How to Restain Countertop Edging

Countertop edging is often exposed to the most wear and tear, as they are commonly neglected when wiping down the counters after cooking or other messes. If the edges are especially close to drawers, nicks and scratches occur when utensils are being put back away. This means that the countertop edges need restaining well before the rest of the counter. The key to restaining countertop edging is carefully controlling the stain application, so that it doesn't drip and run into the rest of the counter.

Household cleaner
Clean cloths
100-grit sandpaper
200-grit sandpaper
Wood stain
Wood sealer

Instructions

- 1
  Wash the countertops with hot water and an all-purpose household cleaner, or degreasing dish soap. Pay particular attention to the edging. Remove any grease, dirt or other material from the wood's surface.
- 2
  Sand the countertop edges. Do this by hand, or with a small handheld sander or sanding block. Start with 100-grit sandpaper to strip the finish, and then smooth the wood’s surface with 200-grit sandpaper.
- 3
  Wiping the counters with a damp cloth removes the dust. Allow the countertop to dry. Mix the stain according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- 4
  Bunch up a clean cloth in your hand and dip a small area into the wood stain. Give the stain about 10 seconds to absorb into the fabric. Wipe the stain into the wood, working with the grain. Dip the cloth back into the stain as necessary. Spread the stain as thinly as possible.
- 5
  Let the stain dry. If desired or necessary, add more stain coats. Apply the same wood sealer that was previously used on the countertop. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing, applying and drying the sealer.

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Kitchens