How do I improve the appearance of my oak kitchen cabinets?

Georgia Goracke
by Georgia Goracke

My oak cabinets are 40 years old. My husband is absolutely against painting them. We do not have the energy to totally strip off old finish and start from scratch. I have read that Briwax cleans and refurbishes finished wooden surfaces. Has anyone had any experience with this product?

  2 answers
  • Scooter Scooter on May 15, 2019

    This is not refinishing, but often does the job. First, clean the fronts with PAINT THINNER (with mineral spirits, not the "green" kind) to remove surface grease, smudges, etc. Try a rag first, if that doesn't cut it, move to a scotch brite. Be gentle, you don't want to scrub off the finish. Let dry, 30 minutes should be enougn. Wipe down fronts with BOILED LINSEED OIL or a DANISH OIL FINISH. Wipe off any excess oil with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. These will renew the finish and help hide scratches and any chips in the original finish. These oils dry and penetrate any exposed wood. They don't dry immediately, and may take a day or two to dry completely. Should you later decide to refinish, these oils won't interfere.

  • Megan Megan on May 15, 2019

    Tung or hemp oil oil is also an option to help brighten up the natural wood!