[Cruiser]

Warm spring day here in New England - perfect day to work on the AS. Today we started trying out different refinishing techniques, but didn't come up with anything that worked well. We can't find any threads on the subject and would really appreciate if somone could direct us to a thread or offer some advice.

The problem: the condition of the cabinets varies considerably, and we want a finishing technique that will look consistent and original. In some places where panels have been protected, it looks like the '50's clear natural lacquer finish has remained clear and blonde. Most other places the finish has aged and taken on a yellow or orange patina. Yet other places the finish has worn off, and still other places it has been darkened or damaged.

We've decided to go for the aged patina look instead of original blonde, thinking it will be less work. Many of the panels are aged but in good condition and have cleaned up nicely. Today we tried various techniques on damaged panels. We tried light sanding and a coat of clear polyurethane on a door that had lost some finish. It wasn't bad, but was darker than the original and also revealed black spots in the wood and grain (how to get rid of those spots?). Tried Hopes refinishing to remove the finish entirely on one panel; again used poly and it was darker still and a different color. Fornby's had similar results.

Refinishing isn't our thing I guess. Why is it so hard to get a nice, light, even finish? We also need to replace two small panels with new wood finished to match the original cabinets. Can't imagine how that will turn out. Where are the smilies for "whining"?

Any help out there?

Doug