refinishing a tung oil finished cabinet
mikeinaurora
| Posted in General Discussion on
Hello;
Any suggestions for making a previously tung oiled pine cabinet darker? I tried some Lee Valley stain, a coloured danish oil and had no luck. I didn’t really want to try and strip the outer finish. Thanks!
Replies
Sounds like the tung oil as pretty well sealed the wood so that a stain that is based on penetration doesn't work. Ideally, you would spray on a toner, a topcoat with either dye or pigment added. Brushing on a toned finish is very difficult as witnessed by all the negative comments concerning Minwax Polyshades. I don't recommend it. You may achieve somewhat better success with a gel stain. Even though you don't strip the entire finish, you should also do some sanding with 180 grit paper to give stain or gel some "tooth" for pigment to hold on to. You will have to protect any stain with a top coat.
Thanks - doesn't sound like I am in for much success. What do you think of stripping the whole thing? Will a tung oil finish strip, or would I simply have to sand everything?
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