I would like to color-wash older knotty pine kitchen cabinets. My plan is to remove the hardware and. thoroughly clean the wood with TSP, Since I don't know what type of top finish was appied (poly, shellack, varnish), I'm thinking I'd try a liquid sander ((followed up by hand sanding if necessary) to try to avoid stripping if I can. Then apply a good clear bonding primer, then a color wash to achieve a rich, translucent red alllowing the grain to show through. My top coat a satin poly. Then new hardware and a total fresh look!
Thoughts please on:
Should I go straight to stripping in the first place?
What is a good primer which won't block the grain?
What top coat is tough enough for a kitchen and won't yellow?