Give kitchen cabinets an inexpensive overhaul by exchanging their old knobs and handles for new ones. Just remove the screws holding the hardware in place, measure the distance between the screw holes (also known as the bore) and buy new hardware that fits.
To refinish cabinet doors, strip the wood and apply a penetrating stain. Stir the stain well, apply it, then rub it off with a cloth. The longer it stays on the wood, the darker it will be. Two days after applying the stain, apply two coats of polyurethane to bring out the grain of the wood and to protect it from kitchen grime. Do not shake the can as the resulting air bubbles will create an uneven finish. Let the finish dry at least six to eight hours.
Apply a pastel stain to unfinished cabinets, then decorate them with a stencil and a different colored stain. Apply the stencil only after the initial stain has dried. If desired, add a matching, contrasting or two-tone trim to the edges of the door.
Tip: Remove most center panels of raised-panel doors by popping them out from the back or by removing any screws holding them in place. Replace them with glass panels or, for a country look, with beadboard panels painted a contrasting color.
Resources Minwax Pastels
Minwax Pastel Wood Stain is available in Winter White, Summer Straw, Pale Grey and Slate Blue. Also available from Minwax: Minwax fast-drying polyurethane, Minwax Wood Finish, Minwax Wipe-On Polyurethane.
The Thompson Minwax Company
Website:
www.minwax.com
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