Expert: Jamie Yocono - 7/16/2007

Question
I've read several of your posts recommending this Formby's product.  I just have a few questions about the process of using it.  I have looked at their web-site and I couldn't find the answers.  1. What coarseness of steel wool should be used?  2. Does the refinishing product dissolve the finish and let it reharden, and if so, do you have to worry about steel wool residue in the finish?  Also are regular teflon pads equivalent to what they have in their kit, we can't find the kit anywhere in Albuquerque?  3. Does it matter if your cabinets are done in polyurethane or lacquer (I'm not sure what mine are, how do you test?)?

We are looking at redoing our kitchen and bathroom cabinets which are Alder wood with at natural finish that are about 15 years old.  This looks like a great option.

Answer
Hi Russ,

It's been a long time since I used this product, so I'll try to relate it to you from memory. The Formby's product has something in it that dissolves the grime and wax build up on your piece. It's like a weak version of a stripper. Picture an antique piece with ornate trim, with grime built up in the corners and crevices. The refinisher just dissolves that grime, and conditioned the wood. The conditioning of the wood reminds me of a tung oil finish, but I have no idea what it is. It's slightly glossy, and very nice.

When in doubt, you can always call them and ask. Most companies have toll free numbers to call. Long story, but one time, I accidentally ingested some Johnson's Paste wax, and I called to find out if I was going to die from it. They were kind enough to transfer me to the national poison hotline- true story. So those customer service people can be pretty helpful.

As far as the steel wool, I don't particularly like it because it sheds. And with water based finishes, that debris can actually rust on your wood. But- this product isn't a water based one, so you would probably be OK using steel wood. You want something very fine, like 0000. I prefer the 3-M pads, like the one you mentioned. I think the color of the ones I use if brown/maroon. It's quite fine, and I can use it on everything from polishing Corian to rubbing down a wooden top. But like I said- steel wool would be OK too.

I'm not quite sure what you're talking about when you mentioned Teflon pads. Did you mean 3M pads?

Finally- I don't know if it matters what your finish is- this product simply removes the dirt/oil/grease build up and then conditions the wood. It really doesn't take the place of a deep stripping, sanding, and a new application of wood finish. Once again, I would probably call and ask them.

Or- you could always try it on some area of your kitchen that wouldn't be noticed, like the inside of a door or somewhere like that. I suspect it will work just fine for you, but just to be sure, I'd test it first.

I hope this helps, write back if you need more info, or just a pep talk to get you going.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com