Restaining Kitchen Cabinets

Restaining kitchen cabinets takes some DIY knowledge and a bit of sweat equity, but it can be a great way to give your kitchen a simple, cost-effective makeover.

Step 1. Disassemble and Label Cabinets

The first step in restaining kitchen cabinets is to remove the doors from the cabinets and the cabinets from the wall. Before removing, be sure to label all cabinets and doors so that you will be able to re-install them in the correct locations and in the right order.

Step 2. Remove All Hardware

Next up, unscrew all hardware, including hinges, knobs and pulls, and keep them together in a bag or container.

Step 3. Strip the Finish

The next step is to strip the old finish from your cabinets and doors. Apply gel stripper with a paintbrush to one or two cabinet/door sets at a time (any more and the gel will dry out). Let the gel sit for 10 minutes or so until you see that the surface has bubbled and softened.

Step 4. Scrape the Cabinet Surface

Next, scrape the old surface with a scraper, in the direction of the grain. Scrape the old varnish into a container, and be sure to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. Scrub any stubborn spots with steel wool. Wipe down the stripped surface with a rag dipped in mineral spirits to remove any stripper residue, and wipe everything clean with a tack rag.

Step 5. Paint on the New Finish

When the doors and cabinets are fully dry, paint on the new finish in long, smooth strokes, then apply a second coat after six hours of drying. Next, apply at least two coats of protective polyurethane varnish to the cabinets, using a brush or paint sprayer. Apply one coat, let it dry for 24 hours, then apply another coat. Allow all surfaces to dry for 24 hours, then re-install the hardware.