Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/6/2008

Question
I am wanting to refinish my kitchen cupboards.  I do not want to change the color, but because of age some need to be brightened back up while others have peeled back to the original wood.  What do I do to keep both situations consistent   with color and finish? I know I can remove drawers and doors to refinish, but what kinds of products do I use for all the "in between" areas that I cannot take down so stripper does not drip all over and finish does not dry with drip marks? What finish is best? Shellac, polyurethane, verathane?  Thank you for your help and information.


Answer
Hi Jacquie
Nice to hear from you.
Yes it sounds like these cupboards are in need of some work.
Your cabinets will need to be fully stripped, then stained (which should even out the color).
Then a new finish applied.
In the kitchen, the best finish you can apply is poly.
Get a stripper that clearly states on the label "clings to vertical surfaces."
Of course tape off and protect any areas that you do not want stripped.
This will require an MC stripper so talk to your dealer before you buy.
And its important to test to see if you can get the old finish off and determine if the stain will take to the wood (its not always easy).
If you need the full stripping info just ask.
Kind Regards
Eileen