Expert: Eileen Cronk - 6/20/2007

Question
Hi, I'm trying to refinish my mothers kitchen cabinets.(Oak) 35 years of grease,grime,& children. My husband purchased a Black&Decker sander/polisher & polyurethane.
This is all our budget allows. (I tryed scrubbing the grim with a green scratcher, but it is taking to long.)Please tell me what to do. Do I sand first, or clean first with soap and water? How much sanding is necessary. I have never
done this before. Please Help!
                 Joyce V.  

Answer
Hi Joyce
Nice to hear from you.
In my opinion, these cupboards need a full stripping and the finish replaced.
And certainly worth the effort if they are oak.
It will take forever to sand the finish off, and its just not the right approach anyway.
But it sounds like you are not prepared time wise for this.
The only thing I can suggest is this.
Get a box of TSP powder and a box of medium steel wool.
Mix the TSP according to box directions and scrub with the steel wool dipped in that.
Just try this on one door first to see if it works.
This will deglaze the surface and remove grime.
Then if the wood is 100% clean and dry, brush a coat of poly on.
Worth a try but I would strip.
Good Luck and a good question
Kindest Regards
Eileen