How To Restain Cabinets A Different Color: Step By Step Process Of Restaining Kitchen Cabinets

Step By Step Process Of Restaining Kitchen Cabinets With A Different Color

A dark & dull kitchen can be easily brightened as well as maintained by simply modifying the cabinets. Doors that are stained a dark, old-fashioned shade can be lightened up by getting rid of the old finish before applying the new, light-hued stain. Transforming the kitchen cabinets from dark to light color can be a monotonous process. However, the entire process is extremely easy to be performed yourself. In order to restain the kitchen cabinets, go through the below-mentioned steps carefully:

Step 1: Preparing Cabinets To Stain

Before starting the restaining process, first of all, you need to put a couple of items in place and collect certain tools in order to make sure that the process goes smoothly. A drill will be very helpful in taking down cabinet doors, handles, as well as a drawer pull faster and easier, screwdriver also works best for this purpose. Get some extra brushes, soft clothes for drifting drips or spills, and tarps in order to layover counters and flooring. Make sure to work on a flat, covered surface at a comfortable height for placing cabinet doors in order to stain or make small repairs. Clean all of the cabinets with the help of warm, foamy water one day before starting the process so that it will have some time to dry fully. It is extremely easy to clean the cabinets while they are still attached. Wipe down with the help of a clean, damp rag in order to get rid of any soapy residue.

Step 2: Remove Cabinets And Drawers

Begin the process with the cabinet doors that are above the countertops and fixed to the walls. Detach the screws from the hinges from the base and take hold of the door in place, due to the reason, that you eliminate the screws from the hinge at the top of the inner area of the cabinet door and pull it free from the cabinets bank. Perform the process on one part at a time, which in turn, will make your work hassle-free for replacing all of the cabinet doors as well as matching hardware. As you detach the doors, mark each with a letter along with matching hardware. Write the letter on the inner part of the matching cabinet with a pencil or a marker that is easy to eradicate or wipe clean. You need to have bowls or plastic sleeves nearby and marked to place the screws, hinges, as well as the hardware. Older cabinets can frequently be moderately twisted or deformed due to time and wear. The hinges and screws from matching cabinets may not adjust comfortably when fixed to a different door or drawer of the cabinetry. Dip very dirty or greasy hardware in soapy water in the bowls in order to get rid of the dirt lodged in the crevices.

Step 3: Sanding Cabinets Before Restaining

If in case the cabinets have an oily or sturdy finish, then it is highly recommended to apply a stripping agent, like turpentine, over the surfaces. Make sure to go through the directions on the stripping agent in order to eliminate the first layer of tacky finish. This can disclose the divots as well as the deep scratches, which needs to be filled with a wood filler. Work through the indentations and all along the sides before sanding the complete cabinet surface. Sand one cabinet at one time, with the help of 100-grit paper, then with 180-grit and finally use 220-grit sandpaper over the surfaces.

Step 4: Restaining Kitchen Cabinets

After completing the above steps, you will have a raw wood & now apply a stain of your choice on an unseen edge in order to ensure that it is the right light shade. Stain can take some time to restore fully and appear darker after it is applied. Smoothen the stain with the help of soft strokes commencing at the top and proceeding along with the grain of the wood. It is highly recommended to apply two to three coats of stain per piece.