Do-It-Yourself: How to Stain Unfinished Kitchen Cabinets

Have you just completed a kitchen remodel and opted for unfinished cabinets as a way to save a few bucks by doing it yourself? Staining kitchen cabinets or any other furniture is a fairly simple job to do and anyone can tackle this project and get the job done in just one day, two if you apply a clear finish after staining.

When we bought another house several years ago, it was an old house built in 1860 but had undergone several renovations. Electrical and plumbing work was all new, as well as the kitchen cabinets and island. The cabinets and island were both left unfinished and a job I couldn't wait to tackle. This do-it-yourself project cost me around $12.00 and made a huge difference in my kitchen.

Things You Will Need for Staining the Cabinets

You will need the following things for your do-it-yourself staining project:

• 1. Drop cloth to protect the floor in case you spill stain or it drips off sponge brush.
• 2. Sandpaper to smooth out any sharp edges or places that may have a minor defect in the wood. A medium to fine course paper will work just fine.
• 3. A sponge tipped brush or old rag for application. A second old rag for wiping cabinets down after stain is applied. A third rag or old towel for wiping cabinets down after sanding.
• 4. Stain and a stick for stirring (sold in paint department)
• 5. Gloves to wear if you don't want stain on your hands.

Once you have obtained all of your supplies you will want to schedule a day to do your project. You will want a day that is sunny with low humidity in the air. High humidity prevents the stain from drying and could be left sticky.

Starting the Job

Step 1.

The first thing you need to do is take a piece of sandpaper and go over any areas on the surface of your cabinets that feel rough, ragged or needs to be smoothed down. After this has been done take a clean towel and wipe cabinets down. You do not want dust or dust fragments clinging to the wood when you get started staining.

Step 2.

Place drop cloth on floor in the area you will be staining first. You may choose to do this before you begin but this is the step where it is essential.

You are now ready to open your stain. Make sure you have the can of stain sitting on top of your drop cloth or on top of some old newspaper. You will need to stir the stain to make sure it is mixed all the way or else your finished cabinets will have some blotchy places of darker and/or lighter places. Be sure to avoid shaking the can of stain, as this will cause bubbles in the stain.

Step 3.

It's now time to apply the stain. I chose Minwax Wood Finish Stain in Early American finish. Some people prefer to use a sponge-tipped brush for application, but a clean old rag works just as well. Dip brush or rag into the stain and smooth onto the surface of your cabinets going with the grain of the wood. Make sure the entire surface area is covered.

Let stand for five to 15 minutes to allow the wood to absorb the stain. The longer you let the stain stand, the darker your finish will be. Then you will take another clean cloth and wipe the excess finish off the cabinets. Again you will work in the direction of the grain of the wood.

Let the stain dry for several hours, or overnight for the finished results.

Tips for Staining

-Always open a window or door in the room you are working in to properly ventilate the room.

-If you desire a darker finish, apply a second coat of stain, wipe excess off and let dry overnight.

-For clear finishes, let cabinets dry overnight before applying coat of polyurethane. This not only gives the wood a shine, but also protects the wood and your staining job. If polyurethane finish is applied, let dry overnight again before using cabinets.

Source:

Personal experience