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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Refinishing pickled oak cabinets in another finish

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Expert: - 4/23/2009


Question

Kitchen Sink Cabinet
Hello,
I have pickled cabinets that I want to update.  The picture shows the cabinet below the kitchen sink which has suffered from water splashes.  I would prefer not stripping completely, and not painting with a solid color, instead, possibly doing something like antiqueing (darker in the creases).  What are relatively easy choices to refinish these cabinets? Thank you!

Answer
Hi Brunetta
Nice to hear from you.
Unfortunately any changes will require the cupboards be completely stripped with paint stripper. This is a huge job to undertake and it sounds like you want to avoid that.
I do however feel like you that the cupboards shown in your picture have suffered water damage. This has no place to go but get worse so you must do something or they will be beyond repair. Its plain to see that the water has penetrated the finish...but what to do???
I'm thinking LOL..
For a home repair about all you can do is try to seal the wood in the damaged areas. Make sure its well cleaned with a good degreaser.
Use a fine steel wool pad to scrub.
You can then use some watered down white paint in the damaged areas.
It should stick fine but wipe it back well and let dry.
Then a clear coat. The cabinets will be lacquer and its looks like a satin sheen not shiny.
I'd use a spray can of lacquer.
I'd take the door off to work on.
Good Luck
Regards
Eileen

    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThanks for the quick response; not what I wanted to hear, but what I thought you'd probably say...! I'll ponder this and if I have more questions, I'll ask. Thanks so much for volunteering and sharing your expertise!


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Eileen Cronk

Expertise

Hi..I can answer most questions about the repairing,stripping and refinishing of all your old furniture and wood items(the things we call antiques)I can give advice about what to buy/avoid at auctions/flea markets. I do not give appraisals on antiques.

Experience

I have been refinishing antiques for the past 30yrs. While I have taken several courses over the years,I have found that "hands on" learning is the best teacher. Perhaps I can help you avoid some of the mistakes I made while learning.

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