Polishing up varnished kitchen units

[GB]

In MIL's kitchen, there are varnished wooden units. About 20 years old.

The varnish could do with some livening up, generally. Also, around the sink, there have been some water splashes that have left lighter patches.

The plan is to do the best I can in say an hour, ie I am not going to try stripping it or anything like that. I was thinking of just going over it with wax.

Could the clever people here guide me what type of wax is best for this? Or should I use something different?

Also, should I go for clear wax, or wax about the same colour as what's there, or go for something a bit darker to cover up the water damage?

For polishing it, can I just stick a duster over an orbital sander?

[charles]

I used 'Orange Oil Woodpolish' from Lakeland on our pine kichen cabinets (30 years old) worked wonders.

[ARW]

That was my first thought.

But she is probably old so why not make a coffin out of the old kitchen units?

[ARW]

I think that planning of such events for a MiL should begin straight away.

[Bob Minchin]

applying a wax, possibly coloured, with 0000 wire wool then buffing with a soft cloth should work.

[spuorgelgoog]

Before meeting the girl, in fact.

Owain

[spuorgelgoog]

It may be surprising how much difference a good clean makes.

Also if you're feeling extravagant, paint the ceiling, and buy her a brighter LED lightbulb. Borrow one from the stairs if you're not worried about her falling down and having to move in with you to be looked after.

Owain

[ARW]

You have to have a look before buying.

[spuorgelgoog]

You read the specs and the reviews of the previous model in the range before going for a test drive of the new model.

Owain

[spuorgelgoog]

Lots of blokes still keep their old Fiestas in the garage.

Owain

[ARW]

If you are doing a job then do it properly.

[ARW]

Must take the old Viva out for a run (I own 50% of it)

[Thomas Prufer]

works surprisingly well. Wipe on, wait, wipe off; no polishing. Deals with the water splashes, dings, spots, etc., and it doesn't break anything, i.e. take off sound varnish.

If you don't count the waiting, you'll be easily done in an hour. All the furniture fakers --er, antique dealers-- at the markets here use it, and usually have a bottles for sale. A 500ml bottle is a lot...

Thomas Prufer

[GB]

Thank you, Thomas and Charles, for your helpful comments.

I should have left out that it's MIL's kitchen, shouldn't I. That would have shortened the thread.

[ARW]

Cheer up you miserable old sod:-)

[ARW]

New hips are not as cheap as a Mini rear subframe.

And probably harder to fit but who cares - I'll give it a go.

[ARW]

You should have asked about shortening her life span for a longer thread.

[GB]

She died 5 years ago, actually. It's still known as MIL's kitchen. :)

[ARW]

Point noted. But a MiL is still a MiL, and MiL jokes are always worth it.

[spuorgelgoog]

The cobwebs gathering on her last batch of rock buns ...

Owain