Do It Yourself: Staining Kitchen Cabinets

If you're planning a kitchen remodel, like many homeowners, you may be looking for ways to cut costs and stay on budget. The more work you do yourself, the more money you can save.

One task that you might consider doing yourself is staining the cabinets. It will take you some time but save you some cash in the long run. Here's how to go about it.

To stain your cabinets, you will need some 120-grit sandpaper, 220-grit sandpaper, wood conditioner, paintbrushes, tack cloths, rags, stain and polyurethane. Some experts recommend water-based stain and sealer because they are easier to work with, while others insist on oil-based products because of their durability. Do some research to make the right choice for you.

Once you have all of the supplies in hand, you can start the process by preparing the bare wood. Using 120-grit sandpaper, lightly sand the wood in the direction of the grain; this will prevent scratches. Remove all of the loose dust with a tack cloth. Then sand the cabinets again, this time using 220-grit sandpaper; this will create a smooth finish.

Remove all of the loose dust with a tack cloth and apply a coat of wood conditioner to the cabinets. Let it dry completely and then apply a coat of stain to the cabinets. Brush on the stain with a paintbrush following the grain of the wood. Then take a rag and rub the stain into the wood using a circular motion. Finish the staining by wiping along the grain of the wood one final time to ensure an even finish.

Let the stain dry completely. Then apply two coats of polyurethane following the manufacturer's directions. Once you have sealed the cabinets, make sure you give them ample time to cure before you have them installed in your kitchen.

Staining your cabinets yourself can save you money big time in your kitchen remodel. Just be sure you have done your homework and have the time to commit to the project. Remember, you will be living with your cabinets for some time, so make certain they look good.