How to Stain Old Cabinet Doors
- 1). Lay a large tarp on a workbench or floor of the room where you will stain the cabinet doors. Ideally, set up a sawhorse or drying rack where you can place your doors. If you don't have a sawhorse or drying rack, putting them directly onto the tarp will work as well. If possible, stain the doors outside. If you can't go outside, then open a window to ensure proper air ventilation while you are working.
- 2). Remove the doors from the hinges. Press the metal tab at the very back of the hinge and it will release the door from the plate. If your cabinet doors do not have clip hinges, pop them out of their hinges with a screwdriver, or unscrew the hinge directly from the plate. Place the doors on the workbench or floor.
- 3). Clean the doors thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris or stains that may have accumulated on the doors over the years. A simple solution of water and vinegar and a clean cotton cloth should work well, but for stubborn stains, use a product that contains trisodium phosphate.
- 4). Sand the doors with a medium-fine grit sanding cloth. Sand the doors until all of the surfaces are smooth. After sanding, wipe away the dust with warm water and a soft cloth.
- 5). Wipe a wood stain onto the doors using a white cloth. If there are areas that are scratched, gently rub the stain into the scratch to try to blend it into the rest of the door. For areas that are especially tight, you can apply the stain with a small paintbrush.
- 6). Wait for the stain to dry before apply a finishing varnish to the doors with a paintbrush. When the varnish dries, remove the doors from your work area and reattach the doors to the hinges. The stain and the varnish may take several hours to overnight to dry completely. Don't touch the doors until they are completely dry to avoid accidentally placing your finger prints on the new doors.
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