Expert: Greg Scholl - 10/11/2011

Question
QUESTION: I am wondering what I can do to rejuvenate the look of my oak kitchen cabinets. They  are not in bad shape, but do have a light amount of grease build up, and places where they look dull. I am looking for a way to brighten them with out having to completely refinish or take the doors off of the cabinets. I was told that I can 'spot treat' with varnish or stain? Is this correct, or what do you recommend to improve the look of these golden oak cabinets? I also considered cleaning them with TSP, but will this actually strip the finish? Also another answer recommended Formby's refinishing solution, are you able to use this product with the doors still hanging, and if so do you need to re varnish them too? Wow, that is a lot, there is just so much information available I need an expert to help me!

ANSWER: Hi Sarah, it's quite common to get a lot of advice from people who mean well, but most of it is wrong. Modern cabinet finishes are tough, hard catalyzed finishes, and should not be stained or "spot" varnished over the existing finish. TSP is also not a good idea, as it can etch or dull the finish. Formby's refinishing solution is a stripper, and will damage/partially remove the finish. Formby's does have a product called "deep cleansing build up remover", which will remove grease, grime, and build up.Then you could try polishing with a product like 3M's "One step". It requires a fair amount of 'elbow grease', but will usually bring back the luster and shine to the original finish. If the finish is missing or otherwise degraded, then more invasive techniques will need to be employed to restore the clear finish...and that's typically not a DIY project.

http://www.amazon.com/Minwax-30016-Formbys-Build-Up-Remover/dp/B000BZSZ1U/ref=sr

http://www.amazon.com/3M-One-Step-Cleaner-Wax/dp/B0002NUNCK/ref=sr_1_1?s=miscell

Post back if need be- regards- Greg

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

QUESTION: Thank-you for your response! I ended up using TSP after testing the back of a door with no ill affects (it was pretty diluted though) I then used a shine oil by Formsby's, and I got subtly more clean and shinier cabinets, I wish I would have found your response before proceeding, and I would have given the other formsby's product a try, as well as the 'one step' you mentioned. For now the results I got are fine, as I would eventually like to take the door fronts off and paint. This brings me to my follow up, what advice or tips do you have to offer on painting cabinets? I am thinking of using an oil-based paint as I have heard that the results are more crisp and last longer, but I am wondering if I need to prime, and if I need to do more than a gentle rough-up sanding.Also I have heard about a pre treatment that you apply before primer to help with chipping, but I haven't found the name of this treatment or how it is applied (brush on like primer/paint or wipe on like a precleaner)Any information that you have would be much appreciated,but as this is a future project their is no rush. Also, spray on the paint or brush it?

Answer
Any cabinet or furniture painting job is basically the same...thorough cleaning of the surfaces with a degreasing agent, scuff sanding to rough up the old finish, or better yet chemically stripping off the old finish... priming and painting, usually several coats, clear coating if desired. Most people do not have the skill or experience to spray a finish, so good brushes and the newer breed of foam trim rollers are a good option. Also a paint additive for latex/acrylic paint called Floetrol will help the paint level out and behave more like an oil paint. Benjamin Moores Satin Impervo is still available in some markets as an oil base..and that is an excellent paint for furniture and cabinetry, but oil paints are getting very difficult to find as the new VOC regulations phase them out.Good technique, careful planning, and hard work will get you good to excellent results that will last and be fairly durable...but don't kid yourself...it's a lot of work to do correctly, so be prepared and be realistic of the time and prep involved to do it right, and of the interruption of the kitchen for a few weeks.Also check out the Rustoleum Kitchen cabinet transformations product. It is a collection of high tech, state of the art finishes, sealers, and prep agents designed for a high quality finish makeover, both clear coat rejuvenation and pigmented (colorsed, glazed, etc)....view the video and website here...watch the video for a realistic expectation of what such a job consists of...and how to accomplish it with professional results...post back if need be and best of luck- Greg

http://cabinets.rustoleumtransformations.com/