How do I go about stripping off the varnish from kitchen cabinets?

Question

My kitchen is in need of a makeover. I have the old plain yellow looking pine cabinets and want to make them look like cherry. how do i go about stripping off the old varnish and poly and putting on a new darker stain? or would i be better off and replacing all of them with new? take in mind that this kitchen was built back in the 40's and has never been updated. i hate it so much.

Answer 1

You're in for a big job. Even if you strip all of the varnish, a stain will probably not take to the pine evenly. If you must have cherry-looking cabinets then I suggest replacing them. The other option is to wash them down with TSP (trisodium phosphate - found where paint supplies are sold) then lightly sand them. Prime them with a sealing primer like Kilz or Bin then paint them using a satin or semigloss paint.

Answer 2

the good thing about 60 year old varnish is that it will come off easily. start by removing doors and drawers and then the hardware from them. an orbital palm sander with a 100 grit sanding disk will do a great job of removing stain and varnish. be careful not to sand too much depending on what type of building materials were used( plywood is always veneered or layered and you might sand through the final layer) Some hand sanding will be required due to tight spaces like inside corners. Once varnish is gone, another round of sanding with a 180 grit will get wood smooth but rough enough to except stain. after stain a very light 220 sand is sometimes necessary followed by a coat of poly. sometimes people are leaving a little shade of the original stain when applying the new color for a cool effect. Do the sanding and staining in a well ventilated area. Rehang doors and drawers and add new updated hardware (knobs/hinges).

Answer 3

Best Way To Remove Varnish

Answer 4

Try sanding them with a power sander. Which if you dont have one you can rent them at a tool rental company they are very easy to use and cheap to rent. Or you can try a product called strip ease. Just make sure you either take them outside "really best" or open all the windows and doors of the house. You apply the product then just let it sit. Sometimes a few minutes sometimes an hour. Then go back and just wipe or scrape it all off.

Answer 5

I refinished my oak cabinets a few years ago. When we moved in they had that dark, almost black, finish. It was ugly!
Be warned. You are undertaking a HUGE job. I had no idea how long it would take or how much work it was. If I had known, I'd have hired someone.
I would recommend an electric sander. That will save you a lot of time but be prepared for sore fingers and wrists. Good luck, it will be worth it once you're finished!

Answer 6

Behr makes a Stain Remover that works very well. No Sanding required. Called 'No. 64 15 Minute Quick Fix Deck Finish Remover and wood Resurfacer'

Answer 7

It can be done with varnish remover but it is a big messy job. then you would have to sand them after that . New fronts are not that expensive I would check around and price them first.

Answer 8

There is no need to strip them if you use an oil based paint (preferrably a good brand like Benjamin Moore). Just give them a good sanding (along the grain) first. Oil based paints are different to work with though so you might need to read or ask a friend on application. Basically you paint it on, use a long stroke and then let it dry (1-2 days). You do not use more than a couple strokes when applying. No primer necesssary. Make sure you take hardware off first. You can leave doors attached if you want. Paint back of doors first.