Interior woodwork/cabinetry
What is the best way to keep the cupboards looking good? Is there a product that keeps them oiled without attracting dust? They are a cherry wood in a 2001 HR Imperial. They are looking rather ...
Forum Discussion
Nearly all cabinets do indeed have a "finish coat" on them. If the surface looks dry it means the shine is dull from waxes &/or dirt or maybe it had a matte finish to begin with, therefore never will "shine". To test for a "finish sealer" use a fine mist water sprayer to dampen an area with one shot of water. If the water beads &/or runs off it is has a finish sealer. If it soaks in either the finish sealer has worn off or it was never sealed.
Most manufacturers don't do a oil rub finish--it is most likely a polyurathane or acrylic finish either with a semi-gloss or matte finish. The acrylic will not be helped much by an oil polish but better result will be seen with an oily type conditioner at least initially.
Newly sealed wood may not "take up" oil polishes but older surfaces can become worn/porous and will soak in some oily products and give a "shine" for a while but oil can attract dirt and the surface may not have a consistent finish appearance. Washing with Murphy's and drying will reveal the true wood and finish situation.
If the cabinets don't look as fresh as you want after cleaning the finish can be refreshed with some oil cleaners or a rejuvenator product but be sure the surface did not have an acrylic applied 1st or the results may not be pleasing.
Either way...nice wood can always be refinished and is well worth the time and effort to do so.
Most manufacturers don't do a oil rub finish--it is most likely a polyurathane or acrylic finish either with a semi-gloss or matte finish. The acrylic will not be helped much by an oil polish but better result will be seen with an oily type conditioner at least initially.
Newly sealed wood may not "take up" oil polishes but older surfaces can become worn/porous and will soak in some oily products and give a "shine" for a while but oil can attract dirt and the surface may not have a consistent finish appearance. Washing with Murphy's and drying will reveal the true wood and finish situation.
If the cabinets don't look as fresh as you want after cleaning the finish can be refreshed with some oil cleaners or a rejuvenator product but be sure the surface did not have an acrylic applied 1st or the results may not be pleasing.
Either way...nice wood can always be refinished and is well worth the time and effort to do so.
