Staining Kitchen Cabinets

Is staining better than painting? Now this depends upon the person as staining kitchen cabinets can be unique thing altogether. Why is it so? Well, when you stain you are not hiding much of the wood although you might make it appear so. In the case of painting you apply a thick coat which hides most of the wood and gives the cabinet an altogether new appearance.

If you want to see the photographs of samples of how to paint kitchen cabinets then you may go to the internet and browse the sites. These include marvelously stained cabinets for your easy picking.

Beauty of staining kitchen cabinets

What are the different options for staining kitchen cabinets? In order to get some knowledge about different types of stain color it is better if you asked the local paint shop counter sales boys or girls. They might even show you the different shades of stain color. Are there several colors to choose from?

staining kitchen cabinets
Staining Kitchen Cabinets

Yes, the paint industry has undergone technological transformation and hence you might get several different shades of stain which you may apply while staining kitchen cabinets at your home. Is this a lengthy procedure? It is not as time consuming as the painting work yet you may have to do with the initial refurbishing or refacing of the existing cabinet and then clean it.

Again, it depends upon the size of the cabinet which you possess. These can be large or small. In fact, the L shaped cabinets are seen to be less spacious than the U shaped or the G shaped ones. If on the other hand you wish to do the G shaped cabinet at home then it surely will require the help of a professional.

In case you are repainting kitchen cabinets then there is no need for staining as then the work involved becomes huge.

How to set to work on staining kitchen cabinets?

You can start to work with a local professional to help you along the way. Why should there be need for a help? This job is rather intricate and if you know a lot about wood in general then it is alright. Otherwise, it is better to take help as you never know what sort of wood your old cabinet is made of.


Again, the old cabinet needn’t be made out of a single log, but from different types of wood bought from salvage auctions or perhaps one of those unfinished cabinet got from stores. If the woods are same then there is no need for fear as you can apply any of the light shades of stain. However, if there are different pieces of wood then it is better to apply darker shades.

Therefore staining kitchen cabinets can be given a try if you can select the right combination. Is the combination only in the selection of stain color or is it anything else? The staining should be good but apart from that the way the cabinet on the whole is presented would have stunning effect. This means that giving the right combination of countertops, color of the floors and the walls can make it really an amazing piece of art. Further, the beauty can be enhanced if the cabinet has glass panels showing a range of crockery.

It all depends on whether you wish to stain or paint kitchen cabinets at home. Even more amazing is the mixing of different shades of stain paint to get that real dazzling effect.

Cleaning and staining your kitchen cabinets

Is there any need to take a few days leave to do the staining work? It is better to take leave from your workplace as the job of cleaning precedes the staining part. The cleaning is almost the same as when you undertake the painting work.

The cabinet has to be pulled out separately and given a good overall cleaning using soap and water. You may also use conversion finish as this gives the cabinet a lasting effect. There are several types of conversion finish and your professional help can guide you well.

kitchen cabinets online
10 mistakes to avoid while staining kitchen cabinets

Lemon oil is to be used only when you are involved in painting kitchen cabinets as they form a layer on the surface not easily removed. While staining you should use a rag tied to a stick and then gently apply the stain color on the surface. Use light stains for reflecting the light rays such that the kitchen would seem to look larger in size. Natural stains are perhaps the lightest of all stains and can be used if the wood is good.

In short there is nothing better than staining kitchen cabinets if you really want a wood finish to your cabinet. However, do not forget to test the stain on the wood as there are chances of the color changing after the paint becomes dry.