Can I Stain Maple Cabinets After They Have Been Lacquered?

Preparations

• Before you start working with any chemicals, you need to open up all of the windows in the room to provide air ventilation. The walls behind the cabinets should be taped off so you don't get varnish stripper or stain on them. Place drop cloths below the cabinets to avoid spills. Remove all of the hardware and the doors from the cabinets, and store it in a safe place. You'll also want to set the cabinet doors on sawhorses or a clean workspace.

Stripping the Cabinets

• To strip the original stain and lacquer from your cabinets, you can either sand them down or use chemical solvents. Sanding is more labor intensive, though you can use handheld electric sanders to do the bulk of the work. Sanding blocks and sanding sponges are useful for getting into narrow areas. If you choose to use a solvent, paint it directly onto the lacquered cabinets, and allow it to sit for the suggested time as listed on the label. Use a putty knife or paint scraper to lift the lacquer and stain from the cabinets.

Cleaning

• After stripping the stain, you must clean the surface of the wood, which is particularly important if you used the chemical process because the leftover solvent may prevent the new stain from penetrating the wood. If you sanded, you'll still want to clean the wood in case there are any old stains that were covered up by the wood finish. Mix 1/4 cup trisodium phosphate with 1 gallon of hot water, and scrub the cabinets with this solution. Allow the cabinets to dry completely.

Staining

• Stain can be applied using any of four different tools: a brush, roller, rag or sprayer. No matter which applicator you use, always stain with the grain. Once the stain has been applied, wipe the wood with a clean cotton rag to soak up the excess stain; keep wiping until no more stain comes off on the rag. You may want to work with a partner to help the job go faster.

Sealing

• When you are happy with the look of your cabinets, apply a sealer to protect them from scratches and spills. Protective topcoats come in matte, satin or glossy finishes, all of which offer the same level of protection. Some common types of protective topcoat include varnish, lacquer and polyurethane. These products all vary by manufacturer, so read the instructions included on the label before using them.