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| Cupboard restoration |
| Tara turns a neglected old kitchen cabinet into a thing of beauty. |
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This old kitchen cupboard has been in the family for decades. It has sentimental value to the owner, so she has decided it's time to have the dresser restored to its former glory. That's where Tara's stepping in; to make the old kitchen cupboard look as good as new. Before the dresser takes pride of place in the kitchen, it needs a lot of work. The paint needs to be stripped, the wood polished and the lead light replaced.
Before stripping the door frames, the lead light glass needs to be removed. This is done by removing the beading (trim) from the inside edge of the doors and gently pushing out the glass panels. These will be taken to a lead light specialist to be cleaned and repaired. This can be quite expensive, but if a job's worth doing it's worth doing well, and the finished job should last for at least another 50 years.
The first step is to test the surface for lead. Lead test kits are available from hardware and paint stores for about $20 and are quick and easy to use. If the paint does contain lead, it is important to take precautions. The safest option is to take the cupboard to a professional to have it stripped.
If you decide to tackle the job yourself, do not use a sander or scrape dry paint. The dust this creates can be inhaled and is dangerous. Check with your local council for any restrictions on the removal and disposal of lead paint. Make sure you are well protected by wearing gloves and appropriate safety gear.
Stripping paint can be messy business and there are a lot of different techniques. We're using Selley's Kwik Strip Smart. This is a gelled solvent-based formulation in an easy applicator bottle. The gel is brushed on and bubbles as it reacts to the paint. For a cupboard this size, we will need several bottles.
The beauty of Kwik Strip Smart is that it remains active for a long period of time. It has a low odour and washes off with water. It is also non-caustic, which means it is friendlier to the environment
After the paint has been stripped, Tara will give the dresser a thorough clean. The surface will then be treated with Feast Watson Scandinavian Oil and then buffed with bees wax polish, to give the cupboard a lovely timber finish.
The old hinges, latches and handles will be replaced with new brass ones. For authentic old-style fittings you will need to visit an architectural hardware specialist. They can usually match any original part and have a wide range of traditional alternatives.
Kwik Strip Smart Application:- Squeeze the bottle gently and brush on a thick 1mm to 2mm coat of the stripping agent. Replace the cap.
- Leave for at least two hours (up to 24 hours) to remove multiple layers of paint.
- Remove the Kwik Strip Smart with a scraper.
- Wash the surface thoroughly with soapy water to remove any remaining flakes of paint.
- Allow the surface to dry before repainting or finishing.
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More Info
For more information on Kwik Strip Smart and other Selleys products call their Customer Service Hotline.
Ph: 1300 555 205
For more information on Feast Watson woodcare products call their Customer Service Hotline.
Ph: 1800 355 003
For more information on lead light repairs contact North Shore Stained Glass.
76 Penshurst Street
Willoughby 2068
Ph: 02 9958 3140
Fax: 02 9958 8867
E-mail: co_options@one.net.au
Architectural hardware is available through J. James & Co.
259 Military Road
Cremorne 2090
Ph: 02 9904 1599
Fax: 02 9904 1207
E-mail: sam@jjames.com
Web: www.jjames.com
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Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
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