"dumbstruck" wrote in message
...
On Nov 12, 2:12 am, ransley wrote:
You say paint, you say you want to see grain and mention limewash so I
dont know what you have.Kitchens often have to be stripped since
cooking covers everything in oils and hands contaminate cabinets,
thats probably where things are worn off. Touchups wont look the same
but you can try it.

Right, I meant varnish as a first choice, which is what I assume is on
there. But what kind of varnish normally goes on oak cabinets? It has
that typical honey color of all oak... does that come from something
clear or maybe an amber shellac?

The varieties are so confusing... do I have to decide between alcohol
vs petroleum base, or even water based acrylic (too clear)? I assume
not polyurethane or lacquer. What works easiest and looks most
compatible? Or is something like a translucent limewash a possible
alternate way to avoid sanding down to bare wood?

thanks

--

in most kitchens, some sort of pre-catalyzed lacquer is sprayed on over a
stain of some sort. a normal DIYer won't be able to duplicate this without a
lot of expensive equipment, and the stuff can kill you pretty quickly if you
don't have the proper ventilation.

shellac doesn't hold up to water. i'd look to doing a lacquer finish if
that's what you have, because that can be done pretty easily. poly has to be
sanded down before being redone.