How to Paint Cabinets Before Applying Gel Stain

Gel stain is thicker than liquid stain, and therefore commonly used on vertical surfaces such as cabinets that have already been installed. Gel stain does not penetrate deeply like traditional stain, so you can use it to create an antiqued or distressed look by applying it to already painted surfaces. Paint is not thick enough to apply to a vertical surface without running, so you will need to remove the doors even though it isn't required for staining.

Drop cloths
Screwdriver
150 grit sandpaper
Tack cloth
Paint stirrer
Low gloss or semi-gloss paint
Paint tray
Fine nap paint roller
Paintbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Cover the countertops with drop cloths. Place a drop cloth on the floor or other flat surface that is large enough to hold the cabinet doors.
- 2
  Remove the cabinet doors by unscrewing them from the hinges. Unscrew the other side of the hinges and set them aside. Remove the handles and any other hardware from the cabinets.
- 3
  Sand the surfaces of the cabinets and doors with a 150-grit sandpaper to remove rough spots or existing polyurethane finishes. Sand with the grain of the wood, and wipe the dust up with a tack cloth.
- 4
  Turn the cabinets over so the inside panel faces up. Open the paint and stir it with a paint stirrer. Pour the paint into a paint tray. Coat a fine nap paint roller in the paint, then apply it to the interior panels of the doors, starting in the middle of each door. Overlap your strokes.
- 5
  Let the cabinet doors dry for four hours while you paint the cabinet housing that is still on the wall. Start at one end and work across, using a paintbrush to cut in to areas the roller will not fit.
- 6
  Turn the cabinet doors over. Paint the outside of the doors with the roller, using the brush for hard-to-reach areas. Let the doors dry and cure for five days before applying the gel stain.

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