Expert: Eileen Cronk - 6/16/2007

Question
Hi Eileen! We have just purchased a new home and it is full of dark Walnut kitchen and bathroom cabinets..to me it is out-dated and dark. I hate to paint the wood (incase someday I wish I had the wood again!) but am not sure what would be best to do with walnut; as I am unfamiliar with it. What would you suggest? Thank you so much!

Kirsten

Answer
Hi Kristen
Nice to hear from you.
If you have kitchen cabinets made from walnut you are very lucky indeed. Its just a lovely wood.
And do not even consider paint..you will be forever tied to a paint brush.
Walnut is no different than any wood with regards to finishing so don't worry about that.
Personally I would take the time and completely strip and refinish these walnut cabinets...more than worth the effort. And not a great expense. Well under 100.00.
But keep in mind, walnut is dark wood to begin with and over time it gets darker. But certainly they will lighten some with stripping, and no doubt a dark stain was applied when they were made. Some, not all of the stain will come off.
But so worth the effort.
Let me know if you need my stripping instructions.
Kindest Regards
Eileen