Expert: Eileen Cronk - 3/16/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have read your answer to Ellen about using TSP, steel wool, Minwax stain and low luster tung oil.  Can you really scrub with the TSP & steel wool or do you need to go the direction of the grain of the wood?

ANSWER: Hi Becky
Nice to hear from you.
We always work in the direction of the wood grain when possible.
But you still are scrubbing LOL.
My neighbour recently did this treatment to her tired oak cabinets and they look great.
Just remember this is not a refinish. Its a spruce up.
Short of a complete refinish (horrendous job), its as good as we can do.
Regards
Eileen

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

QUESTION: Can you re-stain and varnish or put polyurethane over cabinets that have been cleaned with TSP?  I think I want the shiny surface back.

Answer
Hi again Becky
You can only stain wood that is totally bare of all finish. So the answer is no you cannot restain.
Nothing wrong with applying another coat of poly if you know the cupboard finish is currently poly.
If thats the case, after the wash, lightly sand so the poly will adhere well.
Good luck
Eileen