How to Stain Oak Cabinets

Staining oak cabinets can be challenging but with adequate time, proper preparation and the right tools you can add a beautiful wood finish to your oak cabinets. By purchasing unfinished oak cabinetry and staining it yourself, you can create a professional look for a fraction of the cost of finished cabinetry. When doing your own staining, you can get a custom look for the cabinet finish, or match an existing wood. Your hardware store staff can help you choose the product that best suits your needs.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden horses or other set-up to place cabinets flat
• Sandpaper 120 grit and 220 grit
• Pre-stain wood conditioner
• Stain
• Brushes
• Cotton rags or cheese cloth
• Lacquer
• Cleaner for brushes

Instructions

Preparation

1. Remove all hardware and doors from the cabinets. Place the cabinets and doors on a flat surface in an area with good air circulation. If the cabinets will remain on the wall during staining, remove the doors and protect the counters, floors and appliances from stain. Tape off any wall or window area that should be protected.

2. Lightly sand the wood with 120 grit paper in the direction of the grain. Sand a second time using 220 grit paper, again going in the direction of the grain. Thoroughly remove all of the dust from the wood.

3. If desired, brush on a coat of pre-stain wood conditioner. Let this dry thoroughly, according to the manufacturer's directions. Wood conditioner can help the stain to absorb more evenly and improve the finished look.

Staining and Finishing

1. Begin applying stain in even strokes using cheese cloth or cotton rags. Immediately wipe any off any excess stain or any runs. Some stain manufacturers recommend leaving the stain on for ten minutes and then wiping it off, while others recommend wiping it off immediately. Choose one method and be consistent throughout the project for a more uniform finish. Stain left on for over 30 minutes will darken the wood.

2. When you have removed the excess stain, take a clean cloth and wipe the wood a second time, again going with the grain. It is important to keep your cloth smooth and free of wrinkles to avoid smudges, streaks or splotches. If these occur, smooth them out immediately.

3. Allow the stain to dry completely, following the manufacturer's instructions. If desired, run a fan in the area but do not point it directly at the wood.

4. Apply the first coat of a moisture resistant lacquer finish to dry cabinets using a good brush. Do not apply too heavily and go with the wood grain. When the first coat is completely dry, apply a second coat in the same manner. To get a nice finish, it is necessary for the lacquer to dry between coats. There are several types of finish. To get a shine, be sure to use a high gloss product. Choose a finish that matches the type of stain that was used.

Tips & Warnings

• Compare products and purchase one that best suits your needs. Sample the product on a similar piece of wood so that if you don't like the results you will find out before beginning the project.

• Work slowly and be consistent, using similar techniques when applying the stain and finish so your cabinet has a professional look.

• Stain and finishes are highly flammable. Rags should be hung up in a well ventilated area away from heat or flames and allowed to dry. Do not ball them up or place in a covered container.

References

• Kitchen Cabinets and Hardware: Staining Kitchen Cabinets Made Easy
• Find Home Answers: Staining Unfinished Oak Cabinets - Need Advice?