Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets: Phase Two Staining



Posted: Tuesday, July 07, 2009

by Maria Polidoro
http://www.acetoolonline.com/

After cleaning and sanding all of the cabinet doors and frames as discussed in Part I of this series, staining them your preferred color can begin. If you have never worked with stain before, practicing on a scrap piece of wood before applying stain to your cabinets may be worthwhile. Stain dries quickly, and multiple coats create a darker color than one coat.

The cabinet frames will need to be prepared by masking off the areas that need to be protected from the stain. Using drop cloths in the kitchen as well as in the area in which you will be staining the doors and drawers is also a good idea. Cover areas that are to be protected in the same way as you would prepare for painting. Ensure that the entire work area is very well ventilated and/or you have a respirator mask designed for this purpose.

Stain does not come out of clothing, so be sure to dress accordingly. You will also need a set of gloves appropriate for staining. Be sure to thoroughly read the directions and recommendations provided on the container of stain you are using. There are a few different methods of applying the stain; you may purchase staining cloths, or use other materials such as scraps of carpet or old cotton t-shirts, as long as they are clean and lint free. The general process is to wipe the stain onto the wood with the grain, and follow up by wiping off the excess with a clean cloth. Applying the stain with quick, even strokes in the same direction as the grain will help you achieve the most even coat. Some trial and error on your practice piece of wood can help give you a feel for how to apply the stain as well as how long you should wait before wiping the excess stain. The main goal is to ensure that you are achieving a consistent color across all of your pieces.

A few additional staining tips:

If you are applying a coat of finish, wait until the stain is completely dry and any blemishes are touched up. Finally, you can reassemble your beautiful new cabinets and enjoy your updated kitchen!

About the Author: Maria Polidoro is the CEO of Ace Tool Online, a New York based authorized dealer for virtually all major brands of hand and power tools. Ace Tool offers a comprehensive electric power tool selection from over 70 major brands, including Milwaukee, Festool tools, Amana and Champion Tool. Please visit Ace Tool for information and great prices on power tools.

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