How to Stain the Kitchen Cabinet Door a Different Color Than the Body of a Cabinet?
Kitchen cabinets generally take up a great deal of space in a room, making their visual impact substantial. Whether you're installing new cabinetry or looking to update your existing cabinets, staining the doors a different color than the base produces a striking look. Wood stains are available in a variety of shades and colors, creating unlimited options for updating the look of your kitchen. Unfinished or light-colored cabinets are the easiest to work with, though it is possible to lighten darker tones. If the cabinets have been painted, you must remove the paint before staining the wood. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Drop cloths
- Screwdriver
- Paint tape
- Paint thinner or remover (optional)
- Sandpaper
- Lint-free cloths
- Rubber gloves
- Protective eye wear
- Dust mask
- Stain
- Varnish or polyurethane (optional)
Instructions
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Preparation
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1
Spread drop cloths or old newspapers around your work area to protect floors and surfaces.
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2
Remove cabinet doors, drawers, hinges and hardware. Mark each piece to ensure you hang them in the right place when you finish. Place the doors and drawers on the drop cloths.
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3
Use paint tape to protect any walls, countertops or flooring that butt against the edges of the cabinetry you intend to stain.
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4
Lighten dark-stained cabinets if necessary, using paint thinner or lacquer remover. If the cabinets have been painted, you must remove the paint. You can use a heat gun and scraper to soften and remove paint without chemicals. Traditional chemical paint strippers or citrus-based products also work well. Use proper ventilation and protective gear, including gloves, a dust mask and safety glasses.
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5
Sand the wood with a fine-grain sandpaper to prepare the surfaces for new stain and to remove rough spots in the wood.
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6
Remove dust from the pieces, using a dust free cloth.
Application
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7
Thoroughly mix the stain you intend to use on the base cabinets. Provide adequate ventilation and wear rubber gloves, safety glasses and a dust mask.
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8
Dip a clean, lint-free cloth into the stain and wring it out lightly. Rub the stain onto the cabinets, allow it to penetrate for a few minutes and wipe off excess stain with a clean cloth. Allow the stain to dry at least 30 minutes before applying a second coat.
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9
Repeat the process on the doors and drawers, using a different color stain.
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10
Apply varnish or polyurethane to finished cabinetry if desired. Either product can help create a glossy finish that is easy to clean. Follow manufacturers' instructions for these products.
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11
Replace the hardware, hang the doors on the cabinets and remove the drop cloths and paint tape.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Apply stain with a lint-free cloth, or with brushes or paint rollers.
Oil-based stains allow a great deal of control over the end result, but they have a strong odor and must be cleaned with solvents.
Water-based stains are not as harsh; you can clean them with soap and water. However, they can swell the wood. Before applying water-based stain, condition woodwork by dampening it, allowing it to dry and sanding it several times.
Gel stains are thick, oil-based products that allow plenty of control over the results and do not swell the grain of the wood.
Stain/finish combinations include both color and finish and allow you to complete a project in fewer steps. However, they do not allow as much control over the finish, and you must apply them carefully to avoid imperfections and uneven colors.
Never use solvents or stains in a room that is not ventilated properly. If your work area does not have a supply of fresh air, invest in a respirator.
Keep a bottle of eye wash and a fire extinguisher nearby.
Hang wet staining rags, and allow them to dry thoroughly before discarding. Bunched-up rags that are saturated with stain can be combustible.
