Using Restore A Finish on orangy Oak Cabinet but what about sides?

2 years ago

We are trying to make our daughter's old orangy golden oak cabinets look better. Because later on down the road they may paint them, we have been advised to use Restore a Finish over Briwax. Problem: The sides of the island and cabinets don't look like real wood. Will this work for those sides? Floors have been changed to LVP (can't see in this photo but there was a lot of water damage on the other side of the room - they just purchased this house in terrible condition). New countertops next week. Thanks!

Featured Answer

ci_lantro

2 years ago

I know that you have moved on from using the Restore stuff.

So, I'm commenting for future readers...

Sometimes, that 'finish' on the side of cabinets is some kind of plastic--more like Contact paper, not even a laminate like Formica/ Melamine, etc. Could be a thermofoil or something similar.

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Comments (31)

Sherry Brighton
2 years ago
It is most likely veneer and can be treated just like the doors.
Dyan Weis
Original Author
2 years ago
Yes I believe they are veneer. I didn't know if you could use Restore a Finish on veneer.
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Sherry Brighton
2 years ago
I would check the product website
millworkman
2 years ago
Quite possible the end pcs are actually a photograph and not even a veneer in which case there is nothing that can go over that but paint. I would be very careful with any of that Restore type finishes as they will tell you it can be used in many ways that will end up being true.
klem1
2 years ago
Eeeeeew ,"old orangy golden oak". Here's what Howard"s Restor-A-Finish say's it will do for that "old orangy golden oak".

From one of their many ads ( Restor-A-Finish maintains the original 'patina' of an antique finish, maintaining its character and value as an antique.) If that sound's like what you want,go fer it but as someone already said,you will never be able to do anything else in the way of refinish after applying Resto-A-Finish. Make's one question your logic for doing it with anticipation of doing something different down the road. Just so we can be on the same page,would you care to explain why you consider it wise applying one finish while planning to apply another finish later?
cat_ky
2 years ago
Please do not use any polish, oils or wax on those cabinets, especially if you plan on painting them someday. If you do, they will not be able to be painted, since it is nearly impossible to get all traces of that off them. Just clean them with mild dish soap and water and leave them alone, until you are ready to spend several weeks painting them.
Dyan Weis
Original Author
2 years ago
Yikes. Maybe we should just forget this whole plan! They do want to paint them in the future so maybe we just need to save ourselves a lot of work and forget this whole idea. I read somewhere - that Restore A Finish - would be the only product we could use if we wanted to paint later, but apparently that is wrong! I will gladly save myself a lot of work and return this new can we have! We will go ahead and install the pulls, but that is probably it! Thanks so much.
cat_ky
2 years ago
Good idea. They dont look that bad in the picture, anyway.
Boxerpal
2 years ago
What color are the new counters going to be? Are you spending a lot on the countertop? I ask because maybe save the money until you are ready to do a paint job and then put in new counters. If that's not possible and the counters are on the way they might make the kitchen look really nice. I have seen some sweet updates with just a counter change and keeping the oak.

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Dyan Weis thanked Boxerpal
Dyan Weis
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you for the photos! This is our daughters house and she just got Formica at Home Depot. Very reasonable and in Calacatta Cava. We just couldn’t take one more day of the green. New ones will be in at the end of June. Love these photos - thanks!
Boxerpal
2 years ago
Oh here are a few more.... I think that will look great in HER space. Embrace the oak she might come to love it.

