Forget Painting - Discover Colored Stains for Cabinets

Tired of my dreary, dated oak cabinets, I contemplated just painting over the wood for an update. But once I learned about all the colorful options now possible with wood stains, I realized staining provided a much more customizable facelift for my kitchen. Without fully obscuring the handsome grain, stains allow you to transform cabinets affordably. Now I can enjoy a lighter, brighter kitchen with just a few coats of my new favorite white stain.

Unlike thick, opaque paint that covers wood's natural beauty, penetrating stains embrace the unique texture of wood. With properly prepped cabinets, you can incorporate any color from bold blues to muted grays while still showcasing the raw appeal of the grain below. And without the need for complete cabinet replacement or renovation, you can easily revive your kitchen over a weekend.

How Do Colored Stains Differ from Paint?

Paint sits on top of wood, completely concealing its natural color variations and patterns below a uniform matte or glossy layer. Stains, on the other hand, actually soak into the wood itself to infuse rich pigment. The wood pores absorb the stain, causing the color to emit from within instead of just coating the surface.

This means stained wood retains far more natural texture and depth than painted wood. You'll still see subtle knots, grains, and imperfections peaking through. The color won't be as flat and uniform as paint. But that's part of the rustic, Old World appeal that makes wood stains such a popular choice.

More Durable Option

In addition to a more aged, dimensional look, stains also prove more durable than regular paint. As long as the stain reaches all wood pores evenly during application, it becomes an integral part of the wood. So it won't chip, crack, or peel over time like painted coatings which merely cling to natural wood surfaces. Properly prepped and stained cabinets maintain their freshly updated look for years before needing restoration.

Lower Commitment Than Painting

Committing to a painted kitchen often requires completely stripping, sanding, and sealing the wood before applying multiple coats of durable paint formulated specifically for cabinets. If you later want to change the color, properly preparing the cabinets for a new shade becomes arduous.

Staining provides a much lower commitment option. You only need to firmly scuff up the existing finish to give the stain something to grip before wiping or brushing on your preferred color. Switching shades means just a light sanding rather than completely removing all previous layers first. If you like to redecorate frequently, staining proves more forgiving than painting.

Factors That Impact Stained Color on Cabinets

While staining may seem as simple as just opening a can and brushed it on, several key factors impact the end result:

• Wood Type - The natural moisture content and density of wood impacts how evenly and deeply stain penetrates. For example, oak readily accepts rich stains while pine can turn splotchy.
• Surface Texture - Highly textured or porous surfaces absorb more stain resulting in darker shades while smooth surfaces remain lighter. Conditioners help even out absorbency.
• Bare Wood Color - The natural undertones of wood before staining also affects the end hue. For example, reddish woods take warmer tones.
• Number of Coats - The more coats of stain applied, the darker and more intense the final color becomes.
• Brand Variances - Ingredient differences mean one cherry stain from one brand won't necessarily match the same name shade from another.

Test First for Best Results

With so many variables at play, it's nearly impossible to achieve an exact stain color match from the name alone. That's why it's critical to test out any stain on scrap wood pieces before committing your cabinets. Under the same lighting conditions and prep process, preview potential stain colors.

Preparing Cabinets for Colored Stain

Starting with an evenly sanded, clean surface is key for uniform stain penetration. Here's a step-by-step process:

1. Remove existing finish with chemical stripper or by sanding.
2. Thoroughly clean stripped wood to remove residue.
3. Sand surfaces in the wood grain direction with 120-150 grit paper.
4. Vacuum then wipe away all dust with a tack cloth.
5. Fill any cracks, holes, or imperfections with wood filler.
6. Allow wood filler to fully dry then sand smooth.
7. Test and confirm your stain color on a hidden spot before proceeding.

Conditioning for Tricky Woods

On extremely porous or uneven woods like oak, ash, and mahogany, consider using a wood conditioner/pre-stain before staining. These solutions partially seal the wood to allow for more controlled, even penetration. This prevents splotchy or uneven stain absorption.

