Re-finishing Kitchen Cabinets

[Mr.Bryan]

Ok, so I've got some nice Omega kitchen cabinets that are really awesomely built. 3/4" all plywood... dovetailed... fan freakin tastic. But, the color sucks.

It's a factory finish which is awesome quality but I really want to make them a darker color.

Here's what I'm thinking of doing. I'm going to buy a decent air compressor ~70gal. or so, get a spray gun for it.

As far as striping the cabinets, I'm going to use a chemical stripper (which type I do not know, suggestions?) sand them again, stain, and polyurathane. 5 coats of oil based poly?

You guys have tips, suggestions, brands or stain, poly, stripper? First major re-finishing project I'm doing. I've done some decent wood projects before and they turned out nice, just never anything at this scale. (probably 20 cabinets) I have some trim peices I'm going to practice on before I rip into the cabinets just so I can get the hang of how all of this will react.


Thanks as always!

-Bry

 

[45Kevin]

Use a lacquer finish. Easier to spray I think. Use a gel stripper. Are they face frame or full over lap?

 

[Mr.Bryan]

face frame.

How is the lacquer for durability? As far as spraying goes, cutting the oil poly with a bit of mineral spirits has worked for me in the past. But if the lacquer is just as durable and easier yet, sounds good.

 

[titanpat57]

If the doors have alot of detail..take and have them dipped, it'll probably save you toms of time. I also would use a good HVLP for finishing.....a much finer laydown and better control of material. There are some great automotive finishes (clears) you can spray on cabinets, just make sure they will be compatible with your stain and dont "fisheye".

 

[firetruck41]

I have heard that wood that has been stained previously can be tough to get a consistent re-stain, but I have no direct experience with it. Sorry, probably not much help...