Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/23/2009

Question
Help!  I have 14 year old white maple cabinets that the manufacturer calls white frost.  The cabinets are in good condition and I like the style however the finish is starting to "chip" off on the corners of the doors.  Plus, I'm really not liking the white color any longer. I have tried to strip, sand and re-stain but I'm not like the blotching that the stain is leaving.  I tried it on the drawer fronts which are a lot easier to do than the raised panel doors.  I'm wondering if maybe I should use a tinted lacquer instead of a stain and use a sprayer to apply? I don't want a really dark color just something a little warmer.  So, my question is- do I have to remove all the finish or can I apply directly over what is there?  Or, would you recommend something else.

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Laura
Nice to hear from you.
Try one more drawer front.
Strip as usual, then apply a pre stain product.
Minwax pre stain conditioner is such a product and is available in the paint section.
You were wondering about a tinted lacquer and that is the best choice as you guessed, but impossible for us do it yourselfers to do in the home.
You also asked if you have to strip the existing finish and the answer is yes if you want this white frost color removed.
But its important to try one more test to see if the result is to your liking.
You ask would I recommend something else?
If these were my solid maple cabinets in good condition, I would try my darndest to get them to my liking by stripping and staining and applying a new finish.
You say you don't want a dark color and thats good because this maple will not absorb much stain. But hopefully the pre stain conditioner will allow an even stain.
But do your test drawer.
Kind Regards
Eileen