Expert: Greg Scholl - 4/12/2010

Question
I hate my yellowed oak cabinets, however, I don't want to just throw them away.  They are raised panel and lovely, however, I'm not sure how to proceed.  I have sanded them down to bare finish and experimented on 2 with mahogany gel stain, then sanded the corners, etc to look distressed.  Not sure I like this.  I love the way maple looks with a palomino glaze.  I know the woods are very different because of their grain, but is there any way to duplicate this look on my oak cabinets?  Or can you suggest something that will help them?
Thank you Patti

Answer
Hi Patti, first of all, sanding down a cabinet finish is not the proper way to go about prepping for refinishing. They need to be stripped, chemically, with stripper. It's imperative to completely remove the finish down to the pore level of the wood to be able to properly stain and/or refinish a cabinet. Typically, these cabinets have a very tough catalyzed or conversion finish on them that's difficult to strip, as well, and the finish may well be one of the reasons they've yellowed.... Trying to apply additional finishes and stains over an existing finish, or even remnants of an existing finish, is NOT recommended, for adhesion and other reasons.( not to mention the fact that this will interfere with the process)This "Palamino" finish I've seen is really a natural Hickory color, but keep in mind many of these finishes that are a "natural" tone,.. aren't. Finishers use 'toning' techniques to blend grain differences and arrive at a final 'look'. Toning is the subtle use of sprayed on dye based color coats, to effect a certain color and 'look',followed by high tech sealers and clear coats, and these are highly guarded secrets by these companies to keep their products and finishes unique, and these finishes represent the 'cutting edge' of high tech finishing, and are not possible for a novice to pull off. It takes a high level of technical proficiency and finishing skill, as well as the spray equipment, to produce a tough, durable, furniture grade finish on a whole room full of cabinetry.The finishing schedules they use are also KCMA rated to meet or exceed industry standards for these finishes in respect to toughness, durability, etc. A modern kitchen cabinet finish will last for 20+ years with virtually no maintenance. You could look into refacing, where you order new doors and drawer fronts (prefinished), and the cabinet "boxes" are veneered/finished on site. Less expensive than replacing, but not as disruptive....but not inexpensive. If you do look into it, get at least 3-4 estimates, you'll be surprised by the range, most likely....hope that helps- post back if need be- Greg