Drip marks on new kitchen cabinets

Kemberly Boston
by Kemberly Boston
I did this my self and I really don't want to start over, I used the stain and varnish mix in the yellow can, should I use thinner or sand? Help!
  10 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Sep 15, 2015
    I think the only way to do this is to resend and start again. Sorry. But a few questions for you were the cabinets free of any debris what did you use on them?
  • Kemberly Boston Kemberly Boston on Sep 15, 2015
    I used minwax polycolor, its in a blue can not yellow I was mistaken, I did them while they were still building so probably weren't free from debris
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Sep 15, 2015
    Im sorry for that but I would reach out to minwax for assistance.But I think that is the answer.Good luck and keep posted.
  • Kemberly Boston Kemberly Boston on Sep 15, 2015
    Thanks so much
  • Z Z on Sep 15, 2015
    Janet is correct. You will need to sand, but you may not have to completely start over. I recommend a fine grit sand paper. Go over it sanding WITH the grain. Have a tack cloth or micro fiber cloth near by to removed dust often so you can see what you've removed. Doing it this way, you may not have to remove it all, but just add another thin coat or two according to my directions below. If at all possible remove the doors and lay on them on a flat surface in a dust free area that's climate controlled. Though I don't think this problem had anything to do with dust, it's always wise to avoid it when staining wood. If you have to, close off the room with plastic sheeting using painters tape to attach it to the wall above the door with a bit to hold it closed on either side. The pictures suggest you used a heavy hand when spraying, which is what caused it to run. You can have a similar problem when spraying a flat surface, only then it puddles. To keep that from happening again, it's always wise to do a number of light coats, letting each coat dry according to the instructions on the can, before doing another coat. Please let me know if you have any other questions. My hubby and I have a wood work shop in our basement an I've been refinishing furniture for over three decades. I'm no where near a pro, but I do have a lot of experience.
    • See 7 previous
    • Z Z on Sep 16, 2015
      @Kemberly, I hope the rest are all for happier things you've done in your home. If you're not sure, come to us first. There's a wealth of information here on Hometalk.
  • Janet Jones Janet Jones on Sep 15, 2015
    You might want to use a satin finish instead of high gloss, and take the doors off to stain them and put back on when dry.
  • Shari Shari on Sep 15, 2015
    Stain is very thin and, as you have discovered, it will run and drip like crazy if you are not careful. As Becky mentioned, it is best to work with the doors laying flat so gravity is not making the stain run. Also, when I have worked with stain, the directions usually tell you to let it sit for 5-10 minutes and then wipe off the excess with a rag. Wiping away the excess stain will also keep it from dripping. I find stain to be very finicky. (That's why I prefer paint!) You might want to practice on a scrap piece of wood so you can get the feel of working with stain before you continue on with your cabinets.
  • Nikki Nikki on Sep 16, 2015
    Well only thing is if its sticky dont wipe brush it or use whatever used to apply to feather in excess unless its reg. Stain that you rub on with a cloth but not if it has a varnish or sealer in it .one other thing i find the sponge rollers ( do rec.the doors to be removed with roller or any application really) but sponge rollers are easier to apply paints and stains just my few cents good luck with your cabinets they do look nice besides the drip areas .;-)
  • Mary Mary on Sep 16, 2015
    Did you take the cabinets off to stain? Then let dry?
  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on Jun 09, 2016
    Here's an easy solution: hand sand with 220 grit paper (with the grain) then use Minwax wipe on polyurethane in a satin finish. It's so much easier to apply and gives a wonderful finish. (wear gloves and use an old sock) Best of luck.