Expert: Eileen Cronk - 11/18/2007

Question
I'm getting ready to update my kitchen.  The cabinets are in pretty good shape but I'm replacing the knobs and handles.  However around the old knobs the finish has been worn down to the raw wood and is large enough to be very noticeable.  Is there a way to stain just those areas or to do a tinted poly on the door to avoid having to strip the entire door?  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks, Katie

Answer
Hi Katie
Nice to hear from you.
I feel this cannot be fixed perfectly, but what the heck you must try.
First clean the area to be fixed. In fact I personally would clean all the faces of the doors and cupboards.
I would use a fine steel wool pad dipped in mineral spirits for the cleaning.
If you prefer, use a real good degreasing product as it will not create the smell the spirits wiil.
The key is to have all grease and grime residue completely gone.
Next some stain experimenting will be necessary. Choose a color as close to original as possible.
Wipe the stain on with a rag.
You can actually wipe the stain over the entire faces of doors and drawers. All it will do is cover any small scratches, and hopefully the areas where its worn down.
Let this dry really well. Could take as long as 48 hours.
Then apply some finish. My choice would be the simpliest.
I would apply a coat of tung oil with a rag.
And you can wipe this over the entire faces as well.
My neighbour uses this exact process on her oak cabinets yearly. They look lovely and are well protected.
Katie I hope this will work for you, but please test the process on one door first before you go to all the work.
Nothing ventured nothing gained.
Good Luck
Regards
Eileen