Published at Tuesday, August 27th 2019, 10:52:37 AM. Kitchen Cabinet. By Foluke Chukwumereije.
There are several types of stains to choose from. There are oil-based and water-based stains, gel stains, and stain/sealer in-one formulas. Oil-based stains penetrate the wood without raising the grain but carry a strong odor. Instead, you may choose a water-based stain. They’re eco-friendlier and offer easy soap-and-water cleanup. They do often require light sanding to minimize raising the grain.
Be sure to protect floors, countertops, and any other surfaces in your kitchen or work area with drop cloths or plenty of newspaper. Also, remember to keep track of the hardware and which door or drawer corresponds with it
Clean the wood with trisodium phosphate (TSP)—a heavy-duty cleaning powder. Dilute the TSP with water according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Use a sponge and the TSP solution to wash doors and cabinet exteriors, letting them dry completely.
Using chemical strippers is another and often easier method. Using a medium-sized paintbrush, apply the solution evenly over the surface. Let it soak for 20 to 30 minutes then remove the old finish using a plastic scraper or a smooth, round-edged putty knife. The surface may be soft, so be careful not to damage it with the scraper. Allow the piece to dry completely. Most chemical strippers need to be mixed with water, so check the manufacturer’s directions before applying.
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 afterward with a fine-grit sandpaper. This will ensure a tighter bond between the wood and the new coats of stain.
Apply stain with a cloth or medium-sized paintbrush and allow it to penetrate the wood. Coat once for a light stain or apply additional coats for a darker shade. Wipe off excess stain with a clean cloth and allow the piece to dry completely. Lightly sand between coats using fine-grit sandpaper.
Reinstall the cabinet doors and drawers and their hardware after the stain and finish have dried completely.
Congratulations! With a little work and a few coats of stain, you've got “new” cabinets and you didn't break the bank.
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