Staining cabinet doors?

Sharon
by Sharon

I have stripped paint/varnish off kitchen cabinet doors wanting to try and go back to natural wood. There are stains in the wood and I’m wondering if I can fix this or should I just paint them?

then if I paint them.....what is a neutral color?

im not planning on painting the pantry and two walls have wood paneling.

This kitchen has been a big project all inspired from this site!

  13 answers
  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Aug 15, 2020

    I would opt for painting these. Since there are already some stained wood doors in the kitchen, I would certainly not try to try to match the stain. Depending upon how dark you want to go, I am thinking an off white or cream or if you would like darker, a gray. Now, I have to ask...is that an orange Disney wristband in the picture?

  • Janice Janice on Aug 15, 2020

    Hi Sharon, since you've gone to so much work to get all the paint removed and you're down to bare wood, it seems a shame to then paint. I found a couple of videos that may help you decide. I hope these are of some assistance to you.


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-2uPWu1Uro


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjwgaADLr9w

  • Nan W. Nan W. on Aug 15, 2020

    Sharon: Oh my... you've already done a lot of work!


    I think you have a "problem" and are destined to paint. You may even want to apply a KILS primer first -- because of the stains. Then.. two coats of GOOD latex paint. (Treat the cabinets gently for about a month -- while the paint "cures.")


    Neutral colors: CREAM, GREY, WHITE, BLACK, TAUPE


    ...and, why not "go big?" Paint that paneling the same color! (UNLESS you chose black). Painting paneling is super easy... and will totally awaken a room!

  • I don't think you'll be able to even-out the look with stain. Paint is your best option. Neutral colors - white, cream, gray.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Aug 15, 2020

    Hi! Unfortunately, my experience has been that when the wood has marks like that, unless you get really lucky with your sanding, you either need a dark stain, or more likely, to seal the wood (so the stains don't bleed through the paint) with a good sealer like Kilz, and paint. A creamy white would go nicely with all the wood you now have. If you like gray, a pale gray would be lovely and a little more sophisticated. Good luck and stay safe!

  • Cindy Cindy on Aug 15, 2020

    Hello Sharon. Start with a good primer (Kilz would be a good choice). Then the staining will not show on the finished product. And then a couple coats of paint. Wait for each coat to dry before adding the next one. I would pick a color that goes with your existing decor. I would go with a light gray that works with your granite. Once the paint is dry, seal them. Good luck Sharon.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Aug 15, 2020

    I think sanding would be the next step. If you still have ugly wood then prime and paint with a cabinet specific formula.

  • Lauren of Mom Home Guide Lauren of Mom Home Guide on Aug 16, 2020

    You could try priming and painting with products from General Finishes. They make products specifically for painting cabinets. You can see how I used their primer and milk paint to paint oak kitchen cabinets: https://momhomeguide.com/best-way-paint-kitchen-cabinets/

  • Simple Nature Decor Simple Nature Decor on Aug 16, 2020

    I would use a paint wash that has a similar color.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Aug 16, 2020

    Hello,

    You could try bleaching it, but my guess is you will have to stain the colour of the darkest stain or otherwise paint. Best of luck!

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Aug 31, 2020

    A lot of times sanding works wonders ... it for sure will help

  • Deb K Deb K on Aug 03, 2021

    Hi Sharon, hope this helps you, Make a paste of salt and water and apply it to the stained wood. With a clean and wet towel, rub the paste into the stains gently. Keep rubbing the stains till the stains vanish. Next, wipe the paste away from the stains and repeat till the stains are completely removed.