How to Stain Bathroom Cabinets

Whether your bathroom cabinets are new and unfinished or old and in need of improvement, staining them can provide a fresh look. Refinishing bathroom cabinets can improve the appeal of your bathroom if you are on a budget and can't afford new cabinets. The project is fairly simple and can be accomplished in a few hours.

Things You'll Need

• 120-grit sandpaper
• 220-grit sandpaper
• Wood conditioner
• Stain
• Sealant
• Shop rags or paper towels

Instructions

1. Remove all the doors and drawers from the cabinets. Take off as much of the hardware as you can. This will allow you to sand and stain the cabinets as smoothly and completely as possible. If the cabinets are painted, strip the paint before you proceed with sanding.

2. Sand the wood. Use 120-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the cabinets. Sand in the direction of the wood grain. Sand over the wood again using 220-grit sandpaper until the wood is completely smooth. After sanding, apply a wood conditioner.

3. Apply stain using a rag. Work the stain down into the pores of the wood. After you have stained the wood all over, let it dry completely. Once the wood is dry, apply a second coat of stain if you prefer a darker color. If the color is too dark, lightly sand the cabinets again.

4. Apply an even coat of sealant. Make sure the coat is not too thick. Use a second coat of sealant if needed. The wood should have a "wet looking" appearance. Let it dry.

5. Put the hardware back on the cabinets, or use new hardware for an updated look. Hang the cabinet doors.

Tips & Warnings

• Use 1- or 2-inch paintbrushes for hard-to-reach places. Invest in a good quality sealant that won't crack or peel.

References

• Staining Bathroom Cabinets
• How to Stain Wood Kitchen Cabinets