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Anyone have experience with this finishing product?

1402 Views 21 Replies 11 Participants Last post by  RichT
I saw an advertisement for this product. The web page says "RestoFinisher is a wood restoration polymer that completely restores old wood and makes it like new." I have some kitchen cabinets in need of a refresh in a few areas - overall they are in great shape so don't want to sand them all down to deal with a few worn areas.
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I can't comment on the Resto, but Howard Restor-a-Finish might be something to look at.

Post a photo if you can. That would help.
No, sorry.

Watching….want to see if someone shares anything beyond what webscammerjammer lists.
https://webscammerjammer.wordpress.com/2022/02/11/slipped-on-restofinisher-furniture-restorer/

Can't find a MSDS or SDS on product, so can't even guess what is made from?
Restored pictures show previous unprotected/damaged areas are darker, which is same behavior would expect from air hardening oil/wax finish used to hide damaged finishes.

Best Luck with this snake oil salesman from Canada.
That site is like the Scammer template 101 for any get rich quick scheme, whether its make millions of dollars flipping real estate course, a protein shake that will make you lose 300 puunds, or some miracle car wax that makes your car look new.

I agree on the Howards. If there are some scuffs and light wear etc, the Howards will make that stuff less noticable. And they prett much have it at any hardware store or walmart etc.
EHHHH, Anything that looks that easy sets off a few warning bells?
I tried some floor restoring stuff a while back that fell well below the advertised claims.
6
Thanks for the feedback - I was drawn in by the advertisement:( I'll need to look into the Howard's product. Would appreciate any additional insights on that if others have used it.

These are some pictures of worn areas. I would say 90-95% of the finish on the cabinets is like new so a compete sanding, etc isn't desired.

Brown Wood Rectangle Fixture Wood stain


Brown Wood Amber Rectangle Wood stain


Brown Handle Wood Rectangle Household hardware

Attachments

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That appears to be a worn film type finish. We had that on our cabinets as well. I lightly sanded and recoated the damaged area. But ours are natural, no stain to match. Maybe you can find a varnish stain combo that will match enough to cover the damage. There are no miracle cures for your problem.
These are some pictures of worn areas. I would say 90-95% of the finish on the cabinets is like new so a compete sanding, etc isn t desired.

- BB1
That's a good candidate for Howard. It, and a grey nonwoven pad will significantly improve the look. They won't look brand new, but the damage won't jump out at you as much.

For just a few dollars, it's worth a try. Their Golden Oak looks like a good match.
Is that anything like the old Formby's refinishing product? Is it still on the market?
These are some pictures of worn areas. I would say 90-95% of the finish on the cabinets is like new so a compete sanding, etc isn t desired. - BB1
IMHO - Looks like a classic case of golden oak toned finish failure/damage.

If the easy Howard's route fails to impress, short suggestion for finish repair:
Remove a door with typical damage, take off the hardware; then take it to your local Mohawk finish distributor.
https://www.mohawk-finishing.com/products/wood-touch-up-repair/
They offer products and techniques to make it disappear.

Before you visit; Test to see if it is lacquer finish as that simplifies repair options.
Might be able to melt lacquer with blender solvent and hide the edges and/or most the damage

There are others ways to repair that finish damage.
One relatively fast method commonly used by realtor's handyman on cabinets is; using colored stain makers for color and grain marks, and blend all lacquer top coat. It's a step above Howards, and perfection depends on your inner 'Ar-Tist' ability. It also requires patience for the practice to make it look best. Nice part with markers is you use lacquer thinner to remove color and start over if you mess it up.

If you want finish repair brain overload, attend one or more of the Mohawk finish repair classes. :-(0)
You will be amazed at what is possible.
Not an expert. #IAMAKLUTZ who has taken a Mohawk repair class.

YMMV
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Not an expert. #IAMAKLUTZ who has taken a Mohawk repair class.

- CaptainKlutz
I've never taken a Mohawk class live, yet I AM an expert. Go figure.
I look at the link you posted and the photo of the old cabinets in their advertisement.

They never showed those cabinets restored.
I'd call them and ask why.
Rich - is this what you would recommend?
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Howard-Restor-A-Finish-Golden-Oak-Oil-Based-Interior-Stain-Actual-Net-Contents-16-oz/1002597540

For the application pad, is this what you recommend?

Also saw this pen option https://www.lowes.com/pd/Minwax-Golden-Oak-Stain-Pen/999914149. Any thought on that as a backup option?

Summer projects in the planning stages, and I appreciate all the insights.
I had the same problem with oak cabinets in the kitchen of a rental property.

Used the solution provided by Captainklutz-he's usually full of great jocks info!

Just wiped on Minwax Golden Oak Finish on the worn spots (no sanding necessary), followed by 3 light coats of Minwax Polycrylic Satin.

The worn areas disappear and it looks great. The solution was so effective, I also used it on the trimwork in the house where it was needed.

Hope you find this useful.
Gerry
I ve never taken a Mohawk class live, yet I AM an expert. Go figure. - Rich
Nothing to figure? No math required. We AGREE 100%!
You will always be; THE EX-SPERT; also known as a 'has been drip'.
ba dum tss….

You surprise me with easy setup.
Even most knowledgeable in the world, refuse to call themselves experts. :)
I tried the Howard's on a dresser and some cabinets. I returned it. I found it to be a total waste of time. It might work on a non film finish but I haven't tried it on that.
I tried the Howard's on a dresser and some cabinets. I returned it. I found it to be a total waste of time. It might work on a non film finish but I haven't tried it on that. If the color matches closely it might disguise the damage, but won't restore or repair it.
There are no Mohawk distributors near me per their website. Looks like my local Lowes may have the Howard's product as well as the Minwax in stock according to the website. I'm hoping one of those will do the trick and the cabinets will have another 30 years in them!
If you can, try it on the inside of the door first.
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