Looking for a color other than "Java" to stain my cabinets darker

Barb
by Barb
Has anyone ever used any other color except Java? I would like lighter cabinets than that. I currently have the "lovely" honey oak color and would like to go several shades darker but not as close to black as the Java.
  7 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Apr 29, 2016
    I have never used them ,however if you research Min Wax.com gel stains they do have a color chart on there site.
  • MN Mom MN Mom on Apr 29, 2016
    Hi Barb! Gel stains are available in different colors. If you go to a good paint department they should be able to show you the different options. If you are able to make it to Chanhassen, Debbie at Merlins Ace Hardware is a fabulous source for all things related to paints and stains. She is the owner of the store.
  • Con3711289 Con3711289 on Apr 29, 2016
    You can mix stains to get the color you want, as long as they're the same brand and formulation. I've mixed General Finishes Gel Stains in Java and Candlelight in various proportions to get the exact color I wanted. (Very dark, but warm and rich--not at all black.) When testing out your stains to see which you like best, make sure to apply it to the same finish you'll be using it on. I'd take off a cupboard door from a little-used cupboard and do your testing on the inside of it.
  • Judy Judy on May 01, 2016
    I always thought the Cherry cabinets were pretty.
  • Leah Schwaller Leah Schwaller on May 01, 2016
    I've been using Varathane brand. It's an oil based stain but I love it. My color is Kona; It's dark but not "black." I also like the Dark Walnut colors; lighter than Kona but still much darker than the honey, maple, oak, etc colors.
  • Barb Barb on May 01, 2016
    Sounds interesting. I'll have to look into it. Thanks!
  • Barb Barb on May 01, 2016
    I know there are other colors out there but any time anyone posts pictures they have always used Java. I just was wondering if anyone has used any other color for kitchen cabinets. If so, I would love to see a picture of how the somewhat lighter gel stains turned out.