Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/5/2007

Question
sorry if this has been addressed, but I could not find what I am looking for.  I have 30 yr old oak kitchen cabinets.  The stain that was put on when new is  very dark.  I would like to refinish lighter.  Is there any other way than sanding that this can be done.  I am approx 15 door fronts and 7 drawers.  I need your help.


Answer
Hi Claudia
Nice to hear from you.
I would come and help you if I could LOL..I have helped friends with this task too many times to mention.
Unfortunately in your case you want to go lighter so it will mean removing the existing finish and as much of the existing stain as you can.
To do this you have to use paint and varnish remover. Not sandpaper.
Be aware that all the stain may not come off so you could still end up doing some sanding but certainly not as much as trying to take off everything with sandpaper...that would be a tremendous amount of work.
Claudia if you just work in stages. Say today you strip and lightly sand 3 doors. In 5 days the doors are ready to finish. Then a day to do the drawers.
Then a day to stain all...well only an hour actually.
Then a morning for the first coat of finish, then one more coat next morning and you have lovely cupboards.
Do not get overwhelmed by trying to do everything in a couple of days.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Good Luck
Eileen