Rebuild or Refinish, That is the Question

[charlese]

Here's a new product - It's called Foam Stain, by Varathane. Take a look at the article - I can't imagine a stain that comes in a pressurized can that comes out like foam and won't drip! Looks like fun! And it just might work!!!:D http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/wwj/i ... yinterview

[a1gutterman]

Here's a new product - It's called Foam Stain, by Varathane. Take a look at the article - I can't imagine a stain that comes in a pressurized can that comes out like foam and won't drip! Looks like fun! And it just might work!!!:D http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/wwj/index.cfm/free.industryinterview

That sounds interesting. I wonder what the cost is.

[dusty]

Dusty
Good luck refinishing the doors. Many factors are going to effect the results. Previous finish, age of the wood, type and cut of the wood, type of stain etc. I would suggest you might try brushing on a coat of shellac (sealer) and then trying to obtain a uniform color.

Well, I chose to refinish and that was probable the right choice but man, am I learning a lot. I have never like to finish or refinish so I have avoided it all these many years. After some real discouraging episodes, the face frames are turning out fantastic. Some look almost as good as new. The doors/drawers have been another story.

The stiles and rails are going fine as long as a take my time and really pay attention. When I get in a hurry I leave stain where it shouldn't be or for too long and I have dark spots. The grain and wood texture is so inconsistent, especially on the door inserts. The inserts are probably veneered and that probably makes a big difference in the way the stain takes.

I'm sure glad I started in the master bathroom. By the time I get to the kitchen I just might know how to do this.

Ed (et al), I probably should have taken you up on your offer earlier but I did not. That is certainly my loss. Why might I have wanted to put on a coat of shellac first? Please remember, these are old cabinets (have been previously finished).

[beeg]

Dusty, how are you removing the old finish?

[a1gutterman]

...Why might I have wanted to put on a coat of shellac first? Please remember, these are old cabinets (have been previously finished).

Hi dusty,
I believe the idea of first covering the old finish with shellac is to seal the surface. That prevents the stain from soaking into the wood, theoretically enabling you to control the depth of color easier, when applying the stain to the shellac covered wood. That may very well work, but I have seen new finishes peel or chip off of old unremoved finishes. I can knot say if those finishes were coated with shellac or knot, but if the old finish was knot covered or sealed, the new finish wood have soaked into the wood and knot peeled/chipped off. Shellac will seal the surface, and it sounds like Ed has had good luck with that method. It could be that some other sealer was used on the projects that I have witnessed the peeling/chipping or even no sealer; the new finish may have been applied to an old finish without the proper preparation. The other thing to consider, is the face frames. It sounds like you have already finished those and with good results. I do knot think that you will get a shellac undercoated door finish to match your non-shellac undercoated face frame finish. My 2 cents worth; sorry to add more things to think about.

[dusty]

When I first started, I wiped the entire surface with mineral spiries. Then when it dried, I washed the entire surface with TSP.

All of this was followed by a light sanding and wipe down with cheese cloth.

I've tried all three recommended methods of application; sponge, soft cloth and natural bristle brush. Don't know yet which I prefer.

[a1gutterman]

[quote="dusty"]When I first started, I wiped the entire surface with mineral spiries. Then when it dried, I washed the entire surface with TSP.

All of this was followed by a light sanding and wipe down with cheese cloth.

I've tried all three recommended methods of application]Hi dusty,
Your procedure sounds sound. As you are covering a dark finish already, the results should be satisfactory. I always use a cloth for my stain applications. Just old fashioned I guess.