How to Restore Hickory Cabinets

Clean the hickory cabinets with a tri-sodium phosphate-based cleaner or a substitute for TSP, such as a degreaser. The TSP cuts through any debris on the surface of the wood, including grease from food and oils from your hands. Rinse the cabinets with a damp rag and dry with a second rag.

Pour the wood rejuvenator or wood brightener on a rag. Rub the liquid around on the surface of the cabinets. The product cuts through stains and restores the original brightness or color of the hickory. Gently buff the wood with a dry cloth.

Cover any holes or chips in the wood with a small piece of wood putty. Smooth the putty down with a paint scraper or craft stick, depending on the size of the repair. Let the putty dry overnight and gently sand with fine-grit sandpaper. Keep sanding until you remove any excess putty sitting on the cabinets.

Rub the wood color stick over the repaired surface, picking a color stick that matches the exact color of your cabinets. Keep rubbing the stick over the wood putty until it matches the surrounding wood. Blend the edges of the color with your fingers.

Repair minor scratches or dull spots with the wood color stick. Rub the stick over the scratches until you fill them in. For dull spots, hold the stick against the wood and gently rub down. Feather the edges of the spot, blending it with the hickory wood.