Can you stain kitchen cupboards that are not wood?

C
by C
I have a house that was built in 2007. The kitchen cupboards look like wood but are actually a wood picture fastened to chipboard. Mine are a Maple or light Oak color and I would like to stain them Cherry. Is there any way to do this or any tricks in doing this?

  5 answers
  • 17335038 17335038 on Apr 03, 2018

    Sorry, but the answer is No. Since the cupboards are not real wood, they cannot be stained. The synthetic surface will not be able to absorb the stain the way real wood fibres do. As you described them, they are most likely laminate. Laminate is not real wood, so it can not be stained.

    If you have your heart set on cherry wood, then my suggestion would be to save up and to purchase new cupboard doors. Purchasing new doors and mounting in place over the existing cupboards is called 'refacing'.

    • C C on Apr 04, 2018

      Thank you. Not the answer I was hoping for but the one I was afraid of. Never had cupboards that weren't REAL wood before. Oh well, guess I will make due until I either move or have to replace them.

  • Kelly Denoyer Russell Kelly Denoyer Russell on Apr 03, 2018

    Look into Gel Stains.

    • See 1 previous
    • Kelly Denoyer Russell Kelly Denoyer Russell on Apr 04, 2018

      They are a little scarey at first because there are several steps and before you put the glaze on it doesn’t look very good but don’t freak out. The final product looks good.

  • Eloise Eloise on Apr 04, 2018

    I've had very good luck with Rustoleums Cabinet Transformations. The kits include everything you need to refinish your cabinets including the cleaner. The best part is there is no sanding required and no "use in a well ventilated area" restriction. Cleanup with soap and water.


    Check out the colors at these 2 sites: http://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/transformations/cabinet-transformations-dark-kit


    http://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/transformations/cabinet-transformations-light-kit


    Rust-Oleum® Cabinet Transformations® is a revolutionary do-it-yourself coating system that will completely change the look of your cabinets in three simple steps.

    • Perfect for kitchen cabinets, bath vanities and furniture
    • Easy to use, no special skills required
    • No stripping, no sanding, no priming
    • Optional Decorative Glaze lets you create your custom look


    The glaze allows you to create a wood grain effect. I've used it on a number of items including a wallpaper border and it worked quite well.

  • C C on Apr 04, 2018

    Thank you so much. I am going to look into it. Sounds a lot like the old "Antiquing Kits" of the 1960's & 1970's. I used those and loved them.