DIY Network

Walls, Air and Cabinets: Restoring the Wood Cabinets From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-204

Host Kevin Tetz restores the faded wood veneer cabinets in the bedroom and kitchen of the '70 Airstream using a convenient refinishing system. Then he coats the wood with "orange" shellac to create a warm and rich look. He also repaints the cabinet latches using silver paint designed for plastic.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	The restored cabinets are beautiful!

Refinishing the Cabinets

The '70 Airstream was the last to have natural wood cabinets (figure A) as the industry was moving toward laminates. The project cabinets are veneer over plywood, which means they can't be sanded or refinished like a solid wood.

1. Before refinishing the cabinets, Kevin has to test the finish to see what kind of cabinets he's working on.

2. Use a small amount of nail polish remover on a Q-tip on an inconspicuous place on the cabinet. Rub the Q-tip in a circular motion on the cabinet to see if the surface finish moves.

   Note: This surface gets gummy, which tells Kevin that it's a lacquer or shellac finish.

   Tip: To make painting easy and to avoid fumes, it's best to remove the cabinetry from the trailer.

3. Next, clean off the surface first by wiping off the dust and debris, and then use a small amount of furniture refinisher with a scrub pad (figure B--steel wool) to finish the cleaning.

4. Use an appropriate brush for the finish you're using. Kevin uses a natural bristle brush that will work really well with the shellac (figure C).

5. When painting on the coat, go with the grain of wood. Use approximately four coats of shellac finish.

6. Before painting the latches in the cabinets, clean them well and scuff them with a steel-wool pad. Also wipe them with lacquer thinner. Then give them a light first coat of spray paint.

7. When they are dry to touch, give them a second (heavier) coat.

In the next episode of Classic Rides, the Airstream, Kevin tackles the bedroom restoration.

RESOURCES :

Dremel Tools
Website: www.dremel.com

Fan-Tastic Vent Fans
Fantastic Vent Inc.
Website: www.fantasticvent.com

Penguin Duo-Therm 15,000 BTU Rooftop Air Conditioner
Dometic USA
Website: www.dometicusa.com

GUESTS :

Xavier Taylor
RV Expert
Phone: 865-388-3298 (cell)