How to Make Stained Cabinets Antiqued

Wipe the cabinets with a microfiber cloth that absorbs any dust from the cabinets. If your cabinets feature any type of decorative trim or edging, then clean those areas by rubbing an old toothbrush against the wood and wiping with the cloth.

Clean the cabinets with a wood oil cleaner. Rub the cleaner on the cabinets; after a few minutes, gently buff the wood with a dry cloth. Wipe down the wood, making sure that you remove any traces of the cleaner.

Distress the wood by rubbing the fine-grit sandpaper and sanding block around the edges and handles on the cabinets. Use the sandpaper on areas that typically show more wear and tear on antique pieces, such as edges. Keep rubbing until you peel away some of the old stain.

Pick a dark stain that is a few shades darker than the stain currently on the cabinets. Paint the stain along the decorative areas of the cabinets and on any areas with raised edges, including the trim. After a few minutes, rub the old rag across the areas to remove the extra stain. The dark stain gives the piece the patina found on antique cabinets.

Protect your newly antiqued cabinets with a layer of polyurethane, lacquer or another clear sealant. Paint the clear coat on the cabinets with a foam paintbrush, following the natural grain of your wood. The clear coat keeps the stains from peeling off the wood.