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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/dark kitchen cabinets
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Question
QUESTION: My kitchen is very dark with these cabinets. I am prepared to change our the countertop. Could you recommend options for these cabinets? Thank you so very much in advance.
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ANSWER: Hi Rebecca, interesting kitchen cabinets, I don't think I've ever seen a door style like that...the only way to lighten them would be to Paint them...they look like Oak, and if they were stripped and refinished, they probably would only be a little bit lighter than they are now....the other option is refacing, which is slightly less expensive than replacing.......hope that helps- post back if need be- Greg
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QUESTION: Greg, Thank you for your response. Do you have a recommendation for the process to paint them? Or the type of paint?
Cleaning them well with a degreasing solvent and 000 steel wool is important,drying as you go with rags.. scuff sand with some 220- 320 grit, then a primer, and 2-3 coats of a 100% Acrylic or Oil Satin or Eggshell enamel....no Latex. Use good tools and techniques, I like the small foam touch up rollers (4-5"), and a high quality brush like the Purdy angled sash brushes. Work in a well lighted area free from dust and drafts, and paint carefully and well. An Acrylic Urethane topcoat can also be used over the paint for increased durability, but not absolutely necessary. To get professional results, you need to work professionally.....if you're not a good painter and familiar with the methods and techniques, I don't recommend you practice on a kitchen full of cabinets.....also, buy good paint like Benjamin Moore, it does make a difference. Regards- Greg
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Answers by Expert:
Greg Scholl
Expertise
Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.
Experience
Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.
Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")
Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.
Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.
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