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Marg Corbett
Marg Corbett
Comment
bubblyjock

Late to the party, but there ARE protective low/no sheen finishes you can apply, if you want to stay safely with that stripped look. They're called hard-wax oils, and one of the best is Rubio Monocoat. They're more often seen as flooring finishes, but they're also suitable for vertical surfaces. More info here: http://napervillehardwood.com/blog/the-hardwax-oil-experiment-part-2-monocoat/ I totally agree with you about the stripped look - it's gorgeous- just look at the goodies over on Remodelista for MANY examples, or google "stripped oak kitchens" etc.

Q

Reply to: Late to the party, but there ARE protective low/no sheen finishes you can apply, if you want to stay safely with that stripped look. They're called hard-wax oils, and one of the best is Rubio Monocoat. They're more often seen as flooring finishes, but they're also suitable for vertical surfaces. More info here: http://napervillehardwood.com/blog/the-hardwax-oil-experiment-part-2-monocoat/ I totally agree with you about the stripped look - it's gorgeous- just look at the goodies over on Remodelista for MANY examples, or google "stripped oak kitchens" etc.

Q

Comment
alison

I really enjoyed looking through this discussion! I am on the fence about painting the oak cabinets in my new place or stripping them. Your post is helping me lean towards stripping to enjoy the natural wood. Sounds like you have some good suggestions above. Have you heard of a "soap finish"? It's a common danish/scandinavian technique. By dissolving soap flakes (which contain lye), you can create a rub on finish that is breathable but helps protect the wood while not yellowing it. http://www.woodshopnews.com/columns-blogs/finishing/498776-soap-can-be-a-surprisingly-good-furniture-finish

Q

Reply to: I really enjoyed looking through this discussion! I am on the fence about painting the oak cabinets in my new place or stripping them. Your post is helping me lean towards stripping to enjoy the natural wood. Sounds like you have some good suggestions above. Have you heard of a "soap finish"? It's a common danish/scandinavian technique. By dissolving soap flakes (which contain lye), you can create a rub on finish that is breathable but helps protect the wood while not yellowing it. http://www.woodshopnews.com/columns-blogs/finishing/498776-soap-can-be-a-surprisingly-good-furniture-finish

Q