Expert: Eileen Cronk - 8/3/2008

Question
I have goofed up.  Have done a lot of work with poor results.  Cabinets look like old dark brown antiques.  The Goal an even "Golden Oak " finish.  I think the original maker must have used a light tinted stain since the existing cabinets are much lighter than the MinWax Golden Oak I purchased at the paint store.  The Oak used in the cabinets was Red, white and dark brown in colors after stripping.

I have many cabinets to do. Time to reset and get the correct materials and procedures.  Want to sand as little as possible.
1.  The Stripper I used had a strong odor and was not effective.  Need a stripper that does not smell like Bix since I have to live in the space where the cabinets are being stripped. Any suggestions other than Bix?
 Stripping will raise the grain?
2. Wood Bleaching I assume is now a requirement to lighten the mixed woods to an even tone.  Could simple Clorox do the job?  Or a special wood bleach required; Products?
 Bleaching will raise the grain?
3. Do I need a Golden Oak that has a more yellow tint OR after bleaching the wood the existing MinWax Golden Oak will do the trick?
4. Is there an effective substitute for steel wool?

Procedures sequence?
Strip
Bleach
Sand
Stain
Light Sand
Varnish
Light 0000 steel wool?
Varnish

Thanks
John


Answer
Hi John
Nice to hear from you.
A lot of questions here John and I will try to cover what I can.
1..I am not familiar with Bix but you need an MC stripper for this job.
Here is one, but they make many brands.
Can't do much about the smell and ventilation is a must.
http://www.swingpaints.com/1806.htm
This particular stripper "will not" raise the grain and needs no neutralizing.

2..John when we refinish wood we must understand that each individual piece is different. Probably cut from different trees.
But the beauty of wood is its variation.
Under no circumstances would I consider bleaching all this wood in am attempt to make it look the same.
Bleaching most definately raises the wood grain and you must sand.
If you overdo the sanding the original color appears as the bleach penetrates very little.
Clorax will not work for this at all.
3..yes a steel wool sub can be one of those sponge type abraisers.
Look in the hardware.

Your list is incorrect. This is correct
1..strip
2..stain
3..apply first clear coat.
4.. lightly steel wool, sand or use the sponge.
5..dust well
6 ..another clear coat, but no more than 3.
John get back to me  if needed LOL
Kind Regards
Eileen