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Expert: - 8/27/2009


Question
Dear Greg,

I am refinishing my kitchen cabinets and I am ready to apply the stain.  Is it better to rub on the stain or apply with a brush and then wipe clean?  Also, I have been reading up on polyurethane finishes and it seem like a very daunting process.  Is there an alterative to a poly finish?  Is it possible to apply a wax as a finish instead of a polyurethane?  If so, what is the process and what type of wax should I used?

Answer
Hi Tanya, It's best to brush on the stain, let it sit, and then wipe off evenly and completely with a rag. I wouldn't suggest wax as a cabinet finish, as it just won't stand up the the harsh environment of a kitchen at all. The only other suitable alternatives are really Pro level, sprayed on finishes, that are really not the realm of the DIY'er. You're right though, creating a furniture grade, durable finish on a kitchen full of cabinets is a daunting process, and requires a high level of skill and knowledge to pull off. If you want to get a really smooth finish, with the minimum of fuss, spraying is the only way to go, and you can use aerosols to do it, but it will be fairly expensive at $6+ a can. It also requires proper spray technique to apply, which will take some experimentation to develop, for someone not familiar with the methods involved. But it is possible to get a very smooth, professional look with an aerosol, and for someone without hundreds of dollars of spraying equipment, and the related experience and skill, it might be an alternative for you. Minwax semi-gloss aerosol would be a good choice, and the nozzles on those cans are usually very good quality, allowing a very smooth finish when you have developed the technique. You can use a brush on the carcasses, and just spray the doors and drawers as well. There are also wipe on products, like a wipe on Polyurethanes, or WaterLox wipe on Tung oil/Varnish, that can yield a good result, but all will require careful, even application, and patience and skill to get professional results. Hope that helps a little- post back if need be- regards- Greg

http://www.waterlox.com/desktopmodules/fathomecom/catalog/category.aspx?tabid=42...

http://www.minwax.com/products/oil_based_clear_protective_finishes/fast_drying_p...

http://www.generalfinishes.com/finishes/oil-base-finishes/oilbase.htm

*scroll down on the page for the Arm-r-Seal, and Gel Urethane topcoat

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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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