Remove the cabinet doors and all the hardware. (Hint: Work on one small section at a time so you can easily return the right door to the right cabinet. Also keep the hardware for each door separate.)

Before: These wood cabinets looked dark from years of kitchen use. Some amateur attempts at decoupage didn't help.

Using your orbit or sheet sander, start lightly sanding the doors and the cabinet exterior using a medium grade sand paper first. Move in the same direction as the grain. Start in a less-visible section so you can adjust the grade of sand paper if necessary to get the job done, and to see if you¡¯re going to like the desired effect. Most of your work will be with the orbit or sheet sander, but the tight spots can be reached with the mouse sander. Let your tools do the work. Do Not Push Hard or you will gouge the wood!

After sanding off the old finish, brush off the surface. With a fine grade sanding paper, sand until you have a nice, smooth finish.

Use a wet towel to clean off all the sawdust from your sanding.

When the cabinet surfaces are totally dry, brush on a layer of polyurethane.

After: This once dark area turned into a beautiful golden oak color with sanding.

Allow the polyurethane to dry completely before sanding with fine sandpaper again and repeating steps 5 and 6.

Return the doors to the cabinet and voila! Enjoy your ¡®new¡¯ kitchen!