via Rockler
One of the most popular questions I have received over the years is what are the best products and staining tips for changing the stain color of my cabinets? I have learned that there are many of you that have no interest in painting your cabinets with paint and prefer a stain finish. However, I also know that several of you are interested in changing the stain color (maybe going darker/tone down the warmth/gray or almost black stain). Today I wanted to finally tackle this subject and share our best tips for staining cabinets or re-staining to change the color.
This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.
Whether you’re interested in staining your kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanity or media cabinets in your home, the great news is that it’s pretty easy to do and with the right products and stain, I have been so blown away with the professional results that we have seen on our client projects and in my own home.
Over the years, I have pretty much tried every stain product on the market and nothing compares to General Finishes Java Gel Stain (oil-based). This is not a sponsored post in any way and I can pretty much tell you that from our experience and talking with other paint/DIY bloggers, General Finishes Java Stain is one of the top stain products on the market. It’s so easy to work with, goes on smooth and the finish looks so professional. I also love their color selections as well.
Choosing the Perfect Stain Color
The good news is that today, there are so many great colors to choose from when it comes to re-staining cabinets versus even five years ago. Another reason I love General Finishes stains is they have a fantastic color selection of stains that are updated and shades that I am seeing in new homes today.
via General Finishes
One of the prettiest trends I have been seeing in new homes is the mix of painted cabinets and stained wood (I will be talking more about cabinetry trends next week and I will link it here.)
In this home below from Silverhawk Homes that I saw during the Salt Lake Parade of Homes, all the cabinetry was painted white and accents and open shelving was light stained wood.
In the Magelby Construction home, I fell in love with the mix of painted and stained kitchen cabinets. I love this look and I think we will be seeing a lot more of the this trend and mix of painted cabinetry and stained wood.
Dark almost black/ebony cabinets is a beautiful shade and another trend that I have also been seeing in new homes. In this home below, the island was a dark stain and kitchen cabinets were painted a cream color.
If you want to tone down your cabinets because they are too red or warm, look for ash colored stains or even test the gray colors. Gray wood tones with a very slight hint of warmth are stunning.
If you want to add additional definition to your cabinets, a trick is to glaze corners and lines in an almost black stain and wipe off excess stain.
It’s so important to test the stain color first on a hidden spot on your cabinets just to be sure that the color is exactly what you’re looking for.
Preparation
The most important part of staining cabinets is the prep work and I cannot stress that enough! Don’t freak out, it’s not a lot of prep work but there are some things you need to do to prepare cabinetry for re-staining.
#1 Remove all of the hardware and remove doors from the hinges.Â
It’s a little extra work but trying to stain cabinetry on the hinges is a recipe for disaster. It works best if you can evenly apply the stain and wipe on flat surface.
#2 Clean the Surface
You will need to clean off and remove years worth of residue/oils and grime in order to fully prepare the cabinet surface for stain. Denatured alcohol mixed with water (50/50 mix) on a fine grit sanding sponge will remove all oils, grime and take the edge off the old finish to help you prepare the cabinets. I use this fine grit sanding sponge below:
via Amazon
You’ll want to wear plastic gloves for this part and keep in mind, this is just a light sanding with the alcohol just to clean and remove grime. You do not want to sand down to expose the wood. Just a light and easy sanding with the alcohol to prepare the surface.
#3 Dry the Surface
After you’ve cleaned the cabinets, you will want to dry them with a lint-free cloth and allow the surface to air dry at a minimum of 30 minutes. The stain will not work if the cabinets have any moisture on them.
I use lint-free towels designed for cleaning glass like this below for all of my projects. 
via Amazon
Applying the Stain
While every stain product has different application instructions, for this post and tutorial, I am giving instructions on using an oil-based gel stain like the Java Gel Stain from General Finishes that I use. While there are water-based stains on the market, I prefer to use oil-based for cabinets because they are generally high-traffic pieces that get a lot of wear. Oil-based is the most durable finish to hold up to the highest of traffic.
If you are using anything other than an oil-based gel stain, you’ll want to read the product instructions.Â
1) Stir the Stain ThoroughlyÂ
As you prepare to begin, make sure that you stir the stain thoroughly. Often times the color will settle at the bottom on the can. Use a paint stir stick to gently stir and mix.
