Expert: Eileen Cronk - 3/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello - can I use an exterior stain on my kitchen cabinets? I can't find the stain I want in an interior stain.

ANSWER: Hi Celia
Nice to hear from you.
I guess you could use it if you don't mind the smell indoors but I am concerned about what you are putting it over.
Get back to me please
Regards
Eileen

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

QUESTION: We are hoping to re-do our old oak kitchen cabinets. We want an Espresso stain, but am unable to find it here on Vancouver Island.

ANSWER: Hi again Celia
I spent a good bit of time on your lovely island after my parents retired to Nanaimo.
So you will be stripping the cabinets down to bare wood.
Is this by any chance a solid color exterior stain you are getting?
A lot of back and forth here but I want to be sure what you are doing.
Regards
Eileen

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the quick response. The only one I've been able to find is by Olympic. It's semi-transparent.

Answer
Hi Celia
I am familiar with the Olympic exterior stains but I would recommend that you test it. The back of a cabinet door is a good spot.
And it will need to be clear coated.
Just be aware that oak often does not take stain well.
Good Luck
Eileen