How to Sand & Restain Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets can be sanded and stained to match your preference.

When you decide your kitchen cabinets need a makeover, consider sanding and staining them yourself. Such a project can be time-consuming--expect to spend more than one day on it, especially if you have a large kitchen with a lot of cabinetry. It will also take up space--everything will be moved out of the cabinets and you'll need a clean work space to tend to doors and drawers. But you will save money by re-staining your cabinets instead of buying new ones, and the result is sure to please.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Drop cloths
• Sandpaper--medium- and 180-grit
• Sanding block
• Rags
• Paint brush
• Wood stain
• Finish stain

Instructions

1. 

   Remove objects from the cabinets, as well as underneath.

   Remove all plates, utensils, glassware, food and any other objects from the kitchen cabinets, as well as the countertops

2. Unscrew all door hinges and remove the cabinet doors from the cabinets. Also, remove all drawers from the cabinets.

3. 

   Place all removed hardware in the same location.

   Unscrew all cabinet door and drawer handles or knobs. Place them in a bowl or bag with the screws, so they can all be found later for reattachment.

4. Lay cabinet doors and drawers on drop cloths in a spare room or the garage. Also, lay drop cloths in front of and below the cabinets to catch dust and drips.

5. 

   A sanding block can be useful.

   Sand the cabinets with medium-grit sandpaper. This can be done with the help of a sanding block or electric sander. If any areas of the cabinets are very thin, you may want to forego the electric sander so you do not damage the wood. Sand until the current stain is removed.

6. Vacuum dust off the wood and wipe down the cabinets. You may want to lightly dampen the rag to pick up all the dust.

7. 

   For extra protection, tape off the walls and floor.

   Use painte's tape where the cabinets meet the walls or floor so no stain is accidentally painted onto them. Stick the tape flush with cabinet edges so no stain seeps through.

8. 

   Use paint rollers.

   Paint a thin layer of stain on the cabinets. Use a rag for broad surfaces and brushes for any crevices. Wipe off excess stain. Allow this layer to fully dry before you paint on another thin layer. Repeat this step until you have the desired stain appearance on your cabinets. Allow the final coat to dry fully.

9. Apply the finish coat to the cabinets with a sprayer and brush. Allow the finish to dry and sand lightly to a glassy feel using 180-grit sandpaper. Allow to dry completely before moving to the final step.

10. Reattach all cabinet hardware and put doors and drawers back in their original spots.

References

• House-painting-info.com: Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets