Refinish Stain Options for Kitchens

Gel Stain

• Gel stains are usually the easiest types of stain to use when refinishing your kitchen cabinets. The gel formula has a thicker consistency than traditional stain or paint, so it is less likely to drip and streak, particularly if you leave your cabinets up when refinishing them. Gel stains also provide a rich, deep color because the formula combines pigments and dyes that help create a consistent color across your cabinets’ surface. You can apply a gel stain with a cloth, but rub it in the direction of the grain for the most visually pleasing results. You can achieve a lighter stain by using more pressure when applying the gel because more of the product is wiped off. Additional coats of gel stain provide a darker shade.

Pigmented Wiping Stain

• A pigmented wiping stain is an attractive option for refinishing your kitchen cabinets if you prefer a slightly less intense color than a gel stain offers. A pigmented wiping stain has a semi-opaque finish, so it can actually hide your cabinet’s grain. It is available in both water-based and oil-based formulas; the water-based stain is easier to clean up but offers a lighter color than the oil-based formula. A water-based pigmented stain is also more prone to streaks and blotches. Apply the water-based version with a damp rag and rub in a circular motion. Use a rag or a foam pad for the oil-based formula.

Transparent Water-Based Stain

• A water-based stain is an ideal option if you are refinishing cabinets that only feature a clear topcoat and you want a light color. Water-based stain provides the most transparent color of all stain types, so the natural grain of the wood remains highly visible. However, you can get a deeper color for your cabinets by applying multiple coats of the stain. A water-based stain is also extremely easy to clean up because it rinses away with water. If you are leaving your cabinets on the wall when refinishing them, you can clean up drips or spills without special products. Apply the stain with a dampened rag in the direction of the grain and rub in a circular motion.

Penetrating Oil Stain

• A penetrating oil stain is an attractive option if you are refinishing hardwood kitchen cabinets. The formula includes oil soluble dyes that penetrate into the wood, leaving the grain highly visible. However, you can darken the look of the stain by applying multiple layers. An oil-based stain is more difficult to clean up than a water-based product because you must use mineral spirits or another solvent product to remove drips or spills. You'll want to remove your cabinets from the wall when refinishing them with a penetrating oil stain. You can usually use a brush to apply the stain, but read the label’s instructions for the proper application technique.