Staining Oak Cabinets: Three Things to Consider

By Leslie A.M.
RefacingCabinet.com Columnist

Staining oak cabinets is a quick and easy way to give you a custom kitchen. If the once beautiful golden hue of oak kitchen cabinets now looks like a brassy yellow, then it's time for you to put the gloves on. Here are three questions to ask yourself to help you plan when staining oak cabinets.

1. Are You Staining Kitchen Cabinets to Change Your Kitchen's Style?

If you want to change the entire look, starting with the oak kitchen cabinets, then the color of the stain you choose can be any color of the rainbow. But remember, once you change the style of the cabinets, the other things might need to change too. Your French Country rooster collection looks out of place in a modern kitchen.

2. Is Stain the Best for Staining Oak Cabinets?

When staining any wood, remember that you can only go darker. If you want to go really dark or with a really saturated color, you might want to consider using a color pigment that is added to the stain, making it cover more like paint. Another successful solution is to use a tinted sealer with a top coat. Your paint or hardware store will have a selection of sealers that they can tint for you.

3. Will My Discount Cabinets Look Custom?

Anything you do to update stock kitchen cabinets makes them custom. After all, you have altered them to be uniquely your own. As long as your discount cabinets are not manufactured with veneer, staining oak cabinets can help you achieve the look of a custom kitchen. You can choose cherry, walnut, or other wood colors to apply to your oak kitchen cabinets and make them look more expensive.

While you're at it, update your hardware to complete the look and finish the new style.

 

About The Author

Leslie A.M. Smith is a freelance writer and desperately needs a new kitchen. Until she can afford it, she has her eye on refacing her cabinets.