If you’re looking to update the look of your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, changing the stain color is an easy and effective option. With the right techniques and products, you can transform the color of your cabinetry to give your space a fresh, new aesthetic.
An Overview of Staining Cabinets
Staining allows you to change the color of wood by applying pigmented finishes. When stain is applied to bare wood, it penetrates into the pores and grains to add rich, translucent color. The staining process involves:
- Prepping the wood by sanding and cleaning
- Applying stain and allowing it to set
- Wiping off excess stain
- Applying a protective clear topcoat
The color options are virtually endless – from light, natural wood tones to dramatic dark espresso shades. Stain can be used to match existing wood colors or create bold contrasts.
Steps to Change the Color of Stained Cabinets
If your existing cabinets are already stained or finished, the old color needs to be removed before applying a new stain. Here are the basic steps:
- Remove doors, drawers and hardware: Detach all removable cabinet parts to make staining easier.
- Prep the surfaces: Thoroughly sand cabinets to strip the previous finish. Wipe away dust.
- Apply wood filler: Fill any holes, cracks or imperfections with wood filler and sand smooth when dry.
- Prime: Use oil-based primer to block stains and prepare the wood for new color.
- Stain: Use gel stains which sit atop the wood rather than absorbing. Apply with a brush or cloth.
- Seal: Once the stain has dried, apply a protective clear sealer like polyurethane.
- Reinstall: Once the finish has fully cured, reattach doors, drawers and hardware.
Taking your time with surface prep and using high quality primers, stains and sealers will ensure your newly colored cabinets look fantastic.
Tips for Successfully Changing Stain Color
Follow these tips to get great results as you transform the stain color on your cabinets:
- Do test samples on cabinet interiors or scrap wood to confirm you like the color.
- Use a chemical paint stripper for fast, effective removal of old stain.
- Apply gel stains with a foam brush for smooth, even coverage.
- Always follow the product directions for drying times between coats.
- Ensure proper ventilation when working with chemical paint strippers or primers.
- Add a stain controller to your topcoat for extra protection.
- Work in manageable sections for the large surface area of cabinets.
Taking the proper steps will help your new stained finish last for many years while updating the whole look of your kitchen or bath.
Lightening Wood Stain Color
If your existing cabinet stain color is too dark, there are a few effective options for lightening it:
- Sand it down: Thoroughly sanding will lighten the existing stain by removing the top layer of color.
- Use paint stripper: A chemical stripper will remove dark stain so you can re-stain lighter.
- Apply bleach: Bleaching the cabinets will lighten the wood undertones before restaining.
- Go over with new stain: A lighter gel stain applied over the old will show through for a lighter effect.
Test how much you need to lighten the cabinets on a hidden area first. It often takes a combination of sanding, stripping and bleaching to effectively lighten wood by several shades.
Darkening Existing Cabinet Stain
For a richer, deeper stained finish, there are a couple simple options:
- Re-stain darker: Apply a darker gel stain directly over the existing color.
- Add a glaze: Glazing adds a transparent layer of color for a deeper finish.
When using either method, do samples first to find the right product and color intensity. The darker shade will become more apparent with additional coats. Allow proper drying time between applications. Then seal with a protective clear coat.
Match Existing Wood Tones
If you need to patch or replace cabinet sections, matching the existing stain color is important for a cohesive look. Here are some tips:
- Bring a door or drawer to the paint store for color matching.
- Use gel stains which go on opaquely to match solid color.
- Apply stain to test wood before committing to all new sections.
- Adjust color with additional coats if the first attempt is slightly off.
Custom mixing stains or using staining markers for touch ups can help you achieve a seamless match. Let the new sections fully cure before installing for an identical finish.
How to Create Stain Color Variation
While uniform staining keeps the look consistent, you can also intentionally create variation in the finish for added character:
- Use multiple stain colors, like lighter on door panels and darker on frames.
- Vary stain application, like brushing versus wiping, for depth.
- Distress cabinets after staining for a worn, antique look.
- Layer colored glazes over stain for more complex effects.
Test your technique on scraps first to perfect the look. Finish with a clear topcoat for protection. Decorative finishes like these show off the wood grain for added visual interest.
Stain Colors for Popular Wood Tones
Here are examples of stain shades that complement some common cabinet wood species:
| Wood Type | Complementary Stain Colors |
|---|---|
| Oak | Golden oak, red oak, dark walnut |
| Maple | Coffee, mahogany, ebony |
| Cherry | Merlot, crimson, cordovan |
| Walnut | Jacobean, espresso, black |
| Pine | Chestnut, reddish brown, honey |
The natural undertones of the wood influences the end result. Test stains to pick the perfect pairing.
How Long Does Stained Cabinetry Last?
The lifespan of stained cabinets depends on:
- Quality of preparation and application
- Durability of products used
- Amount of use and wear
With proper initial staining and ongoing maintenance, the finish can last 5-10 years or longer before needing a refresher. Using the most heavy-duty primer, stain and sealer will maximize longevity. Addressing wear, moisture damage or discoloration as it occurs will also extend the life of the finish.
Maintenance for Stained Cabinets
Simple maintenance helps stained cabinets retain their like-new appearance:
- Use cabinet cleaners and soft cloths to avoid abrasion.
- Reseal with fresh topcoat every 1-2 years.
- Avoid excessive moisture and repair any leaks.
- Touch up worn areas with staining pens.
- Refresh stain as needed to keep color vibrant.
With the right care, your stained cabinetry will stay beautiful while providing years of durable service.
Conclusion
Changing the stain color of cabinets is an affordable way to give your kitchen or bathroom a whole new look. With the right preparatory steps, products and techniques, you can transition from light to dark finishes or customize your cabinets with unique decorative effects. Take care in removing old stain, apply new colors carefully and seal with a protective topcoat. Maintain the finish properly and your transformed stained cabinets will look amazing for years to come.