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Expert: - 11/19/2009


Question
What is the best way to clean the built on grime on kitchen cabinets? What do you think about using TSP?  

Answer
Hi Judy, TSP is a water based mix, and can get down in the wood between the panels and stile and rails, and swell the wood and contribute to shortening thew life of a finish. A solvent based cleaner like the Formby's, Minwax, or even one of the orange solvent products will degrease better than anything mixed with water, (make sure it's safe for finished wood surfaces)...even plain old low odor mineral spirits, (which is a lot cheaper than these commercialy prepared products), is a good choice. Sometimes even when a surface is clean, it can still be dull and oxidized, and in that case a polishing agent, (rubbing compound) can be used to cut the oxidation and give the finish new life...but these are MUCH more labor intensive...I like the 3M "One Step Cleaner Wax"...or the next step is the "Finesse It II", which cuts even a little more. I would caution you though about using anything heavier than the "One step" unless you know what you're doing...hope that helps- Post back if need be- Greg

http://www.amazon.com/Minwax-42127-22OZ-Spray-Cleaner/dp/B000AWWOTS/ref=sr_1_1?i...

http://www.formbys.com/products/buildup_remover.cfm

http://www.amazon.com/3M-One-Step-Cleaner-Wax/dp/B0002NUNCK

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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