How do I refinish natural colored wood kitchen cupboards?

Joe Watson
by Joe Watson

Our Kitchen Cubboards still look nice but are getting a little worn looking to me. How would I restain these the same color? What would I do first to get them ready? I do not want to change the present stain color I just want to refresh them? looking forward to reading your comments. Any photos you have would be great, too! Joe

  9 answers
  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Dec 23, 2018

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


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


    Merry Christmas Joe

    See if either of the above ideas help you

  • Rose Broadway Rose Broadway on Dec 23, 2018

    Joe, look these popular videos over and it will help you decide exactly what color you're going for, then will take you through it step by step! Your kitchen is beautiful, I like the layout!


    https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=refinish+kitchen+cabinets

  • DesertRose DesertRose on Dec 23, 2018

    White or gray color is real popular right now and you could chalk paint them to one of those colors. You only need to wash the cupboards to be able to chalk paint them. It does need a finish over it like polyurethane or molyurethane. Hope this helps Joe. You have a beautiful kitchen and there is a lot of potential to upgrade the color!

  • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on Dec 23, 2018

    I understand, I love natural blonde wood. I can't see details, but it looks like your stain is fine. All you should need is to refinish the polyurethane coating. For this, you will still need to remove the doors and hardware, sand lightly with extremely fine grit sand paper, then put a thin coat of Varethane over the cabinet doors. Make sure to do this in a dust free environment so that you minimize imperfections in the varethane.

  • Jeanette Jeanette on Dec 23, 2018

    I love the natural cabinetry as it is not overdone or trendy. If you painted the walls a vibrant shade that echoes the granite, with bright accessories, it would be so beautiful. Next thing you know, dark and/or chalk painted cabinets will be out of style and natural will be in.

  • Oliva Oliva on Dec 23, 2018

    Hi, Joe,

    Love your kitchen lay out and color!

    I agree with Laura re: starting with a 330 grit sanding block/paper, and moving down to a 220 if warranted. Be sure to vacuum dust and tack cloth well before sealing. I'd sand very lightly and tack cloth again between coats, as well.

    Making long, slow, light strokes with your brush will ensure there are no visible brush marks or bubbles.

    Given the degree of sun that appears in your photo, you may wish to consider a Marine grade poly such as used on boats.

    Whoever designed your kitchen really understood the needs of serious cooks/bakers.

    Happy Holidays.

  • Joe Watson Joe Watson on Dec 24, 2018

    regarding Laura and Oliva comments. First thank you for the compliment on the kitchen area. When I have tried to find a color with Benjamin Moore Paints I was not successful with the stain they recommended. It really made no differance on the surface. I did not sand them down however and that scares me a little - because it sounds like a professional should be doing it. And, as we are in the process of selling and having open houses I do not want a big mess. Got any thoughts to liven them up and still keep the same finish but make them look a little newer. The entire room is very open however Sun is not a factor as it faces away from the Sun.

    Look forward to your comments. would it help for me to do a closeup of what of the cupboard doors and attach it to the next note?


    I hope this note finds all of you are having a very nice Christmas.

    joe

    • See 1 previous
    • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on Dec 30, 2018

      Hi Joe! Sanding is a little messy but not a professional job. Especially just light sanding.

      However, if you just need to brighten the cabinets there are two different products I've used successfully. Amish wood milk is my first choice. I am amazed at the results on an old and neglected antique table. I was a skeptic before using. The other product is orange oil. It comes in many brands. It smells great and looks good for a bit.

  • Cherry Cherry on Mar 02, 2021

    So jealous of your kitchen, mine has the same kitchen when the house was built 102 years ago. 😂😠

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on May 31, 2021

    You can paint them ... they do have paint bundles for diy cabinet painting