Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/28/2007

Question
Hi Eileen:  I have just bought new hardware for my kitchen cabinets, and am having glass inserts added to about 6 of the cabinets.  I would love to refinish the cabinets to a darker color but realize (after reading some of your articles) that stripping would be required.  I have a large kitchen (lots of cabinets) so I guess I will have to stay with the same color which is probably a golden oak.  Can you give me some advice (rather "step-by-step") as to how I need to tackle this intimidating job.  I've never done anything like this before.

Thanks,
Carol

Answer
Hi Carol
Nice to hear from you.
I love this question...LOL..an "easy" way.
Carol there is no real easy way to do this as you have found out.
To go darker you must fully strip all finish from the cabinets and refinish as you know.
But you can certainly freshen the existing finish with a bit of time and elbow grease.
First a good scrub with a TSP solution and medium steel wool as a scrubber.
This will remove all grease and grime and slightly deglaze the surface.
Then a coat of golden oak stain rubbed on with a rag.
Now I know you will be thinking "why can't I use a dark stain here?" Well the cabinets already have a finish on them and all the stain is going to do is cover any scratches or wear areas. So you see if you used a dark stain, you may end up highlighting the scratches instead of hiding them.
When the stain is dry (could take 48 hours so do not panic), then apply a coat of low luster tung oil with a rag.
Thats it and really not that big a job.
And no need to remove any hardware or doors.
Good Luck and a great question
Regards
Eileen