DIY Kitchen Update for Under $200 - Before and After

ClutterBug
by ClutterBug
3 Materials
I updated my kitchen for under $200 with some Java gel stain and two cans of spray paint! The end results are amazing!
These original 1979 cabinets were in great shape, but a little too orange oak for my task1
I started by taking all the door off and staining them! No sanding or priming is required. I applied the stain with a brush, just like you would paint.
Because it is a stain, not paint, you can still see all the grain of the beautiful wood! Best part? No sanding, priming or prep work required.


I gel stained the cabinets with a Java stain to really update them on a budget
Love my new kitchen! Under $200 to update!
Suggested materials:
  • General Finishes Java Gel Stain   (Amazon)
  • Paint Brushes
  • Spray Paint for Handles
Frequently asked questions
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3 of 24 questions
  • Happygramma6 Happygramma6 on Dec 15, 2016
    Love the back splash, where did you get it?
  • Mary Ann Mary Ann on Jan 30, 2017
    How did you do the molding without messing the ceiling? Thank you
  • Lisa Sansivero Lisa Sansivero on Feb 16, 2017
    I LOVE what you've done here. But my hubby wants to know if the sides of your cabinets are wood or veneer? He is concerned that the gel won't stick to veneer.
Comments
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4 of 50 comments
  • Jill Clontz Jill Clontz on Jan 28, 2017
    I was going to paint my kitchen cabinets black this weekend with a black paint. I want the cabinets to look deep black. Would the stain give me the same deep black color?
  • Sharon La Tour Sharon La Tour on Feb 12, 2017
    Cassy, I just love it! Looks so great!(i'm one of your YT Subs) Wonder if the gel would work on metal cabinets? I have some older metal cabinets, vintage and I just love them
    • See 1 previous
    • Sharon La Tour Sharon La Tour on Feb 19, 2017
      Hi Mr. Ranney. Thanks for your idea. We've had this older home for 5 years. i'm not sure who installed them. how would I find out? The house was built in the late 1950's , early 1960's. :)
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