Knowledge Builders

can you stain old kitchen cabinets

by Maryam Ward Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Give your kitchen cabinets a refreshing update for only a few dollars. You can refinish old stained cabinets to hide surface imperfections, restore color and provide a protective finish. Cabinetry that's in good condition -- sturdy and free from major damage -- can be easily refreshed with new stain or paint.

Can you stain over existing kitchen cabinets?

Yes, you can stain over existing kitchen cabinets, though you will need to remove all traces of the existing finish first to get the best and most professional result.

Is it better to stain or paint old cabinets?

If you're in search of a clean, modern look, paint your cabinets. Painted cabinets appear very smooth, hiding the grain of the wood. If you prefer a more natural, classic look, you should stain your cabinets. Staining your cabinets highlights the natural grain of the wood and offers a more traditional aesthetic.

Can you sand and stain old cabinets?

Once you've removed the old finish from the surface, use a clean rag to remove the finish from any areas you might have missed and to ensure the wood is completely bare. Let it dry. If you use a stain stripper to remove the old finish, it's a good idea to lightly sand the surface afterwards with fine-grit sandpaper.

Is it worth it to Restain kitchen cabinets?

It is absolutely worth refinishing kitchen cabinets. If your boxes and doors are still in good shape, a fresh coat of stain or paint can breathe new life into an old space and save you up to $20,000.

Are stained cabinets outdated?

Although not as popular, stained cabinets have not become extinct. Stained cabinets are not outdated. They very much still have a place in modern kitchen designs. While not the most popular, the stained cabinets have taken on different tones and remained relevant in designs such as the transitional kitchen trend.

What color kitchen cabinets are popular in 2020?

In 2020, the popularity of white shaker cabinets will continue to rise, especially in newer homes. Since white shakers can be styled to appear modern, rustic, or traditional, there is no end to the options for kitchen finishes and decor.

Is it difficult to Restain kitchen cabinets?

Cabinet refinishing is one of the easier DIY projects, all you will need are some supplies, power tools, and adequate space to work on the cabinets. You won't even have to strip down the old finish from your cabinet doors unless you are looking to make a drastic color change.

Do you have to strip cabinets before staining?

Just make sure to sufficiently sand down the top coating to produce a rough finish. This will help the stain product stick to the surface better. For painted cabinets, all of the paint must be removed down to bare wood. Use liquid paint stripper, along with a scraper, steel brush, and sandpaper, to remove the paint.

Can you stain cabinets darker without sanding?

Sanding to repaint or stain cabinets takes a lot of time and energy. Not all staining projects require sanding, especially if you purchase new, already sanded cabinets. However, you can also avoid sanding if you wish to re-stain old cabinets that have no major dents or scratches that need intricate repairs.

Is it cheaper to refinish or replace cabinets?

If budget is your main consideration, refinishing is often the cheaper option. Estimates have shown that refinishing cabinets costs about 2/3 the cost of refacing, and refacing costs about 70 to 80 percent the cost of installing replacement cabinets.

How much does it cost to stain kitchen cabinets?

Prices to stain your cabinets typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on how many cabinets you have and their material, but can go up from there based on many different factors.

Is it cheaper to paint cabinets or reface them?

Cabinet painting is hands-down the cheaper way of giving new life to your old and stained cabinets. However, this method is only applicable if the hardware of the cabinets is in good shape. Here, a fresh coat of paint is added to the doors, drawers, and cabinet walls.

How to lighten a dark stained cabinet?

Don’t worry: You can lighten things up by rubbing off the excess stain with a fresh rag. Once you’ve coated every cabinet surface, wait for the stain to dry. That may take a day or two, depending on the humidity.

Can you refinish solid wood cabinets?

Photo: fotosearch.com. Of all the reasons to appreciate solid wood cabinets, there may be none more appealing than their virtually endless changeability. That is, if you ever tire of the cabinets’ appearance, you can always refinish the wood, transforming the overall look of your kitchen or bath in the process.

