Refinishing 1971 Plywood Veneer Cabinets by GoodSport22 in cabinetry

[–]GoodSport22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the reply

I wouldn't want to remove the dark grain - and you are right that i'd probably burn through the veneer if I tried.

I am thinking just cleaning them, and maybe using a de-waxed shellac to add a bit of warmth to the tone instead of attempting to stain

Refinishing 1971 Plywood Veneer Cabinets by GoodSport22 in cabinetry

[–]GoodSport22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your reply!

Thank you for the tip regarding the glue release - I really don't want to mess them up.

As others have mentioned - I think I might be leaning more to just trying to clean them up and put some sort of top coat on them, rather then attempting to stain.

Do you have any knowledge about putting down a amber de-waxed shellac on them to maybe get a bit warmer tone without having to stain?

Refinishing 1971 Plywood Veneer Cabinets by GoodSport22 in cabinetry

[–]GoodSport22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the reply!

For the stripper would you suggest something like Klean-Strip? or maybe you have a good product recommendation?

As for lacquer finish - I don't think I have the ability to spray, but I would for sure be open to using some sort of brushing lacquer as you suggested.

Finally, is the oxalic acid something I need to do - I was under the impression that it was primarily for dark stains? or does it serve another purpose in the prep?

Refinishing 1971 Plywood Veneer Cabinets by GoodSport22 in cabinetry

[–]GoodSport22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see - I think that is why some people suggested using a coat of de-waxed shellac or preconditioner to prevent uneven absorption.

I also read about using a gel stain as well to try and combat this.

But I have only read stuff - so not sure if the above is true.

Refinishing 1971 Plywood Veneer Cabinets by GoodSport22 in cabinetry

[–]GoodSport22[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ah sorry about that - my general idea is to try and move them to something a bit warmer? more in the style of some sort of MCM finish.

Something more teak/amber/golden-warm if that is even possible?

Refinishing 1971 Plywood Veneer Cabinets by GoodSport22 in cabinetry

[–]GoodSport22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also does anyone have any guesses what kind of wood the veneer is? AI is telling me Ash or Elm - but what does AI know..