2) Choose Your Brush
The only technique that I like to use when it comes to staining is that I brush on the gel stain and then I remove the stain with a lint-free cloth or a paper towel versus just painting on the stain and allowing to dry. I do the wipe off technique in 2-3 layers with drying time in between because I personally think the finish looks better this way and I have more control. If you are doing this technique, it really doesn’t matter what type of brush you use and even a foam brush would work because you’re simply getting a good layer of stain on then removing.
Foam brushes like this below work great:
via Amazon
If you prefer just to paint on the stain and allow to dry, I would recommend using a brush specifically for oil-based stains.
3) Applying the Stain
As you begin to apply the stain, you’ll want to generously cover the area. In other words, you’ll want just enough stain to cover the area you’re working but you don’t want too much to the point that it’s running or dripping. Just a thin layer that covers.
4) Wipe Off the Stain Immediately
Gel stains can dry fairly quickly so after a few minutes, you will want to begin wiping off your stain fairly quickly. If you’re working on doors, probably about the time you have added the stain fully to the door, you’ll want to go ahead and begin wiping off. If you’re working on cabinet bases or an kitchen island, give yourself about 5 minutes to apply the stain and then go back and begin wiping off.
Again, I use the lint-free glass cleaning cloths to wipe the stain off but you can also use paper towels.While paper towels are ok in a pinch, these cloths are gentler and help to give a smoother finish from my experience.
You will want to wipe in the same direction as the grain and you will want to use medium pressure. You don’t want to wipe too hard that you wipe all the stain off but you do want to get the excess off.
5) Drying in Between Layers
It’s very importantly that you allow enough drying time in between your layers of stain. General Finishes recommends a full 24 hours and I agree. Anything less could run the risk of a gummy finish. Also, I always dry cabinets/doors inside to make ensure that the temperature is just right. Unless you are certain that the temperature in your garage is going to stay above 70 degrees with 50%-70% humidity, than you can dry in the garage.
6) Deciding on How Many Layers
If you’re making a very slight color change, you can probably get away with two layers of stain with drying in between. If you’re making a significant color change, you should be good with three layers.
Top Coat
Unlike oil-based enamel type paints where you do not need a top coat, you will absolutely need a top coat when using a gel stain. If you are using an oil-based stain, you’ll want an oil-based top coat. I also recommend that you stick with the top coat of the brand of stain that you are using. It’s much safer this way because products are designed to be work well when used together. I have often heard from readers that they switched brands on the top coats and had problems. You’ve worked hard on your stain and I would highly recommend playing it safe and sticking with the same brand.
For the General Finishes Java Gel Stain, I use the General Finishes Arm-R-Seal in satin. I NEVER use semi-gloss and gloss. Matte and flat stained cabinetry is what we are mainly seeing today in new homes and I recommend that you do NOT add any shine to stain cabinets. If you are tempted to make your cabinets semi-gloss or glossy, please send me an email first so I can talk you out of it! 😉
via Amazon
1) Stir, stir and Stir…
Be sure sure and stir your top coat thoroughly with a paint stick. Really, really important!
2) Applying Top Coat over Stain
I use a foam brush to evenly and smoothly apply a top coat. Again, you’ll want just enough product to cover but not to the point of running.
3) Drying Time
General Finishes recommends 12-24 hours of drying time in between layers for the top coat. I usually stick to the lower end and have not had any issues. Also, General Finishes recommends three coats but I only do two and have never had any issues as well.
If you are using the General Finishes Java Gel Stain and Top Coat, the General Finishes website has fantastic instructions to walk you through each step that I may have missed here. All you do is scroll down below the product here and you will see the instructions.
Also, you can get General Finishes stain at Rockler if you have one near you or online and they have a REALLY fantastic video online showing you in detail how to apply the stain here (it’s kind of hidden but just scroll down and look right below the product image and you’ll see video).
I think I covered everything that I can think of. Next week I will be talking more about trends that I have been seeing in new homes the last year when it comes to stains. If you’re need more inspiration, that post will be loaded with great colors and ideas to help you. I will also link it here when it goes up.
Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Cheers!
Cyndy Aldred is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.***
Julie says
Have used General Finished on a kitchen table and it has held up well. Have you ever used it on indoor teak furniture?
Cyndy says
That’s good to hear that your piece that you previously used General Finishes has held up well. I have been so impressed too by how well our projects have held up as well. I have never stained teak but I don’t see why this same process and products wouldn’t work. General Finishes is really great about responding to emails/questions, I wouldn’t hesitate to ask them if there is anything you should know prep-wise about staining teak. I have outdoor teak chairs that only need a top coat and I’m going to have to email them myself to find out what top coat to use. Thanks for your note! 🙂
Mary says
Great information! Do you need to sand between layers of the topcoat?
Cyndy says
Thanks Mary! I do just a very very light sanding with a very fine grit sanding sponge just to take the edge off in between layers to smooth things out (any raised brush ridges, ect..). For General Finishes Arm-R-Seal top coat, they recommend this: “Finish sand between coats with a fine-grade (220-320) foam sanding pad or 400-grit sandpaper to improve smoothness and adhesion.”, which is basically what I do. Thanks for your note. 🙂
Gloria Anderson says
Oh my gosh, Cyndy – was planning to paint my cabinets white (which is what I’d prefer) but I am doing it to sell my house and staining would be so much easier/cheaper. However I am staining oak cabinets (yep, circa 1991) and am wondering what would look best on top of that? I have always been a gray girl, even when it wasn’t popular. The walls are Sherwin Williams Passive (you helped me pick this!) – white trim on woodwork. Kitchen on one end of “bowling alley” ( aka open floor plan) and fireplace on the other end 🙂
Thanks!
Gloria
Susan - saf affect says
This seems simpler than having to strip the existing stained finish. However, how does the gel stain penetrate if the old surface of the existing stain / finish isn’t actually removed (simply cleaned and scuffed)? Is it that the gel stain sort of sits on top of the existing finish? Thank you!
Cyndy says
Yes! The gel stain sits on top almost like a glaze I guess would best describe it. That’s why a really strong oil-based top coat is so critical when it comes to gel stains. 🙂
Kelly Krupp says
Hi Cyndy,
This article has great info! We have cherry wood stock cabinets – reddish tone. Wonder how light you think we can take them? I like the American oak or nutmeg colors – do you think one of those would work?
Thank you!
Kelly
Denise says
Do you think I can Gel Stain cherry stained cabinets a lighter color, like gray? If the stain sits on top as stated above, seems like it would work? I am not in love with my stock cherry cabinets and have been considering white paint but this seems soooo much easier! I’m all for easy.
Cyndy says
Yep! I think you could at least go one shade lighter Denise if you used the gray, maybe close to two shades lighter with a good three layers?. I would sample/test the backside of one of the cabinets to see if you’re happy with the results. Keep me posted if you decide to do it!
Debbie says
Great info, Cyndy, thanks so much for sharing.
Shari Derisley says
Cyndy, would this process work over painted surfaces as well? I’m contemplating redoing my dining room chairs that have a black painted factory finish on them. Am I better off repainting them? Love your style! Thank you
Tammy Rodgers says
i Love the color stain in the photos on this particular article. Do you know if it was the Java stain used.? I too have cherry cabinets and want to redo them
Cyndy says
Hi Tammy! I took the pictures during the Parade of Homes just to show the possibilities (and color inspiration) of stained cabinetry. Not sure if Java stain was used on any of them but from my experience with the stain, you would see very similar results and colors. All the cabinets shown in the post are also all matte finishes, which you can achieve by doing the layers and then wiping off. I hope that helps! 🙂
Wendy Thoen says
we recently had new laminate floors put in our house. The trim used around the bottom of the cabinets and thru out the rest of the house is also some kind of laminate. What do you do with the trim under the cabinets when you paint or stain them? I don’t think that the trim will hold paint or stain.
Cyndy says
I hate to say this but you would match the trim to the stain color. However, you may be able to get away with painting the trim white if the door trim/molding throughout the space is white. I had it that way in my living room with my media cabinets when I had stained cabinets and I thought it worked. Good luck!
