Expert: Eileen Cronk - 4/23/2009

Question
I live in a late 60's home with kitchen cabinets made from walnut veneer that have only been oiled(Danish) but they are looking tired and dirty.  I would like to keep the same look but need some help.
Sheri

Answer
Hi Sheri
Nice to hear from you.
Your cabinets sound like a perfect candidate for my quick fix.
Its very inexpensive which I like.
Get a couple of boxes of medium steel wool pads (not SOS).
Get a couple of cans of mineral spirits (sold as varsol in Canada).
Apparently they make an odor free mineral spirits now but I have never ran across it here but you could try for it.
You will dip the steel wool in the spirits and scrub your cabinets.
Use no water just the spirits.
Dry with clean rags as you go.
After that, if there are any areas that need a stain touch up it can be done now. If fact its fine to go over the entire cabinets with stain. Choose the color closest to what they are now. This is not meant to change the color only hide any scratches etc.
The stain is applied with a rag and wiped back with a clean rag right away.
The stain could take a couple of days to dry but don't panic. it will dry.
Next and finally, wipe on a fresh coat or two of Danish or tung oil.
Your cabinets will look like new.
Get back to me if any of this is not clear.
Regards
Eileen