Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/9/2010

Question
QUESTION: We recently purchased 2nd hand pine cupboards and would like to freshen them up...a few spots are down to bare wood.  I believe there is just a varathane on them.  We started to lightly sand one cupboard hoping to do this and then a new coat of varathane.  Now that we did one I'm worried that it might show marks and streaks from the sanding.  Can we do this technique or are we better off to clean with the tsp and just add the varathane?
Thanks,

Nancy

ANSWER: Hi Nancy
Nice to hear from you.
Yes you can add another coat of varathane over the existing varathane finish with no problem.
Sanding before applying is best. Just a light scuff with 120 grit paper. Sand with the grain or as you fear you could get sanding scratches.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen
PS..ensure a grease free surface before sanding.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Eileen, well we finally got to sanding our cupboards.  Thank you so much for your advice.  We are now ready to add the varathane and I remember seeing advice you had given as to what type of varathane you recommend, but unfortunately I can't seem to remember and couldn't find the answer.  So could you please let me know what is the best type of varathane to use on our lightly sanded pine cupboards and how many coats would be best.  Thanks very much!
Nancy

Answer
Hi again Nancy
Glad to hear the work is going well.
My choice is Minwax oil based poly in a satin sheen.
You should only need two coats.
Test it on the back of a door to ensure you like the sheen.
I find a high gloss on cupboards shows every finger mark.
Regards
Eileen