Expert: Eileen Cronk - 12/25/2008

Question
QUESTION: Eileen - We've bought a house with a wonderful big kitchen with beautifully constructed oak ply cabinets. They were originally (probably in the '70's) lightened somehow - they have a 'limed' look - but by now the most-used cabinets are grimy, and splashed water has made lighter splotches. I'd like to 1) clean them well 2)make sure I have the original surface coat off 3)be able make the cabinets even lighter, as with a paint wash. Should I begin with a bleach mixture?
Thanks for your help!

ANSWER: Hi Jan
Nice to hear from you.
The picture is very good and certainly indicates that something must be done and soon.
I see the finish is almost gone and note areas where water damage has occurred (the wood has darkened.)
There is only one correct way to do this job Jan.
The finish has degraded to such a point that anything applied over it will not last. The finish must be removed. I think thats what you refer to in point 2 of your question "make sure I have the original surface coat off".
It will be a bit of work but it won't be hard to get this finish off as its almost there now LOL.
No need to wash the cupboards (save some time too).
Use an MC paint stripper to remove whats left of the finish then apply your wash color and top coat.
No bleaching will be required.
If you need my full stripping info get back to me.
And you know Jan, in thinking about doing this job I feel that the steps you outline in your letter will be more time consuming than my suggestions.
Keep me posted.
Merry Christmas
Eileen



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Wow! Thanks for the quick reply, Eileen! So unusual nowadays. Okay, I'm the cautious type so have to have all my i's dotted etc., so more questions: Should the wash color be a traditional pigment & wax, to fill in the deep grain where it's darkest? And what would your recommend for a top coat in this much-used area of the kitchen? Thanks again.

Answer
Hi again Jan
Keep away from pigment and wax.
You cannot apply a top coat over it.
If you use an oil based topcoat it will yellow over time and you do not want that.
Use a water based poly in a low luster as it does not show finger and smudge marks as bad as a shiny surface.
But you are doing the correct thing by asking lots of questions.
And ask of various people too. Lots of heads are better than one LOL.
Regards
Eileen