How do I update golden oak cabinets?

Elizabeth
by Elizabeth
My golden oak kitchen cabinets are getting orange. How can I change the color without painting them? (my husband won't let me paint them).
  9 answers
  • Z Z on Feb 13, 2014
    Hi Elizabeth. My guess is your cabinets just have a clear coat. In that case you might be able sand that off and restain them using a gel stain. A gel stain works well when working on vertical surfaces so no worries about dripping when working on the cabinets, but will also work well in restaining the doors and drawer fronts. Other's might recommend just a light sanding and using a poly stain combo, but they are not easy to work with as they leave awful streaks unless you use a very light hand and lots of coats. Not worth the time in my opinion and I've been refinishing furniture for 30 years now.
  • Elaine Simmons Elaine Simmons on Feb 13, 2014
    I agree with Becky......I'll venture to guess that the varnish that was used was oil based which tends to yellow. You would almost have to sand the finish off and restain with a water based varnish. The other alternative would be to get rid of the husband .......just joking!
    • Z Z on Feb 13, 2014
      LOL @Elaine! Though I love using water based products, they don't always go on well after removing something oil based. I recently tried to do that to an MCM dresser and had to sand the new finish off. I've yet to stain the cabinet because I hate using oil based products. Luckily the dresser is walnut and looks pretty good as is. I'll be sharing that project as soon as the weather cooperates and I can open windows to finish it.
  • Michael Locke Michael Locke on Feb 13, 2014
    You might try a glaze. By definition a glaze is a layer of colorant between two layers of finish. You can buy glaze medium ready to tint, or you can simply use a gel stain as someone else mentioned. Since your cabinets already have a topcoat, absorption of the stain will not occur, so you can control the amount of color that you add by "moving" the stain around with you brush or rag. Once you have the color to your satisfaction, you simply reapply a topcoat. I prefer water based polyurethane like General Finishes High Performance.
  • SawHorse Design Build SawHorse Design Build on Feb 13, 2014
    I like the glazing idea if you don't plan to paint (Oak is not a great wood to paint anyway). Before you go full force into glazing the cabinets- do a test in a area that can't be seen. The back of a cabinet is a good place to test. There are also professionals that can help by applying a faux finish on them to give them a unique look.
  • Kara Spurlock Kara Spurlock on Feb 13, 2014
    My motto is it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission! I would catch my hubby gone on business and go for it! Let the paint party begin! ;)
  • Dee Dee on Feb 15, 2014
    Kara shame on you!!!! LOL But thats what i would do also, Prime and paint.
  • Vicki K Vicki K on Feb 16, 2014
    I want to paint my ugly stained and sealed cabinets and my son says "No Mother you are NOT! it is a nightmare!" And proceeds to tell me why. He thinks he knows everything. I don't see why I can't sand them, tack it off, paint a Kilz primer two coats if necessary, and two coats of latex paint, then a polycrylic. Lotsa work! I HATE THEM. What do y'all suggest?? I am like the questioner, only mine are two-toned uglier.
  • Dee Dee on Feb 16, 2014
    Vicki if you want to paint your cabinets go for it. I would not let my kid tell me what to do.Like Kara said it's easier to ask for forgiveness then permission
  • Int2363025 Int2363025 on May 14, 2016
    It is your kitchen... Your house....son is only visiting until ready to get his own place. But, answer to process in the painting from a professional painter. Yes, paint but, do it right. #1..wash and clean with tsp or soilex. #2..wipe as you go with liquid sandpaper..(as dull & bond) #3....prime with 1-2-3- Bin primer and Last use an oil base enamel. That's it. Enjoy... By using an oil base enamel you do not need a polyacrylic over the enamel. Never use latex paint. For a top coat .....will not hold up!