Replies

1. 
   Dave45 | Aug 20, 2005 05:02am | #1

   Darkening cabinets is way easier than trying to lighten them - lol.

   I would use a stripper that will remove the old finish, sand lightly, apply your new stain, then refinish. 

   You'll want to start with in an unobtrusive area to make sure that putting your  new stain over the old gives you the color you want.

1. 
   demondriven | Aug 20, 2005 05:12am | #2

   Thanks Dave any product recommendations for the finish and top coat.

1. 
   Dave45 | Aug 20, 2005 04:19pm | #3

   You would ask that, wouldn't you?? - lol

   The real issue here is getting the color you want (or one you can live with).  That, in turn, will depend on;

   how well you remove the old finish

   what stain (if any) was used on the cabinets, and

   what species of wood you're working with.

   Can you post some pictures of the cabinets?  Three closeup shots (2'-3') would be useful.

   The side and door of an upper cabinet

   A shot of the bottom edge of an upper cabinet

   A shot of the inside of a cabinet door

   Post the pictures at 640 x 480 pixels so they will fit on the screen.

1. 
   demondriven | Aug 20, 2005 09:36pm | #4

   I am leaving out of town for work for a week but will get on it when I get back and post asap. Thanks for all youre halp Dave.

1. 
   Dave45 | Aug 20, 2005 11:15pm | #5

   By the time you finish answering my questions, you'll probably hate my guts - lol.

2. 
   WillGeorge | Aug 21, 2005 06:57pm | #6

   Darkening kitchen cabinets..

   I just usually cook something...

3. 
   papanick | Aug 22, 2005 07:55pm | #7

   Easiest way is to scuffsand w/ 320 paper and lightly topcoat with toner/shader then a final clearcoat. You can mix your own with NGR stain and lacquer, or buy toner from a good paint supply house.

   The toner/topcoat will mute the grain a bit, but give you the desired result.

   This assumes you have the facilities to spray finish. Otherwise, go with a glaze.

   Stripping and Refinishing commercial/builders kitchen cabinets is not a pretty chore.

   The older I get, the better I was....