dumbstruck wrote:

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



As long as the surface is clean, dry and free of grease, you can use
almost any finish. If the
"wear" that you refer to is only scratches on the surface and not worn
through the finish, you
might get away with just a coat of clear finish. "Lime wash" is always
an option, but probably
won't hide badly worn or missing color areas. I've used it by just
mixing semi'gloss alkyd paint
to cover the yellow color and dark grain on some oak in our dining room
that didn't
go with the new paint scheme. I used the same paint used on the doors
and trim, a light taupe.
The paint dried pretty quickly, so didn't leave it on long - wiped
lightly and then did a clear
coat to protect it. It really cut down the yellow color, which many
woods acquire with age.

If your cabinets have a spray lacquer with color in it, you may lose
some of the old finish
in cleaning it, especially if it is gummy or sticky from grease.