Home Interior: Re-varnish

This project makes a subtle but important <span style="font-family: inherit;">difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Here’s the back-story and the how-to:</span><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">We have sent a lot of renovation detritus to the landfill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>None of what we tore out was suitable for the Habitat for Humanity Restore (or anyone else).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Literal truckloads of carpet and baseboards were hauled away, plus two toilets, two vanities, two bathroom sinks, two bathroom faucets, a kitchen sink, and other bits and bobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>So we have been trying really hard to salvage what we can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>One thing we decided to keep was our kitchen cabinetry.</span></div><div> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But our cabinets needed a lot of work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Although keeping cabinetry seems to be a new trend in renovating (especially when budget is an issue) a lot of folks paint their cabinets as a solution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Well, painting ours weren’t an option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>With a husband who grew up in a wood working studio, getting him to part with natural wood can be difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>And eventually I grew to love the grain of our cabinetry too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><u><strong>But what to do when they looked like this?</strong></u></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSI5G3AFvnqv5LjEj5oHcPO9FVztf-zlramtRPhrw7QPqYokQ5WefDN7RWATw4nqi_5UeOFWDfLerrQMZnrme7-fjljL2i6AdFAIc25rk2RIg2APp5UkGVaBj2l4FN6C-LcsGFpZxyuE/s1600/P1030148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSI5G3AFvnqv5LjEj5oHcPO9FVztf-zlramtRPhrw7QPqYokQ5WefDN7RWATw4nqi_5UeOFWDfLerrQMZnrme7-fjljL2i6AdFAIc25rk2RIg2APp5UkGVaBj2l4FN6C-LcsGFpZxyuE/s400/P1030148.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Before" - Yikes.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-vJKrnzpL9Ia-Ua3IiVJa5_2cLuR_-qK2F5sDf77sXNNSYP8NuNM2-YcieRkOfkYXUVVYx7KONm0YEY58Jimt0q1rGkGsKzsDEVAcJnV0tEeaOq9aQWyGjP_X10jT9Lkig2S2MhfjuQ/s1600/P1030208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-vJKrnzpL9Ia-Ua3IiVJa5_2cLuR_-qK2F5sDf77sXNNSYP8NuNM2-YcieRkOfkYXUVVYx7KONm0YEY58Jimt0q1rGkGsKzsDEVAcJnV0tEeaOq9aQWyGjP_X10jT9Lkig2S2MhfjuQ/s400/P1030208.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not our taste, but I sold these handles at a garage sale!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">We headed to our local Home Hardware store for advice and while there, also garnered some advice from a professional in the field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>My father-in-law (a woodworker) recommended a chemical stripper because a belt sander might remove too much veneer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>So, with everyone's advice in mind, we made a <strong>list</strong>:</span><br /><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chemical stripper</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Water based varnish (semi-gloss)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Inexpensive brush for stripping</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Better brush for varnish application</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rubber gloves (the stripper ate right through the first pair)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sandpaper (80 & 180 or 200)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Paint scraper (metal, not plastic)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Protective eye wear</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rags</span> </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How to re-varnish cabinet fronts:</span></b></div><ul><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Take down cabinet fronts and remove hardware</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Put on gloves and protective eyewear (stripper will <u>sting</u>!)</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Decant stripper into a glass or metal container for ease of use </span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Apply chemical stripper with a cheap brush</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Follow manufacturer’s instructions for wait time</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Using metal scraper, scrape with the grain, removing finish</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reapply stripper as required until finish is removed</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use a rag to wipe off excess stripper</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lightly sand areas with 80 grit that didn’t get reached by stripper</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use a clean rag to wipe off an dust/debris</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You could stain cabinet fronts at this point</i></span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Apply a light coat of varnish with a good brush (don’t want to lose bristles)</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use slow, smooth strokes in the direction of the grain</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When dry (follow manufacturer’s instructions) lightly sand with 180 or 200 grit sandpaper</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wipe clean with dry cloth</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Apply second thin coat of varnish, try to smooth out any bubbles</span></div></li></ul><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Some Tips:  </b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Water based varnish was recommended by a professional in the field because it easy to clean and easier to breathe, but still t</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">ry to do this in a well-ventilated & well-lit area.  </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do all of the removal and then all of the varnishing at the same time.  And don't forget the cabinet boxes, for a unified look.  </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are many finishes available—a bit of gloss/sheen will reflect light and camouflage small flaws.</span><br /><br /><u>Very important</u>:  <span style="font-family: inherit;">A fan may seem like a good idea to speed up the drying process, but you might just blow dust onto your tacky cabinet fronts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Just a hint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0rBVhsWhXaRg9dmqrba8XHgDmC34HSd5k5f2FKlKpUU5Zq4Pcri-n4HNpkWlUQc_RQZb4Tom2tY8MHfFwG4jsOGBXxLxVU3qkhDM2jcbMXBF8eqLzRiMH2AM6kTNV6YI_R8RF4n5MDU/s1600/P1050627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0rBVhsWhXaRg9dmqrba8XHgDmC34HSd5k5f2FKlKpUU5Zq4Pcri-n4HNpkWlUQc_RQZb4Tom2tY8MHfFwG4jsOGBXxLxVU3qkhDM2jcbMXBF8eqLzRiMH2AM6kTNV6YI_R8RF4n5MDU/s400/P1050627.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the re-varnishing and onto the tiling.  But look at those cabinets gleam!</td></tr></tbody></table><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHkDkINXof15vKv-726o-IGYMEuk_ZWb0i4HXxBLI_eOBzOssPm6nHwxVU9vHkXGRrHf2sa8S5ogB0MtoXViAW_pi9uURT7MZ1VLAVMHGJVdRHx569dpcLWNPpMaZdhlX8-03GEiFNFo/s1600/P1050623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHkDkINXof15vKv-726o-IGYMEuk_ZWb0i4HXxBLI_eOBzOssPm6nHwxVU9vHkXGRrHf2sa8S5ogB0MtoXViAW_pi9uURT7MZ1VLAVMHGJVdRHx569dpcLWNPpMaZdhlX8-03GEiFNFo/s400/P1050623.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSM97WL0ddyPLcIuagvjWiiXAqubacNgIkcN0H4ye9VLc_1vSe7G7c3f3QBP8lBCau852vk1Hhyphenhyphen9Wn-JnV5Q-J3K7ONfTU4JHWd66e9QuEcFktZnsARb2uPN3kyji-7BjdDNOpyVXkm8/s1600/P1060047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSM97WL0ddyPLcIuagvjWiiXAqubacNgIkcN0H4ye9VLc_1vSe7G7c3f3QBP8lBCau852vk1Hhyphenhyphen9Wn-JnV5Q-J3K7ONfTU4JHWd66e9QuEcFktZnsARb2uPN3kyji-7BjdDNOpyVXkm8/s640/P1060047.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"After" - New hinges and handles helped spiffy up the cabinets</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">See more "after" shots <strong><a href="http://dans-le-townhouse.blogspot.com/2010/11/kitchen-before-after.html">here</a></strong>.</span>

DIY Re-Varnished Cabinet Fronts

This project makes a subtle but important difference. Here’s the back-story and the how-to: We have sent a lot of renovation detritus to t...