Q: (Tiffany in Tucker, GA): To save money on my kitchen remodel, I’d like to stain the cabinets myself. Can you give me some tips to get a professional look?A: (from DIY woodworking and refinishing expert Bruce Johnson): As you know, kitchen cabinets can be the single most expensive item when you go to remodel your kitchen. You can save some money if you stain the cabinets yourself, but you want it to look good. Here are a few tips for staining your kitchen cabinets.
Materials:120-grit sandpaper
220- grit sandpaper
Wood conditioner
Paint brush
Oil-based stain
Oil-based polyurethane Steps: 1. When you buy your unfinished cabinets, you will most likely buy either birch, or oak. Birch cabinets have a fine grain. Often times, these are painted...but stain looks great on them. If you put a cherry stain on, the birch will look like cherry.
2. Regardless of birch or oak, make sure you prepare the wood properly. Begin by lightly sanding the wood with a 120-grit sand paper (figure A). Work in the same direction as the grain or you’ll get scratches. 3. Do a second sanding using a 220-grit sandpaper. This is finer and designed to remove any scratches from the 120...it will also give the wood a smooth finish. Your final finish is only as smooth as the top of the wood.
4. Remove any dust and put on a coat of conditioner. Brush on (figure B). This acts as a sealer that helps the stain go on evenly. Let this dry. 5. Begin applying the stain. Go in a circular motion to let the stain go deep in the wood (figure C). Make a final pass going with the grain of the wood for a final even finish.
6. Remember, stain is for the color of the cabinets. It does not protect the wood. You need to put on a finish. If you use an oil-based stain, use an oil-based polyurethane for a finish. Apply two coats...this will ensure your wood’s protection.Next: Replacing Laminate Flooring
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