Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/reversing a whitewash

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Expert: - 3/19/2009


Question
I have cabinets that are in good shape but have a whitewash in the crevices.  I would like to change the white to a smokey, aged looking stain without changing the overall finish of the cabinets.  Can this be done with a decorative paint technique such a dry brushing, or will the cabinets need to be stripped?

Answer
Hi Noel, it probably isn't possible to cover the lighter wash effect without stripping off the finish....it depends on how much the whitewash has affected the surrounding wood under the finish...you could experiment with a dark gel stain, apply fairly liberally over the pickled areas, then allow to set a bit and selectively remove the gel with rags and then a dry brush technique, to see how it would cover it, but this will require experimentation with your technique to see what results you can achieve....typically, these techniques are sealed in with a clear coat to even the overall appearance and sheen, and add durability. These techniques are really the stuff of the Pro's, however, any technique can really be learned, but spray equipment and knowledge and access to the proper methods and materials is key, and that really comes with experience....hope that helps a little- post back if need be- regards- Greg

Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks

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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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