Chelsey says
Will this gel stain work on painted cabinets or any painted surfaces? Our drawer fronts and doors are stained light and the rest of the actual cabinets are painted an awful peach color!
Cyndy says
I actually think it will but I think on the painted part, you will need to do a little more sanding. I would email General Finishes and ask them what you need to do to prep the painted part for stain. I’m thinking for sure you would need to use a deglosser. I also think you would need at least 3 layers but I do think it would work. I would LOVE for you to let me know how it worked and any additional steps General Finishes recommended.
Linda says
Hi Cindy,
I have always used Minwax. How does it compare to General Finishes?
I plan to refinish my oak cabinets from a golden pecan to a darker stain. Don’t I have to strip off the lacquer finish first then sand, stain and farnish.
Cyndy says
For the application you’re describing, I would recommend using Minwax. Minwax has a penetrating stain that is fantastic for re-staining that goes past the lacquer/top coat. However, I would still sand the edge off of the cabinets with a sanding sponge before applying. Minwax has a 2 in 1 product that is a penetrating stain and it seals all at the same time. I would use that. I would also test the backside of a door first to get your technique down for applying. I hope that helps! 🙂
Teresa Patrick says
I want to stain using genera finishes over some golden oak. I tested painting on and wiping off but am having trouble with corners and edges where the stain pools. Any tips on wiping off on these areas? I really don’t like just leaving the thick painted on stains.
Cyndy says
A quick trick that I use is to use a dry 1/2″ paint brush (or foam brush) to go over corners and under edges after about 5-10 minutes as the stain begins to set to remove excess and smooth. I hope that helps. 🙂
Betty says
I read somewhere that you can apply get stain on top of cabinets that are painted. I want to do just the top of a stand alone older cabinet that has a wood too that has been painter white. Is this possible. I can no longer find the link about it.
Cyndy says
You can Betty but I’m not exactly sure what product would be the best to use. What you are talking about is using the stain like a glaze. I know for sure you can do it with milk paint with General Finishes and I did a post on using General Finishes here: https://www.thecreativityexchange.com/2015/10/general-finishes-milk-paint-what-and-how.html However, what you would do is use the milk paint as a glaze on a dry brush and swipe on in layers. I know that people have done it with traditional gel stains from Min-wax as well but I’m not sure of the technique and top coat. I would think you would need to do some very light sanding on the paint just to take the edge off and make it more accepting of the glaze. I hope this helps. Thanks!
Anna says
Could you use this technique on baseboards? Or old hardwood dressers? Or is it best to do it the hard way?
Kelli says
I was planning to paint my cabinets white because I didn’t know about gel stain and thought painting was my only option to change the finish. Anyway, I have already painted with one coat of primer, can I still use the gel stain over the primer or will I need to strip the primer?
Cyndy says
Hmmm… That’s a good question. I think if you sanded the primer as much as you could and still see some wood grain, it may work but I’m just not sure. I would test it on the back side of a cabinet. It just depends on how much wood grain is showing. I would wipe the gel stain on and then brush off with a dry brush to see how it looks. It may give you a nice look but it will depend on your technique with the gel stain. The only way to know with certainty is to try it. Let me know how it goes! 🙂
Celia says
What is the finish color used in the first kitchen picture on this post? I have white washed oak cabinetry in my kitchen and entertainment area ala 1990 and I desperately need to update the color.
Sonja says
I followed your post to a T and the cabinets look great except that the gray stain looks very blue. Is there anything can do to bring out more of a gray tone? I have not applied the clear coat yet. I appreciate any help. Thanks!
Cyndy says
Sorry that I’m just now responding Sonja! I have been on spring break all week. As for your cabinet stain, you must have a lot of natural light if your cabinet stain is leaning blue. If you mix with a stain color with more ash and warmth, you should be able to offset the blue leaning. I would test some different combinations on a board and look in the same light to get the exact color you have in your mind. I hope that helps! 🙂
Marsha Jamison says
Thanks very much for this information! A question regarding prep: My stained cabinets are old and nicked in heavy use areas (especially around door handles), and in some places the wood is exposed as a result. I’d hoped to repair and and/or sand them down before staining but am concerned about even application of the color. Is there something I can do to prepare exposed or filled wood for staining?
