Replies

1. 
   Paul_Snyder | Feb 20, 2005 06:01pm | #1

   Peter,

   If the cabinet has an even sheen from the finish, you don't have to apply another finish over it. Minwax Antique Oil is and oil/varnish blend (Danish Oil) and although it's not as durable as varnish (including polyurethane), it's pretty good for a surface that doesn't get a lot of wear (e.g., table top).

   With four coats, it should have built up to an even sheen indicating it formed a thin film over the wood. If you wanted to use varnish/poly over it for a more durable finish, I'd sand the existing finish back with 320 or 400 grit sandpaper first. An oil/varnish mix is softer than straight varnish/poly and just going over it without sanding it back could create a problem over time; the harder varnish/poly can start to peel from the softer danish oil. Just sand enough to remove the sheen/top layer of the Antique Oil.

   There are a number of wipe-on varnishes that you could use if you wanted the added durability. For example, Waterlox makes a nice wiping varnish and General Finishes "Arm-R-Seal" is a nice wiping poly.

   Paul S
   Website

2. 
   Pondfish | Feb 20, 2005 06:17pm | #2

   Kitchen cabinets will get exposed to plenty of water, steam, soap and gunk over time.  An oil finish will not stand up to typical kitchen conditions and will need to be repaired or reapplied every year or so. 

   Kitchen cabinets usually get a lacquer or poly topcoat for this reason.  Since you have no spray equipment, lacquer is not a good choice (brush on lacquer exists, but it will be a pain to apply to cabinets, and if nitrocellulose it will yellow with age).  A wipe on or brush on poly would be my recommendation for a topcoat.  That or buy a good HVLP system...

   Good luck with whatever you choose,

   Paul