How to Stain Kitchen Cabinets
First, if the counter top is being replaced, carefully remove the old counter top, to make the stripping process easier. Also, remove all the cabinet doors and drawers. If the drawer fronts are screwed on to the drawer box, remove the drawer from the box. Also, remove the hinges and other hardware.
Next, the doors, drawer fronts, and cabinet boxes should be carefully cleaned. The best cleaner to remove grease, smoke, grime, and ravages of time is TSP (Tri-sodium Phosphate), a compound available at your local big box store’s paint department. TSP is a powder that is mixed with water. Caution: be sure to rinse the cabinets completely after cleaning, and always wear gloves, as the cleaner is extremely hard on the skin, and goggles in case of splatter. As with any chemical, read the cautions and follow directions carefully.
After the wood has dried thoroughly, apply a stripper designed to remove polyurethane, which is the clear coat applied over stained wood. Consult your paint expert at the local big box store to determine which product is best suited for your project. Apply the stripper with a paint brush and allow it some time to work before wiping away the softened finish. Reapply the stripper and repeat the process until the polyurethane is removed. Using a piece of steel wool to loosen stubborn areas will improve the finished product.
With the polyurethane removed, the next layer is the stain. Using a clean brush, apply a stripper made for stain and then scrub lightly with a piece of steel wool. Do not scrub with too much pressure. Wood can mar and mark if too much pressure is applied. Usually, if a cabinet is stained already, no process will completely remove all the stain, because staining gets deeply into the wood grain, so removing all of it is impossible. Remove as much of the stain as possible and use the steel wool to completely remove the residue of polyurethane in corners and around detail, including as much stain as possible.
This stage and forward applies to both new, unstained cabinets and those prepped to be stained. Go over the cabinets with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dust or particles that will affect the stained finish. Test a small area of stain on an inconspicuous spot to be sure the stain color is acceptable.
Apply stain with a clean, lint free cloth, following the wood grain. Staining against the grain may mar the finish and give a disappointing finish. The same person should stain the entire job for consistency. Once the entire job is stained, look over each area carefully to look for light spots. Allow the cabinets, doors, and drawer fronts to dry completely. Lightly re-stain the entire job again to be sure stain is consistent. Always wipe away excess stain and do not allow extra stain to remain on the wood. Also check to be sure there are no drips or runs.
Allow the finished cabinets, doors, and drawer fronts to dry at least twenty-four hours. At the end, go over the cabinets again to ensure consistency. When the staining is complete and dried completely, apply polyurethane. Use a brush and apply the polyurethane with long, clean strokes. Do not allow the polyurethane to run or puddle. Allow the polyurethane to dry for at least twenty-four hours. Spot check for tackiness to ensure the cabinets dried completely. Also, secure the area during the drying process to prevent particles like dust and dirt from attaching to the wet finish.
Allow ample time for the project, and do not proceed to the next step until the previous has dried properly. The success of this project depends on carefully following the steps, and not rushing to a disappointing finish.
