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42-380 Cabinet Clean-up / Not Strip - Printable Version

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42-380 Cabinet Clean-up / Not Strip - PT57 - 10-20-2013

I know I saw a thread on here recently about how to clean up a gunky cabinet that wasn't quite bad enough for a refinish. But I've been looking for hours and I can't seem to find it. It advised to clean up the cabinet with GoJo and then, I think, rub it down with Howard's Finish Restorer.

I did the GoJo routine, getting into all the nooks and crannies with a toothbrush, then I wiped it down with a clean cotton cloth. But I'm hesitant to go on to the next phase because the surface now has a waxy smudginess to it. Clearly there's still GoJo residoo-doo. How do I go about removing this without damaging the finish? Water? Alcohol? Paint thinner?

Also, there's a small cigarette burn on the top surface. Any advice as how to minimize or eliminate it?

RE: 42-380 Cabinet Clean-up / Not Strip - klondike98 - 10-20-2013

Strange! I've used GOJO, wiped it off and there was no residue and it had not modified the surface. (We're talking GOJO with NO pumice. Also not Goof Off or GooGone...). Perhaps there was a heavy coat of wax on the cabinet? Others may have a different experience or other ideas...

RE: 42-380 Cabinet Clean-up / Not Strip - PT57 - 10-20-2013

Actually it was ZEP. Essentially the same thing as GoJo. Non-pumice hand cleaner. The cleaning rags did come out black from all the gunk but I agree, it must have been an excess of wax buildup over the years as well. I'll try the mineral spirits in an inconspicuous place first.

Now about that pesky cigarette burn...

http://i755.photobucket.com/albums/xx198/patdthomas/42-380gutted001.jpg
http://i755.photobucket.com/albums/xx198/patdthomas/42-380gutted004.jpg

RE: 42-380 Cabinet Clean-up / Not Strip - PT57 - 10-20-2013

Oh... and thanks by the way!

RE: 42-380 Cabinet Clean-up / Not Strip - PT57 - 10-20-2013

I just gave the cabinet a good wipedown with mineral spirits and it completely eliminated the waxy residue. Next step... Howard's Finish Restorer in walnut. Unless somebody has a better idea.

RE: 42-380 Cabinet Clean-up / Not Strip - Phlogiston - 10-20-2013

It looks like tat cabinet has been stripped and refinished already. Compare it to the one here:

http://www.philcoradio.com/gallery/1942a.htm#u

Notice the tone of the structural "white wood".

RE: 42-380 Cabinet Clean-up / Not Strip - PT57 - 10-21-2013

This cabinet is like a chameleon. Depending on the lighting conditions, it may appear in any number of different shades from a golden yellow to a deep mahogany red. But trust me, she's original. There's the tell-tale alligatoring of the finish, especially on the front piece where the escutcheon would be. There's also enough dings and scratches to suggest this finish has endured the elements for a good 71 years.