Expert: Eileen Cronk - 8/18/2008

Question
I am considering buying a set of three year old Schrock cabinets from a homeowner who had a fire in there house.  While the fire was not in the kitchen, it was in an adjacent room.  The fire fanned out through the first floor ceiling and damaged the top 12 inches or so of the upper cabinets to the point where they are soot blackened and the top coat has blistered.  They are not charred.  They are beautiful, high quality cabinets that would cost me a bundle if I bought them new.  Since I plan on using the cabinets in my own kitchen, I want to make sure that I will be able to refinish them so that they will look nice.  Do you have any recommendations on removing the soot, the blisters and applying a new top coat?

Answer
Hi Jon
Nice to hear from you.
Sounds like something I would most definately attempt...but.
Its important to know exactly what you are buying.
Type of wood is vital to know.
Its also vital you know what the finish is as its possible you cannot get it off with paint stripper. New finishes are often impossible to remove.
Its also important to know the final look you hope to achieve as it could be disappointing.
Is there any way you could get a piece to sample stripping?
I just don't want to see you up the creek on this.
There is also the possibility of painting which poses no problem.
Not trying to discourage you on this, but be wary.
Regards
Eileen