The question of how to restore the finish on kitchen oak cabinets has been raised several times in some forums where I participate. There really is no one best answer for this question as the final decision lies with your personal taste and interest. What I present below is only my view based on my experience and readings on the subject matter.

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The option you choose to restore the finish depends on the kind of finish you have. It also depends on the age of the cabinets. For example, you might even have to sand them and apply lacquer.

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If you do not want to change the color of the cabinets then you might not have to refinish them. If you are thinking of using some oil product just be careful not to use oils that will attract grime and dust and fail to offer a long-term solution. Alternatively you can just use a rub-on finish or method and water. The latter doesn't have a negative effect on the oak wood.

If the cabinets have some lacquer that has flaked off like splinters on the grain of the wood or one of the cabinets have splintered effect then you will have to sand to bare wood and apply a new finish like Danish oil. Sanding requires you to be patient but it is well worth it.

Another suggestion to the question on how to restore the finish on kitchen oak cabinets is to slightly sand and re-coat over what is already there. But in this case I suggest you start with a sample area where it is not visible to everyone.

Use this area as a test and if you are happy with the results then you can do the whole kitchen oak cabinets. As you test the sample area watch out for peeling or finish clumping like oil on water. If these happen then you should consider something else.

How to Restore the Finish on Kitchen Oak Cabinets

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