Re: [A/S] Refinishing Wood Cabinets Inside.

[Daisy Welch <jtdjtd@xxxxxxxx>]

Hi Dan.

It is hard to get all the finish off and not eat up some of the wood
with machine sanding. Plus, sandpaper gums up in a hurry.  I would
suggest you strip it chemically. I don't know what the finish is on 1957
wood . If it is Shellac, alcohol will take it off. If it is lacquer,
laquer thinner will take it off. If it is varnish, lacquer thinner will
take it off too. Open all windows and use a BIG fan, gloves and eye
protection. Pour some in a dish and use very fine steel wool to wet and
gently scrub away.  keep at it until it dries with no stickiness or
shine, especially inside corners.

Plan B is paint stripper, makes a big mess and it's harder to get the
wood ready to finish, but it works too.

If you don't remove all of the old finish, the new one will be blotchy.

Minwax makes a lot of stains, and you can follow up with one of their
finishes, shiny or eggshell or what ever.  You may have to get two
colors and mix them to get the right shade. Remember to let the stain
dry and put finish on it before going to the real stuff. Most finishes
add an amber tint.

The ultimate wood finish is called a French Polish or a Gunstock finish.
This is like polishing the outside of your AS, ie you gotta be a teeny
bit nuts (sorry guys, you know who you are..) but it is gorgeous and
subtle and rich.

Sombody who knows about '57 wood work should chime in here, and you
ought to see jim Smith's AS. Don't remember where it is posted. Anyone ?

Good luck,
Daisy