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

["Carol and Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jim Smith has given you excellent instructions.

The only tips I could add are to use a semi-paste paint and varnish remover.
This will stay put on the vertical surfaces, rather than run down like the
liquid variety.  Also, if the remover says "Marine" (for boat use) it will
be a good formulation for varnish.  I personally prefer Klean-Strip brand,
but there are many other good brands.

Do NOT rinse with water.  The best cleanup is to use a rag moistened with
denatured alcohol.  Then sand with fine sand paper WITH the grain, uising no
coarser than 3/0 ( now called 120 grit).  Do NOT use steel wool, as small
slivers of steel will be left behind, which will later rust and stain the
wood. You might get away with it on furniture in a home, but not on a boat
or trailer where the moisture exposure could be substantial at times.

Hardware stores and most paint stores are not very good, in my opinion, for
stain.  If you live near (or in a major city) your best bet would be to find
a Sherwin Williams INDUSTRIAL Coatings store [not a residential paint
store].  These branches sell professional furniture stains and finishes.
They will also custom mix stain for you, if a stock color isn't close
enough.  What you want is a Pigment Wiping stain.  This is easy to apply and
very forgiving - simply slob it on with a rag or brush, then wipe it off. In
the wiping process you can move the stain around and blend it in.  If you
cannot locate an S/W Industrial store (the residential store manager can
direct to one) contact me off line and I will tell you how to mix your own
stain.  Do not use canned
"Oil" stains, as these are dyes disolved in petroleum solvents.  They will
not go on evenly and tend to bleed and give a muddy look.

Staining and finishing is not that difficult, just take a little patience
and the right materials.

Good luck,

Oliver Filippi

Former boat owner and cabinetmaker