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Expert: - 11/1/2008


Question

Oak Cabinets
We stained our oak kitchen cabinets 25+ years ago with Minwax 2 parts
golden oak to one part provincial and poly-ed them with 2 coats. Aside from
cleaning them with mineral spirits--what can I do to 'make them look better',
short of stripping everything and starting over? In a few places they are shiny
and in other places they are dull. Once in awhile I consider just painting them
white to clean up the look--but that is just such a waste of beautiful oak
wood grain.

Answer
Hi Eileen (nice name LOL)
These are lovely well maintained cabinets and it would be a shame to paint over them as you suggest.
So why not a good scrub with the mineral spirits.
Use medium steel wool as a scrubber.
Then a recoat with the poly.
I don't feel it will be necessary to sand if you are agressive with the steel wool and it will save having the mess of dust in your home.
Whoever did these cabinets 25 years ago did an excellent job.
Good Luck
Kind Regards
Eileen

    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you very much. We'll try your suggestion.


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Eileen Cronk

Expertise

Hi..I can answer most questions about the repairing,stripping and refinishing of all your old furniture and wood items(the things we call antiques)I can give advice about what to buy/avoid at auctions/flea markets. I do not give appraisals on antiques.

Experience

I have been refinishing antiques for the past 30yrs. While I have taken several courses over the years,I have found that "hands on" learning is the best teacher. Perhaps I can help you avoid some of the mistakes I made while learning.

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