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Woodworking/restain maple cabinets
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Question
I have maple cabinets in my kitchen I think the stain is a honey maple color. They are over 10 years old and some of the stain has wore off. What is the best approach to make the cabinets look new again??? I like the color they are just in need of some color repair.
Hi Stacey, almost all kitchen cabinets are finished with a multi step finishing schedule that includes , but is not limited to, Stains, sealers, toners, and clear coats....and these are usually factory applied utilizing high tech coating chemistry to produce a durable, furniture grade finish. Touching up this type of finish is difficult, even for the experienced finisher. While I don't know what's on your cabinets, I can be pretty sure that it's one of these finishes, and for the novice, it's really not a "DIY" job. In order to do a decent job that would last, and match, you have to have knowledge, experience, spray equipment,(or the right aerosols), and the technical expertise to know what's there, and how to repair, color and blend any new finish into the old, and make it match the rest of the kitchen. I would advise contacting a Pro, and have them in to evaluate the trouble spots with you...they should offer this service at no cost. This is NOT a case where one could just smear on some Minwax stain and poly and call it done. Hope that helps- even though I'm sure it's not what you wanted to hear- regards- Greg
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Greg Scholl
Expertise
Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects,Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings,wood species recognition,usage,etc.
Experience
Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Sold, built, serviced, setup Home,Industrial and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools, and offered instruction on use and care as well.I even have some Trade show Demo experience.
Organizations
none at this time.
Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how"), local newspapers as well
Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars by Major tool manufacturers, Delta, Powermatic, Performax, Porter Cable, Skil/Bosch to name a few.
Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT.(the Antiques capital of CT.)
Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.), local Museums and Historical Societies.
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