SUPPLIES
- Stain
- Rags
- Drop cloth
- Respirator
- Medium grit sandpaper
- Rubber gloves
- Polyurethane
- Soft bristle brush
Overview
If you really want to change the look of your kitchen, then staining your cabinets is a great project. The process may be a little different if the cabinets are already installed, but the outcome is the same. If you are working in the kitchen to do the staining, your main goal will be to keep the area well-ventilated and undisturbed. So, plan on going out to dinner or ordering take-out for a few days.
Step 1
Prepare the cabinets by taking off all hardware, drawers and doors. Check to make sure the wood is smooth. If needed, sand any rough spots and wipe away the sand dust. Prepare the area by laying down drop cloths and opening windows.
Step 2
Stir the stain well and apply it to the wood with a rag. Do a section at a time, and wipe the stain off as soon as you have applied it to the section. Use a clean rag to wipe it off. Move on to the next section, apply and wipe off. Make sure to get into groves and corners and along edges. Doors and drawer edges can be done outdoors and laid on a tarp to dry, but keep them out of direct sunlight. Let all the cabinets and pieces dry.
Step 3
Check the color. The color you see when you are done will be darkened by the polyurethane sealer you will put on later. If you still think the color is too light, then repeat the entire process of staining again. Be sure to stir the stain well again, as the color will sink to the bottom of the stain while sitting. Read the manufacturer's directions for drying time as it will depend on the type of stain you are using.
Step 4
Apply polyurethane. Once the cabinets dry completely, brush on a coat of polyurethane. Cover all areas and be careful not to allow it to pool up in areas like a raised panel door groove. The drying for polyurethane is longer than stain and you don't want anything to touch the surface until it is completely dry or it will leave a dull mark.
Step 5
Apply a second coat of polyurethane once it is dry. The cabinets should sit for at least a day, depending on humidity, before you reinstall any of the hardware.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- WARNING : Stain is flammable. When you are finished with your rags, hang them separately to dry. Do not bunch them up and throw them away in a trash can while wet. This can cause fire, injury, destruction and even death.
