Expert: Greg Scholl - 10/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am attempting to refinish oak kitchen cabinets and am encountering a recurring problem with the process. There currently existed a white, almost waxy spotting on the original varnished finished. After trying to remove these white blotches and streaks with a degreasinng agent, the white spots returned. I decided to try refinishing. After sanding the door front, I then cleaned the surface with a rag and denatured alcohol. I applied one coat of a quality oil-based poly stain and while "wet" the problem appeared solved. However, as the poly stain dried the white marks reappeared. What is the problem and what can I do to solve it. Would really appreciate your help.

ANSWER: Hi Julian, it's very likely the cabinets are not varnished, but rather finished with a catalyzed finish. Varnish is not a typical kitchen cabinet finish, and therefore trying to use a "oil based poly stain" (I'm assuming you mean PolyShades from Minwax or maybe a Gel stain?), over it is not recommended, and will cause issues, especially adhesion problems. It sounds like what you're doing is not refinishing, but trying to apply a new finish over an old finish, and to do that, which is a tricky process, you need to use only compatible materials, (appropriate sealer and compatible coloring agents and topcoats).I'm not too sure what would cause the spots, how old is this finish and when did the spots show up?Please elaborate a bit for me......

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QUESTION: The cabinets are approx. 12 years old and are the originally contractor installed cabinets that were installed in all these condo units. I purchased the condo last year and the white streak/spots were already present when I moved in. And yes, i was attempting to to apply a new finish with a poly shade type product from Zar. Am I better off considering refacing?

Answer
Yes, I wouldn't even bother with this, as you have an issue with the original finish, which will be the bottom layer of any new finish that you'd apply......I think you're just asking for trouble, especially if trying to use a Polyurethane over a sprayed on Catalyzed lacquer or conversion varnish, which I can almost guarantee you have there........