Do you need to seal cabinets with polyurethane?

If you opted for a traditional stain ( view example on Amazo n), you don’t strictly need to seal the cabinets, but considering the inevitable wear and tear, it’s probably a good idea. Polyurethane sealer goes on with a paintbrush, and as is the case for stain, two thin coats are much better than a single thick coat.

Can you test stain before applying?

For that reason, it may be wise to test your chosen stain somewhere inconspicuous before you apply the product all over. Reserve your judgment until the test stain has dried.

Can you stain cabinets with raw wood?

Unless your cabinets are raw wood, the existing finish must be removed before you can apply the new stain coat. There are two ways to go about it. If you’re only dealing with a few cabinets, it may be simplest to handle the job the old-fashioned way, without resorting to a chemical stripper.

Do you need to clean cabinets at the outset?

Note: There’s one situation when it’s not necessary to spend time cleaning at the outset. That’s if the existing cabinets are painted or stained and, rather than use a chemical stripper, you’d prefer to scrape and sand away the existing finish. Here, you can skip the cleaning and proceed directly to the second step.

Do you need a staining expert to stain cabinets?

But generally speaking, you don’t need to be an expert to stain cabinets successfully. With only a handful of basic tools and supplies—and in many cases, the willingness to make a mess and clean it up—almost anyone can achieve pro-quality results, without having to hire a contractor.

Before You Begin

For previously stained cabinets that will be stained in the same color range or darker, it is not necessary to sand off all of the stain and surface coating. The stain product will seamlessly blend with your current stain. Just make sure to sufficiently sand down the top coating to produce a rough finish.

Safety Considerations

Work in a well-ventilated area and use breathing protection. Move the removed cabinet doors and drawers to a protected outdoor area, if possible. Indoors, open windows and use fans to expel air. Do not blow air into the room, as this can cause dust to settle on the finished surfaces.

Instructions

With the cordless drill or manual screwdriver, remove handles and drawer pulls from the doors and drawer fronts. With most fixtures, the screws are accessed on the back side of the doors or drawer fronts.

Why Restain Your Cabinets?

Are you done with the old and ready to update with the new? When the time comes for an update in your kitchen or bathroom, it’s no secret that restaining your old cabinets makes a big difference in the overall look and feel of the space.

How to Restain Cabinets in 5 Steps

The first step to restaining cabinets is to remove all cabinet accessories. This step includes taking out all drawers, removing handles and hinges, and any shelving inside the cabinets you want to match the outside surface.

Things to Consider

Restaining cabinets can be a time-consuming task. However, it’s vital to understand that to get quality-looking cabinets, time and attention are necessary. It’s also imperative to understand the do’s and don’ts when it comes to staining cabinets.

So, How Do You Restain Cabinets?

The best way to ensure you’re restaining your cabinets in a way that looks clean and professional is to start with the removal of all cabinet accessories.

Can you sand old cabinets?

Staining old cabinets gives new life to your kitchen. Sanding to repaint or stain cabinets takes a lot of time and energy. Not all staining projects require sanding, especially if you purchase new, already sanded cabinets. However, you can also avoid sanding if you wish to re-stain old cabinets that have no major dents or scratches ...

Do you need to stain cabinets before hanging?

If you plan to stain new cabinets, stain the cabinets before hanging the cabinets. For pre-hung or old cabinets you plan to re-stain, remove cabinet doors, using a manual screwdriver. Cover all walls and countertops touching the cabinets with old newspaper and painter's tape to prevent damage to those surfaces.

What is the most important part of staining cabinets?

Preparation. The most important part of staining cabinets is the prep work and I cannot stress that enough! Don’t freak out, it’s not a lot of prep work but there are some things you need to do to prepare cabinetry for re-staining.

How long does it take for a stained kitchen cabinet to dry?