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Real marble but you get the idea with a brown oak kitchen color.
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Dyan Weis thanked Boxerpal
Dyan Weis
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks! I will update with pics after countertops are on. She purchased black pulls which will also help. The island cabinet is pretty faded but they have to live with it for awhile. They have had to replace all the flooring on the home. Light fixtures faucets and then a big surprise: a new air conditioner and furnace. So cabinets can wait. It’s already looking so much better in there.
Dyan Weis
Original Author
2 years ago
A little before and after of the other side of the room.
Dyan Weis
Original Author
2 years ago
After!
Boxerpal
2 years ago
Oooohhhhh very pretty. So much better than the water stained floors and carpet. What color is the paint on the walls? In my monitor it is casting an army green hint. Is that changing or staying? Love the updated light fixture too.
Dyan Weis
Original Author
2 years ago
It’s actually Sherwin Williams accessible beige. It just looks a little green in the photo. It looks so much better. And clean!!
Dyan Weis
Original Author
2 years ago
One more (I love before and afters)!
Dyan Weis
Original Author
2 years ago
And after!
Boxerpal
2 years ago
Great transformation Love it.
herbflavor
2 years ago
I might go ahead and arrange the painting of the island. It looks a little worse than the perimeter and w new counters that will become even more apparent. perimeter runs have a way of receding especially with new floor/counters and the island is more in the line of sight. I dont see the entire dimensions but painting it wouldn't be so costly. In truth the cabinets are old style/ if they want to live with those, the improvements they are doing will help but at some point cabinets run their life span...and there is more than looks to consider when considering kitchen projects. I think I'd leave the perimeter and work on the island. I see dark paint touches that have been done......maybe a dark island ..... but the counter, after installed , will give inspiration.
Dyan Weis thanked herbflavor
Dyan Weis
Original Author
2 years ago
herbflavor - I was actually thinking of that. It wouldn't be as hard as painting the entire kitchen! Will still think about it and wonder what color we would use...
Dyan Weis
Original Author
2 years ago
And yes the island is terribly faded. So much to do in this house. They purchased it in April and just moved in. Everything in this house was broken and needed replaced. All floors, HVAC, paint in every room, blinds, garage door opener, all landscaping had to be ripped out, still need new appliances... ugh. We are running out of steam and money!
Dyan Weis
Original Author
2 years ago

This is the countertop (Formica) being installed. Any recommendations on an island color?

Reminder of the new floors:
herbflavor
2 years ago
get the swatch cards from paint store and just tape them on the island . what do they like? medium or dark ?? blue or greens.....closer to gunmetal or black? or a white--- nice w black hardware.
Dyan Weis thanked herbflavor
cat_ky
2 years ago
Take a sample of the countertop, and a sample of the flooring to the paint store. Select a color that goes with both. To make sure, look at them in the store. Look at them outside, and then bring them home and look at them in the kitchen, since all lighting will make them look different. On the picture above, I can see a side of the cabinets. I do believe that is just a laminate type paper on the sides. Be careful, not to scrub too hard there, when you are cleaning them, and only use dishsoap. I would use Dawn, but, then I think Dawn works the best for almost everything. LOL
Dyan Weis thanked cat_ky
klem1
2 years ago
Eeeeew,"spme kind of plastic--more like contact paper", that's more outdated than "old orangy golden oak cabinets". I just hope their money doesn't run out before the place is livable.
ci_lantro
2 years ago
I just hope their money doesn't run out before the place is livable.

I don't think that is a problem. From the after pix posted, the home looks plenty livable. I haven't heard of any fatalities linked to living with orange cabinets, green Formica or Contact paper. Not withstanding that more than a few drama queens have swooned at the thought. :-)
Dyan Weis
Original Author
2 years ago
Lol! I think they will make it. It's been a family affair with all of us pitching in. But - cabinet painting is not our thing (at all) and that will have to wait until they can find the money to have it hired, or when everything important is finished and THEY (not US) feel like tackling that crazy job! Quotes have been over 2k to paint this small kitchen.
klem1
2 years ago
Adding to what Gilligan said about painting cabinets,I secound the notion of choosing carfully. House painting is 60% prep if done right. Cabinet painting is 90% prep if done right. That mean's (A) making sure every square inch is free of contaminates (B) testing to make certain paint addhears to surface. More often than not clear coats require special primer before painting. I can't tell you how many times I've seen people looking for a painter that can repaint a poorly painted cabinet. Once paint that doen't stick has been applied the cabinet is ruined or cost's more to strip than replace. If you can scrape paint off with a finger nail it isn't well addheared.
Dyan Weis thanked klem1
cat_ky
2 years ago
Just dont try to scrape with a fingernail, until the paint is fully cured, which can take up to a month or so.. It will feel dry to touch, in a few days, but, that doesnt mean it is fully cured.