03-04-2014, 06:01 PM
It's a tough call Mike, and a lot of it depends on if you can tolerate some imperfections in an original finish. I'd clean it with some GO-JO or Goop (white/no pumice!) hand cleaner. If you use 0000 steel wool go very, very lightly, then wipe off with paper towels. You can use a soft toothbrush for all the hard to reach nooks and crannies.
Let it sit for about 3 days so the lanolin and stuff will dry off and then go at it with some dark Howards. If you're satisfied with those results apply some MinWax or Johnson's paste wood wax. If you're not satisfied then let it sit until spring when you can attack it with the garage doors open.
I personally like to save as much of the original finishes as possible, so I'd give that method a shot before stripping.
I think a minor challenge will be getting the new base to match the old cabinet, but it will just take some playing around with stain and toners to get it right.
Let it sit for about 3 days so the lanolin and stuff will dry off and then go at it with some dark Howards. If you're satisfied with those results apply some MinWax or Johnson's paste wood wax. If you're not satisfied then let it sit until spring when you can attack it with the garage doors open.
I personally like to save as much of the original finishes as possible, so I'd give that method a shot before stripping.
I think a minor challenge will be getting the new base to match the old cabinet, but it will just take some playing around with stain and toners to get it right.
John KK4ZLF
Lexington, KY
"illegitimis non carborundum"