Can you stain wood cabinets to a darker color?

Question

We are about to buy a place and the cabinets are a very light wood. Is it possible stain the cabinets to a darker color? The cabinets seem to be attached to the wall. Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes. You will need to remove any sealcoat (polyurethane, shellac, varnish etc) and then sand. Going darker is a lot easier than trying to get it lighter. You can remove the doors and stain the frames in place. Follow the directions on the stain container. I like the Minwax Polyshades since you stain and finishcoat in one step.

Answer 2

How To Stain Cabinets Darker

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Kristin hit it on the nose if you dont want to go through all the trouble of stripping all the original finish off. Just lightly sanding wont cut it, it will be blotchy if not properly removed. On the jobsites, we've simulated dark wood on metal by using gel stains, and you could do the same on cabinet doors. I like to thin my gel stain down so I can rag it on, and use the rag to create a grain type look. We've also had good results from merely spraying (if your setup in your garage for it with air tools) on multi thin coats of darker (cherry, mahogany.. etc) stain. Personally, thats what i would do to be cost effective and still have a nice finish.

Answer 5

Of course you can. All you have to do is strip the stain off them, which you can do with them on the wall. You will have to take off the doors and hinges to do this. Strip off the stain off cabinets and doors then re stain them in whatever shade you like. Messy, time consuming but for a very low cost you can change the whole look of the cabinets. I would also put a polyurethane coat over the cabinets once you stain them to protect them, just like you would a wood floor. Good Luck with this.

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Can you stain wood cabinets to a darker color?
We are about to buy a place and the cabinets are a very light wood. Is it possible stain the cabinets to a darker color? The cabinets seem to be attached to the wall. Thanks!

Answer 7

yes, first you need to sand down the cabinets, not completely just so they are rough so that they will accept color. second, you should get the desired color of stain from you hardware store and some foam brushes. make sure that the area is clean and dry before you use any product on it. apply one coat of stain evenly, wait for it to dry for about 10 min or so. wipe off the ecess with a lint free cloth, let dry for 4 to 6 hrs. "this is not a one day event" repeat these steps untill you get the color you want. after the last coat dries you should apply a polyurethane for added protection.

Answer 8

Tape you wall around the cabinets. Sand properly to remove all dirt and grease. The surface must be smooth. Then stain. You can add up a water varnish or varathane.

Answer 9

If you can find out the type of lacquer on the cabinets and get the same type you may be able to add a colour (Stain) to the lacquer and simply re-laquer.
This would save you having to sand all the old laquer off. But you need to make sure of the type of paint already on them. If you can remove a door and take it to a cabinetmaker they may be able to advise you.

Answer 10

Yes but you will have to take them down sand them and restain them.Its cheaper than replacing the ones that are there but its just the work to make those look better that sometimes people dont want to do.