Cyndy says
There are wood fillers that are specifically designed for staining that will not give an uneven finish unlike traditional wood fillers. I would for sure look at those at Lowe’s and fill in where you can. Talk with the folks at Lowe’s and ask them to show you which ones work best for staining. I hope that helps.
Lynn Roberts says
Hello Cyndy,
Such an informative post!
My question has to do with the counter tops on the island in the 3rd photo. What is the name of the bluish counter? I love the flowing design! Im assuming it’s granite.
Thanks for your reply!
Linda manning says
Can you use this stain over painted cabinets.If so what kind of prep?
Dawn says
I have a unique, knotty pine kitchen and brick kitchen. The previous owners put in a luxury plank vinyl floor (12×24 planks look like concrete). The knotty pine has a bit of an orange tint. The cabinets are also knotty pine and very well built. I also have a huge window and bench seat (40+inches deep by 72 wide) I am teetering on painting the knotty pine walls and cabinets and/or using a stain. Ive used java gel before and loved it. I wish general finishes made a white or ivory stain. I want to lighten the kitchen some any recommendations? I know that’s hard to envision without pictures.
Terri Guillen says
I was wondering were did you get the gray and chrome bar stools?
Tashina says
I’m so glad I found this post. I was going to paint my cabinets but now I’m thinking about this. My cabinets are in great shape, they are just a cherry wood with a glossy finish. I am wanting a grey matte finish. Do you think that could be achieved? Also, how does this hold up? I’m terrified that I’m going to ruin my cabinets just because I dont like the color.
Tina says
When I started applying the top coat, the stain was been wiped away from the cabinet. Please advise.
Cyndy says
Hi there! I would need more information to be able to help. Did you sand first? Thanks!
Sheryl Ferenczi says
I have glazed maple cabinets that I would love to do something else with. Does the above tutorial apply to glazed cabinets? If so, is there anything different I would need to do? Thank you!
Kari says
Great post! We’ve been struggling with what to do with your kitchen cabinets in our new home. They are in good condition, but have some minor wear and tear. The color is a bit too warm for our liking and don’t want to paint as we have young children. Can you tell me what General Finishes Gel Stain was used to obtain the beautiful warm gray cabinets in the bathroom picture above? Was it “Gray” or “Ash Gray”? We have some practice project pieces I’m itching to try this technique out and hopefully we can address the cabinets after that!
Thanks in advance!
weixiang yang says
Hello, Cindy:
I like the color of the kitchen cabinet in your third and the fourth picture (kind of brown). Is that a GF gel stain color as well? Could you tell me the name of the color please? It looks so good. I really want to use this color for my dated oak cabinet. Thank you so much!
Wei
Paul E. Little says
Question about the stain “gray wash”.; on maple cabinets. What stain do you use? What is the process used to create the look? What sealer (top coat) do you recommend?
Cathy Moorman says
Hello… 2 questions … We have maple vanity & cabinet I’d like to use the gray on. AND I’m planning on buying new doors to update. Will the colors be totally different from maple finish & on the new doors they’re unfinished.Would a darker stain come out best???
Marilyn altenbach says
I have golden oak cabinets from 1995, very nice, but still golden oak! All of them are wood except for the sides. They’re probably laminate. How are those treated?
Thank you!
Melissa Edman says
Thank you for your post. I’m in the process of adding on to our main floor (dedicated dining space, larger living room), and everything will be open in one big great room. I want to go with more of the ashy medium tones in the addition, but my kitchen cabinets are cherry with a dark warm stain. To lighten them up, and cool down the tone, will I need to completely sand off the original finish? And if so, if you could recommend the best products to facilitate the process, I would appreciate it!
Christy Krieger says
Hi. I love the gray vanity and the color of the walls in your bathroom. Would you be able to share what color paint you used? Following the tips for the vanity. Would you mind sharing what color you used on the walls? Thank you!
anjnett says
I want to have my kitchen cabinets go from natural wood to white, but I do not want it to peel later after use. How much coverage does the white stain give? The picture on this site of the white cabinets look like paint. Is it paint or stain?