Anyone ever stained unfinished kitchen cabinets?

[Harman Rabb Jr.]

I'm looking for instructions, tips, tricks etc. Specifically, what type of finish (poly, varnish, etc.) after the stain. Thanks.

[meshmover67]

If you want to put in the time make sure its smooth with sand paper just work your way down then to steel wool to finish and work linseed oil into it you need about 10 coats minimum what type of wood is it you can make the grain pop with aqua fortis the main thing is getting the wood smooth if you want to oil it. it wont be the fast way around though I warn you

[TxSuperDad]

Sand unfinshed cabinets with 150 to 220 sand paper and get as smooth as possible.

Select desired stain color. Depending on species of wood some will take lighter or darker then what is pictured. Test in an area that will not be seen, So if you dont like it you dont have to worry about. Like the back or side of one of the cabinets.

I hand rub all my finishes. I use a sponge applicator you can get from lowes and home depot that is near the poly selection along with the cheese clothes and other staining selections.

Apply stain generously and make sure to whip even. Let sit for 24 hours. If you desire a dark finish, apply another coat. Let dry for 24 hours.

I use MinxWax hand whipped Poly. Its a little bit more expensive but is easy to work with and very little chance of having runs or build up.

Apply generous even coat of Poly, Depending on temp and humidity will determine how long it will be completely dry enough to sand on. In This weather prob 4 to 6 hours.

Sand with 400 grit fine finish sand paper. You can pick this up at lowes on the same isle. Normally hanging on the outside of the shelf around the other sand paper, It is black.

Sand lightly with this just to knock of any dust or debris.

Whip down lightly with paint thinner or similar type of cleaner that will not eat finish.

Allow to dry and apply another coat of Poly.

Repeat this Poly process for a min of 4 coats. The more coats you apply the better finish you will have.

Once completed you should be able to LIGHTLY drag a sharp object across the finish and it will not phase it.

If you have any questions dont hesitate to ask.

[bwkozak]

Stain, using a spray rig with a 411 tip, spray sanding sealer on (this will raise all the wood hairs), sand with 220 sand paper, putty holes with colored putty, wipe down and the spray two coats of lacquer (semi gloss or gloss). Then your done. If you don't or can't get a spray rig brush on a coat of wood pride sanding sealer, sand, putty, and then put two coats of the same sanding sealer on, then your done

[Archer4Life]

Sand all lightly with 220 then wipe off
Choose stain color then apply generously with rag or sponge
Wipe off excess stain with clean rag then let cure for 24 hrs.
Any of the above mentioned sealers will work fine but there are also water based sealers on the market today that will produce just as good a finish and the clean up process is much easier w water based products vs lacquer or oil based varnish.

[Big_gun]

what type of wood are your new cabinets? if Oak / Ash etc superdad is dead on... if pine you might have to condition the wood first.