Application Process for Stained Cabinets

With properly prepped cabinets, you're ready to stir (never shake) and apply stain. Note oil-based versions provide deeper penetration over water-based options. Carefully follow manufacturer instructions for dry times between coats. In general:

• Stir stain thoroughly before and during application.
• Use a high quality natural bristle stain brush for smoothest results.
• Maintain a wet edge as you apply stain to prevent lap marks.
• Brush along wood grains with smooth, even strokes.
• Apply multiple thin coats for best protection allowing proper dry time between each.
• Lightly sand then wipe clean between coats.
• Add additional coats until desired color depth is reached.
• Finish with a stain-compatible topcoat for added protection.

How Many Coats?

Every type of wood and stain combo responds differently. But most cabinets require at least three or four thin stain coats for adequate color depth and coverage. Remember to confirm the stain has fully cured between coats as indicated on the label before applying the next layer.

Special Considerations for Different Wood Types

While all wood can be stained, softer porous types readily accept rich pigment over harder dense options. Here's how some popular cabinet wood species respond:

Pine

Pine absorbs stain quickly allowing deep colors in just 1-2 coats. Its softness also shows distressing for a worn rustic aesthetic easily.

Oak

Oak's distinct open wood grains eagerly accept stain. The pores soak up pigment making it perfect for dark color tones.

Maple and Birch

Maple and birch wood has a fine, closed grain that prevents thorough stain penetration. Conditioners allow for more even absorption without splotchiness.

Hickory and Ash

Hickory and ash also feature wide open wood grains that absorb stain readily. Their hardness provides great contrast when distressed.

Most Popular Colored Stains for Kitchen Cabinets

While clear wood protection remains the most common, colored cabinet stains grow more popular by the day. Here are some favorite categories and shade options:

Neutrals

Off-white, warm grays, and lighter natural wood hues blend seamlessly into almost any kitchen design from modern to farmhouse. Brands like Minwax, Varathane, and General Finishes offer stains in popular neutral lines.

Blues

From weathered light blue gray to dramatic navy, blue stained cabinets make a gorgeous bold statement. Combining blue lower cabinets with white uppers embraces the latest two-toned trend.

Blacks

Inky ebony cabinets provide major drama and sophistication. Allowing wood grain to show through prevents the look from becoming too harsh and gothic.

Browns

Rich chocolate and cappuccino cabinets feel inviting and cozy. Browns in all tones complement both traditional and contemporary spaces flawlessly.

Distressing Techniques for a Rustic Look

Part of stained wood's charm comes from accentuating its natural nicks, patterns, and imperfections. Popping grain textures with wormholes and cracks transports cabinets rusticity. Target inner corners/edges around knobs or feet by:

• Gently chiseling divots and softened edges with specialty tools.
• Rubbing corners and edges with sandpaper to break stain layers.
• Dabbing on glazes or dark gel stains to shadow recesses.

You control the level of visible wear-and-tear. From almost undetectable accent marks to completely transitioning cabinets to salvaged barnwood charm.

Verifying Safety

When physically altering your cabinets, take care not to compromise their structural stability. Avoid excessively deep cuts or breaks that jeopardize framework integrity. Safety remains paramount.

Caring for and Maintaining Colored Stain Finishes

The stained wood pores don't seal completely smooth and sealed like paint. So your newly tinted cabinets require a bit more careful handling, especially right after staining. Here are some tips:

• Allow full 2-week cure time before replacing cabinet contents.
• Use coasters and trivets to protect from hot items.
• Immediately wipe up spills to avoid absorption stains.
• Clean with mild soap and water only.
• Apply paste wax for added moisture protection.
• Reapply stain as needed to refresh color.

Topcoat Options

While optional, most experts recommend applying one to two protective layers of polyurethane or varnish atop your cured stain. Water-based options allow stain to continue aging gracefully. Topcoats defend against fading and dirt buildup over time.

Depending on usage levels, staining maintenance falls between 3-5 years. Renew finish when color appears faded or splotchy. Luckily reapplication doesn't require completely stripping the existing layer.

Simply use 220-grit sandpaper to gently rough up the prior finish. Thoroughly wipe clean then applydesired new stain color. One to two fresh coats restores coveted richness.