Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/1/2009

Question
I would like to refinish my bathroom cabinets that currently have the pickled stain that was popular in the '80s.  I plan to stain them a walnut brown.  What is the best way to proceed with this project?

Answer
Hi Mary
Nice to hear from you.
The best way to proceed is to first do a test.
You must determine if the old finish can be stripped off, and the wood will take this walnut stain you hope to achieve.
By your description I assume these are oak cabinets..right?
I have seen cases where this pickling will not come out of the pores of the wood. Thats the first reason the test is important.
And it often happens that the wood will not absorb stain. It just depends on the wood and its age.
In your case with cabinets from the 80's, I'm hoping they will stain fine.
So get a small can of MC stripper (ask at the hardware), and do a test on the back of a door. You will then know for sure the result and can proceed with confidence.
The stain I would use is Minwax oil stain in Special walnut color followed by 3 coats of poly. I like Minwax fast drying oil based poly in a low sheen.
And get back to me any time.
Kind Regards
Eileen