide the color you have is OK, it's a project you should handle easily.
Take one of the doors down, the hardware off, and try it - you just might like it!
That's what this site is all about - ducking the hard working professional (liike me)and getting the job done yourself!!
You need to think about a few things in your project. If the cabinets were factory made and haven't been redone since installed, the finish is lacquer and fairly easy to deal with. A thorough cleaning, light sanding, wipe clean, and recoat with a good lacquer aerosol (I use Deft).
Getting it a little darker is another ball game - here you're either going to need a glaze to apply over the existing finish or strip the cabinets, restain and refinish. If you decide the color you have is OK, it's a project you should handle easily.
Take one of the doors down, the hardware off, and try it - you just might like it!