After you’ve cleaned the cabinets, you will want to dry them with a lint-free cloth and allow the surface to air dry at a minimum of 30 minutes. The stain will not work if the cabinets have any moisture on them. I use lint-free towels designed for cleaning glass like this below for all of my projects. via Amazon.

How long does it take for gel stain to dry?

Gel stains can dry fairly quickly so after a few minutes, you will want to begin wiping off your stain fairly quickly. If you’re working on doors, probably about the time you have added the stain fully to the door, you’ll want to go ahead and begin wiping off. If you’re working on cabinet bases or an kitchen island, give yourself about 5 minutes to apply the stain and then go back and begin wiping off.

How to get a stain out of a can?

As you prepare to begin, make sure that you stir the stain thoroughly. Often times the color will settle at the bottom on the can. Use a paint stir stick to gently stir and mix.

Can you dry cabinets in a garage?

Also, I always dry cabinets/doors inside to make ensure that the temperature is just right. Unless you are certain that the temperature in your garage is going to stay above 70 degrees with 50%-70% humidity, than you can dry in the garage.

Do you need top coat for gel stain?

Top Coat. Unlike oil-based enamel type paints where you do not need a top coat, you will absolutely need a top coat when using a gel stain. If you are using an oil-based stain, you’ll want an oil-based top coat. I also recommend that you stick with the top coat of the brand of stain that you are using.

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1.How to Stain Kitchen Cabinets - Olympic

Url:https://www.olympic.com/advice/how-to-stain-kitchen-cabinets

6 hours ago  · The only hard part of staining is the work that goes into it, which is the most satisfying part of taking on this kind of project. When it comes to renewing the look and feel of your kitchen without purchasing new cabinetry, staining existing cabinets offers an affordable solution to updating your kitchen’s decor.

2.How to Stain Cabinets - Bob Vila

Url:https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-stain-cabinets/

31 hours ago Maybe it’s time to paint or stain your cabinets (just to get you by till the big remodel). There are a couple of things that you can DIY (do it yourself) with some sweat equity and about $100 bucks. If your cabinets are stained and you don’t want a painted cabinet, there is a product called Cabinet Transformations by Rustoleum. This product lets you darken or lighten your cabinets and keep …

3.How to Stain Cabinets - The Spruce

Url:https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-stain-cabinets-5199926

25 hours ago  · Thoroughly mix the stain product with a wooden stirring stick. Be sure to pull up the solids from the bottom of the can and mix them in. Dip the tip of the paintbrush bristles in the stain product. Apply stain first to the cabinet door and drawer front bevels and textured areas. Immediately follow by applying stain to the flat sections.

4.How to Restain Cabinets | Step-by-Step Guide | REthority

Url:https://rethority.com/restaining-cabinets/

17 hours ago  · In a nutshell, you’ll need to: Remove all cabinet accessories; Sand down the old stain; Apply wood conditioner; Stain the wood; Roll on a polyurethane finish; Let’s get started! How to Restain Cabinets in 5 Steps Step 1: Remove Cabinet Accessories

5.How to Stain Cabinets Without Sanding - Hunker

Url:https://www.hunker.com/13402783/how-to-stain-cabinets-without-sanding

29 hours ago If you plan to stain new cabinets, stain the cabinets before hanging the cabinets. For pre-hung or old cabinets you plan to re-stain, remove cabinet doors, using a manual screwdriver. Cover all walls and countertops touching the cabinets with old newspaper and painter's tape to prevent damage to those surfaces.

6.Our Best Tips for Staining Cabinets (or Re-Staining)

Url:https://www.thecreativityexchange.com/2018/03/our-best-tips-for-staining-cabinets-or-re-staining.html

30 hours ago  · Start with a diagram of the cabinet that you will be staining. Make sure to mark each and every cabinet as well as drawer front. Go ahead and number them as well. You can then remove the drawer fronts as well as cabinet doors. Now use some soap water mixture or your vinegar-water solution for cleaning. You want to give the cabinet surfaces as well as drawer’s …

7.Videos of Can You Stain Old Kitchen Cabinets

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