If you purchase unfinished cabinets, or if you want to give your old cabinets a new luster, you need to stain them. Doing this finishing or refinishing job is a cost effective alternative which also allows you to give your cabinets the look you want. Although it might sound like a difficult task, it will be much easier if you know exactly what to do. Here are some guidelines on how to stain wood cabinets.
Disassemble the Cabinets
1. If your cabinets are already assembled, remove the drawers and doors to make your work easier.
2. To avoid losing track of their position, label every piece. Do the same with hardware pieces, such as screws and fasteners. You will find this very helpful during reinstallation.
Prepare the Wood
3. Check the grain of your wood cabinets, because the stain you choose needs to be suitable for the type of wood you prepare for staining.
4. First, you need to sand the wood with a 120-grit sand paper. To avoid scratching, work along the wood grain.
5. Then, use a softer sand paper to make the surface of the wood smoother.
Wood Conditioner Application
6. After sanding, make sure there is no dust on the wood, and apply wood conditioner. This will seal the wood surface, allowing you to spread the stain uniformly.
Stain Application
7. After the wood conditioner is completely dry, it is time to apply the stain. Use circular movements to help the stain better penetrate the wood.
8. When you’re done, apply another layer in the same direction as the wood grain for a smooth finish.
Finish Application
9. Now that you’ve given your cabinets the color you wanted, you need to apply a finish to protect the wood. Make sure the finish and the stain are compatible. For instance, if your stain is oil-based, it’s advisable to use an oil-based finish.
10. Apply the finish twice for enhanced wood protection.
Looking for Help?
If you don’t feel comfortable engaging in home improvement projects, such as wood cabinet staining, it’s best to look for qualified help. TalkLocal can connect you with a local professional right away. It’s fast and free of charge.
Tags: How to Stain Wood Cabinets
