Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/7/2008

Question
I still love my kitchen cabinets even after 24 years.  They are a honey-golden oak finish.  In the whole kitchen, only about 4 doors need to be refinished in spots...that is, where you touch them to open and close them.  Question, is there any hope that I could match the stain and just refinish the "spots"...or do I have to redo the entire door..and do you think I will be successful in matching the finish that is on the rest of the doors and cabinets that I dont need to touch??  Thanks, Irene

Answer
Hi Irene
Nice to hear from you.
There is only one way to find out if a spot repair will fix this.
You must try LOL.
So before any refinish is attempted do this.
First really clean the area.
I would use some mineral spirits.
Dip a fine steel wool pad in the spirits and give the area a good clean.
This will ensure all grease is removed.
Then you will need to do some experimenting with stain to match the color.
You currently have a honey oak color and this is by far the easiest stain to match.
I would start with a small can of Minwax golden oak.
Try a test of the color.
If its too light (I don't feel it will be too dark), get another small can of Minwax in Special Walnut color.
Mix maybe one teaspoon of this with two teaspoons of the golden oak and test again.
So you get the idea of the testing. Its just experimenting.
Irene I'm hoping that your cabinets are old enough that this will work for you.
I find older oak like this will take a stain where the newer oak will not.
If the color suits add a clear coat to protect the area.
I have no idea what the current finish is but I would try a wipe on poly in the same gloss as the rest of the cabinets.
This may just save a refinish and its worth a try.
The products I mention will not exceed 25.00 in cost.
Great question
Regards
Eileen