The question of how to restore the finish of oak kitchen furniture has been raised several times on some forums in which I participate. There really isn’t a best answer to this question, as the final decision rests with your taste and personal interest. What I present below is just my point of view based on my experience and reading on the subject.

The option you choose to refinish depends on the type of finish you have. It also depends on the age of the cabinets. For example, you may even need to sand and lacquer them.

If you don’t want to change the color of the cabinets, you may not have to refinish them. If you are considering using any oil products, be careful not to use oils that attract dirt and dust and do not offer a long-term solution. Alternatively, you can use a rub-and-water finish or method. The latter does not have a negative effect on oak wood.

If the cabinets have some lacquer that has come off like chips in the wood grain or one of the cabinets has a chipped effect, then you will need to sand the bare wood and apply a new finish like oil danish. Sanding requires you to be patient, but it’s worth it.

Another suggestion to the question of how to refinish oak kitchen cabinets is to lightly sand and recoat what’s already there. But in this case I suggest you start with a display area where it is not visible to everyone.

Use this area as a test, and if you’re happy with the results, you can paint the entire kitchen with oak cabinets. As you test the sample area, be careful that it does not peel or end up clumping like oil in water. If this happens then you should consider something else.