Expert: Eileen Cronk - 2/26/2009

Question
Hi Eileen,
I read your response to Mike's kitchen cabinet finish questions on 9/13/04.  You said to scrub the cabinets with steel wool and TSP, then touch up the stain, then finish with Circa brand tung oil.  I can't find Circa brand in any stores near me.  I do see it online.  Is what you're recommending to use 100% tung oil, or a tung oil finish?  I CAN find Formby's and Minwax tung oil finish.  Would that be safe to use?  Do I need to order the Circa 1850 tung oil online?  
I've determined my cabinets have an old lacquer finish from the late 60's.  They're cherry wood.  Yesterday I tried the Formby's tung oil finish on a test door that we're not using.  It seems to look ok, the only problem I have is that in certain lights, I can see streaks where the tung oil finish was applied with the rag on the flat raised panel part of the door.  The stiles etc. look great.  Maybe I should have rubbed it in more evenly.  Also, how long do I need to wait to see if the tung oil finish has adhered properly?  What will happen if it isn't working?  Will the finish be soft, sticky, or flaky?
I will be anxiously awaiting your response!  Thanks for your help.
Sara

Answer
Hi Sarah
Nice to hear from you.
Minwax tung oil is fine. In Canada I do not have access to Formbys tung oil. For some reason Formbys products are no longer sold here.
Do not use a gloss. Get a low luster.
Make sure you use a lint free cloth.
I have encountered what you did with the streaking using the wrong type of cloth and also one that was not rinsed of laundry soap properly. I like to use hubbys old old T shirts.
The tung oil will adhere properly if the prep is done.
I think you should do one more test on your sample door.
Steel wool the inner part thats streaky. Dust well and apply another coat of Minwax tung oil.
In the post you refer to (I could not find it), I would have said the stain could take up to 2 days to dry. I want to make sure you are clear that the stain is to cover any scratches. It must be wiped back very well. It is not intended to change the color of the cupboards (and it won't). So if your doors are not scratched, skip the stain.
Keep me posted.
Regards
Eileen