Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/3/2006

Question
I have seen and read similar questions/posts here, but none which seem to completely answer my question.  However, accept my apologies if this has been asked before (and for the length):

A friend has asked me about repairing several problems in their kitchen cabinetry.   They have white oak cabinets (frame and panel) and drawers which are about 50 years old and were last refinished (stripped and stained) about 8 years ago (not by me) in a golden oak stain.  Now the cabinets have begun to wear in the "traffic" areas (bottoms and handles) becoming dull looking in those areas, although it is only noticeable in certain lights.  I am of the mind that a complete stripping is not necessary, but am not sure what to do in lieu.  I was told by a hobbyist that washing them with a moderately diluted cleaner (ie Mr Clean) to clear them of the years of grim from kitchen existence, and then a coat of satin varnish would bring out the color again in the dull areas.  Is there truth to this or do can you suggest similar methods?

HOWEVER, the next issue is that the there are 4-5 noticeable cracks in the wood, which I'm not sure could be repaired without stripping the wood and restaining it (as I wouldn't know how to make the "filled" areas match everything else.).  

Finally, and similarly, a corner has broken off of one of the drawers.   One, how might you recommend repairing this, and two, how might the repair job be made to match the finish without completely refinishing the whole set.

We are hesitating on a complete and total refinishing as there are approximately 30 cabinets, and 40 drawer fronts (more work than any of us wish to do).  All input and suggestions are appreciated.  

Thanks.  

Answer
Hi Ryan
Nice to hear from you.
I'm with you on not stripping these 30 cabinets..my gosh what a job.
And I certainly will answer this question especially for you even though it has been addressed before.
Ryan your friend was right about how to refresh the cupboards..to a point, but I would use a TSP solution and a steel wool pad dipped in as a scrubber.
TSP is available at all hardware stores in powder form. Mix according to directions.
Next I would apply a coat of Minwax golden oak stain over the entire cupboards. Apply the stain with a rag and wipe back excess.
This could take as long as 48 hours to dry so do not panic.
Next is the final finish.
Here it depends on how much work you want to do.
Personally my first choice would be a couple of coats of low lustre tung oil applied with a rag.(high gloss tung oil or any high gloss product on kitchen cabinets would show finger marks badly)
Second choice would be Minwax fast drying oil based poly.
I would never use varnish...miserable stuff to apply LOL.
And really the poly will be time consuming to apply to a vertical surface because great care will have to be taken to avoid runs...pretty hard to do.
As I said tung oil is my first choice.
Another plus for tung oil is that you can refresh the finish every year or twice a year if you choose simply by cleaning the surface and wiping on a coat with a rag.
Ryan the cracks and broken drawer are the problems.
In a perfect world the drawer should be replaced.
Then stained and finished as above.
Wood filler will just not cut it here.
The cracks I would simply ignore. I see no solution short of seperating the frame from the panel and gluing and clamping the cracks back together.(not easy if they have been cracked a long time.
I am puzzled why these cracks should happen. Are the doors completely sealed back front and all sides? This is a moisture problem. Are the doors close to a steamy area or the stove?
So lots to think about and a few questions back to you LOL.
Kindest Regards
Eileen