I’ve mentioned my new little love of Briwax (check out my whole kitchen post here), but I thought it would help if I showed you some detail on how it worked. I should also mention that this is NOT a sponsored post; I’ve just loved the product and its results.
The kitchen cabinets were in pretty good shape. They were generally free of dings, but some did have a few scratches. The bigger issue was that they were dull and dirty, and the finish had been worn down or even off in some places (like where they were grabbed to be pulled open). I also wasn’t in love with the orangey tone of them. So, enter Briwax.
I ordered it in Tudor Brown (find all of the colors here), and I did the entire kitchen and the stair railings and I still have a decent amount left over. Part of the beauty of the Briwax is that there is no sanding and no top coat. The Briwax darkened them a bit, pulled out the grain, and left them smooth… begging to be touched! Even after cleaning, some were still a little grimy (like the ones over the stove), but the Briwax even took care of that.
Before on left, after on right
My advice for you is to work on the inside of the doors first until you get used to how it works. Though honestly, the learning curve is quick and easy. Ready to try it for yourself?
2 Soft cloths (one for application, one for buffing/ wiping off excess)
wax
butter knife (optional)
If you’ve got a lot to do, plan to spread the task out! The buffing did wear me out a bit, so I would just do several doors at a time, then take a break.
I also used the wax on the stair handrail. It made a wonderful difference!
UPDATE: I’ve been asked about using liming wax to try to go lighter. I gave it a try! See my results here.
Good luck!
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Just found this.......thank you! Wondering if it would work on the parts of the cabinet I call "fake" aka particle board. We have a mix of solid wood and the mdf style "fill ins"........
Hi Staci,
I don't know without seeing it. If it is 100% smooth, the wax won't have any place to go, so when you buff, it will come back off. Otherwise the wax will fill in anything where the finish has worn down. If I were you, I would try it some place, like the back of a door, and see what you think. Good luck!
Did you try this? Wonder how it worked on the ‘fake’ area. Thx
Looks fantastic! I am using this kitchen as inspiration. My old oak cabinets have no more top coat in certain areas. Would you recommend light sanding/steel wool first to get a more even look using briwax?
Thank you
Hi Jennifer - thank you! Glad to provide some inspiration! Check out this website for lots of inspiration and tips, including much more detailed instructions than I can provide.
http://www.briwax-trg.com/
http://www.briwax-trg.com/How%20to%20Use%20Briwax/Briwax%20Hints/briwax-hints.html
After checking out this site, my advice would be to go ahead and try a door, see if it appears even, and if not, you can remove the wax with mineral spirits. At that point, perhaps a very light sanding would help even out your results. Good luck!
Wow this is so awesome! I never thought to use wax in my oak cabinets. I don’t love the color but they are still in great shape. I love how you made them look modern. There isn’t much out there about working with wood cabinets so thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks Christine! I'm thrilled when I can provide some inspiration. Good luck!
I was debating painting my 90's oak cabinets but this may be a better option. Wondering if it will work on surfaces that still have polyurethane or a protective clear coating?
Hi Rachel,
It really depends on how new and good the protective coating is. The wax can still find the grooves in the woodgrain, even with a coating on it. Your best bet may be to get some wax and try it out on a space that is not obvious, like the back of a cabinet door. Good luck!
I am loving this idea to update my yellow oak cabinets. I'm just worried this won't hold up in a kitchen with heavy wear. How have your cabinets held up since you used this wax? Is this suitable for a high traffic area like a kitchen with kids? Thanks for all the help!
Hi Meghan,
The wax should hold up just fine, even in a high traffic area with kids. It's not like paint where it would start chipping or rubbing off. The wax goes into the grain of the wood and deepens the tone. I really can't see it wearing off very easily. (I can't comment firsthand as I sold the house). Even if it did wear down in the areas that are touched or handled a lot, it wouldn't take long to rub and buff some wax in. Good luck!
I love this idea! Can you speak to how/what product you used to clean the oil and grime off of the cabinets before applying the Briwax?
Hi Kathleen,
I just used a general cleaner like Mr. Clean to wash down the cabinets first. The great thing is, the Briwax itself actually helps to clean the cabinets too. The oily nature of it took care of most of the greasy spots and stuck-on stuff without a problem. I have also used Krud Kutter just in a couple of places that were bad. But I would start with the general cleaner and Briwax and see how it does. You may be surprised!
I am so glad that I found your post. Your ideas and instructions in using Briwax have been quite a help in preparing my house for sale. The Briwax has taken my drab 90s era cabinets in an entire new design direction. Thanks again for the idea for a budget-friendly update.
Awesome to hear, Heather! So glad you found it helpful!
Hello! This is a great idea. Which Briwax did you choose for your cabinets? Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you Lorie! I used Tudor Brown on the cabinets. Good luck!
Think you just saved us! Thanks for sharing!! Did you remove cabinet doors? Or work with them still in place?
Yay!! I removed them. Definitely worth it to be able to work on them on a horizontal surface for buffing in the wax. Good luck!!
Appreciate you!