The Complete Guide To Staining Your Kitchen Cabinets Like A Pro

If your kitchen cabinets are looking worn and dated, staining can give them an affordable facelift and make them look brand new again. Staining allows you to change the color of your cabinets without removing the existing finish or wood texture. With the right prep work and staining techniques, even amateur DIYers can achieve a professional-quality stained cabinet finish.

We'll cover how to choose a stain color and type, prepare your cabinets for staining, apply the stain and protective top coats, and maintain your stained cabinets so they continue looking beautiful for years to come.

Overview of Staining Kitchen Cabinets

Staining involves applying colored pigment directly to porous wood in order to change its color. Stain penetrates into the wood, unlike paint that sticks to the surface. Popular wood cabinet options like oak, maple, and cherry are ideal candidates for staining because of their visible grains.

There are many benefits to staining rather than painting kitchen cabinets. Stain highlights the natural wood grain, while paint covers it. Stain is also more durable, doesn't peel or crack as easily, and allows the wood to breathe. Staining also requires less preparation than painting.

Before staining your cabinets, consider the existing cabinet wood type and finish. The new stain must be compatible. Also decide whether you want to DIY or hire a professional. While staining cabinets is achievable for novices, it requires some skill and labor.

Cleaning The Cabinets

Thorough cleaning is crucial before applying stain. First, remove all doors and hardware like hinges and knobs. Clean all cabinet surfaces with a mild detergent solution to remove grease, dirt and grime. For previously painted cabinets, sanding is necessary to help the stain penetrate.

Use 120-150 grit sandpaper to scuff up the cabinet boxes and doors. Be sure to sand evenly and along the wood grain. Wipe away all sanding dust with a tack cloth afterwards.

Sanding The Cabinets

Sanding does two important things before staining - it removes any existing finish or paint, and roughens the wood grain to help the stain absorb better. How much sanding you need to do depends on the current state of your wood.

For raw unfinished wood, light sanding with 220 grit sandpaper is sufficient. With finished or varnished wood, more sanding with 120-150 grit is needed to break through the coating. Always sand along the wood grain, not against it.

Use a random orbital sander for flat surfaces, and hand-sand inside corners and edges. Wipe away dust afterwards. Follow up with 220 grit paper for a smooth surface.

Filling Holes and Imperfections

Inspect the cabinets and use wood filler to patch any holes, scratches or cracks for the best staining results. Water-based wood filler works for minor imperfections, while epoxy fillers are best for larger holes.

Allow the wood filler to fully cure as directed, then sand flush with the wood surface. Careful prep work leads to a flawless stained finish.

Primer

Sometimes a primer is needed before applying stain, especially if changing to a much lighter or darker stain color. Oil-based primers work well as they seal the wood grain evenly. Be sure to use an oil-based primer pad to match an oil-based stain.

Read the stain directions to see if a primer is required or recommended. The primer creates a uniform surface for the stain to adhere properly.

Choosing a Stain Color and Type

Stain Colors for Kitchen Cabinets

The color of stain you choose can completely transform the look of your kitchen. Light stains give a natural, airy feel while dark walnut and espresso stains look bold and elegant.

For a classic, warm look, try a medium wood tone like provincial, chestnut or mahogany. Gray and black stains are also trending for a modern vibe. Whatever shade you pick, be sure to coordinate with your countertops and floors.

Certain woods look best with particular stain hues. For oak, a dark espresso or jacobean enhances the dramatic grain. For maple, black creates appealing contrast. Cherry and pine suit warmer brown and red tones.

Types of Stains

Oil-based Stains

Oil-based stains contain pigments suspended in a thinner solvent. They deeply penetrate wood and highlight the natural grain with a rich, even tone. They're ideal for staining interior cabinets but require mineral spirits for cleanup.

Applying oil-based stain isn't difficult. Use a high-quality natural bristle brush, wipe away excess stain, and maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks.

Gel Stains

Gel stains have a thick, syrupy formula that adheres well to vertical surfaces like cabinets. The gel consistency provides great control and won't drip or run. They produce an opaque, consistent color.

Stir the gel stain before applying. Use a foam applicator for the gel, and keep a wet edge to prevent streaking. Wipe off excess for color accuracy.

Water-based Stains

Water-based stains are thinner and contain milder solvents. They're low odor and easier to clean up with just soap and water. However, water does little to penetrate the wood grain compared to oil.

Water-based stains work well for lightening wood tones. Apply multiple thin coats and sand lightly between each to avoid raised grain.

Staining Your Kitchen Cabinets

Applying the Stain

Once your prep work is complete, it's time to apply the cabinet stain. Gather your supplies - gloves, staining pads/brushes, stir sticks, lint-free rags. Carefully read and follow the stain directions.

Stir the stain to fully incorporate the pigments. Use a staining pad or quality brush to apply a uniform coat. Maintain a wet edge and stain the wood grain direction. Let the stain penetrate 10-15 minutes before wiping off any excess.

Stain all cabinet surfaces - fronts, sides, backs, insides and drawers. Use small brushes for details in corners and edges.

Second Coat of Stain

Applying more than one coat of stain helps achieve the desired color depth. The first coat acts as a base color, while the second coat intensifies it. Wait at least 8 hours between coats.

Very lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper before the second coat to remove any wood fibers raised by the first application. Use the same technique as the first coat. Evaluate after two coats to see if additional staining is needed.

Removing Stain Mistakes

Mistakes are bound to happen. Don't panic if you get drips, uneven staining or brush marks. For dark stains, immediately wipe away the excess. For light stains, gently scrub with a toothbrush and solvent.

If any areas are too dark, gently sand them to lighten. Uneven areas may need a third application for uniform coloring. Patience and light sanding between coats helps minimize mistakes.

Sealing and Protecting Stained Cabinets

Cabinet Sealers

Once stained to your desired color, a sealer is necessary to protect the finish from damage. Most stains require an oil-based sealer like polyurethane or varnish. For water-based stains, water-based polycrylic works great.

Polyurethane offers better durability than varnish. For sheen, consider a satin finish. Semi-gloss has too much shine for cabinets while matte is hard to keep clean. Apply 2-3 thin, even coats of sealer.

Applying the Top Coat

Using a high-quality natural bristle brush, apply the sealer in thin, even coats following the grain direction. Allow a minimum of 8 hours drying time between coats. Lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper before applying the final coat.

Work methodically and maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks in the top coat. Sealing the cabinets will protect your stained finish for many years.

Curing and Drying Time

It's important to let the stain cure fully before use - usually at least 72 hours. Curing allows the stain to harden completely. The curing process continues for about 30 days as the stain finish further strengthens.

Use the cabinets lightly during this period. The initial 3 days are most critical. Allowing adequate curing time is vital for maximum stain durability.

With proper care, your stained kitchen cabinets will look beautiful for over a decade. Use a soft cloth and mild cleaner like dish soap and water to gently clean stained cabinets as needed. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

Immediately touch up any nicks or scratches with matching stain. This prevents further damage. Typically cabinets need re-staining every 10-15 years. Consider refreshing cabinets whenever they start looking noticeably worn.

With the right preparation, application and maintenance, even staining novice DIYers can achieve stunning, professional-quality stained kitchen cabinets. Follow this complete guide and you'll be enjoying your renewed cabinets in no time!