How to Stain Birch Cabinets

Staining cabinets can give them a rich look and provides protection from dirt and wear. Some woods, such as birch, are difficult to stain with an even finish as blotchy areas can result where the stain saturates the wood. Care and attention to detail can help most DIYers get an even stain on birch cabinets.

Screwdriver
100-grit sand paper
Pre-conditioning wood treatment
Paintbrushes
Stir stick
Lint-free cotton rags

Instructions

- 1
  Work in a well-ventilated area and wear appropriate safety gear such as work gloves and goggles. Remove doors and hinges from the cabinets with a screwdriver. Set aside hardware and screws.
- 2
  Sand down wooden surfaces with 100-grit sandpaper to prepare the wood to accept the stain.
- 3
  Mix the pre-conditioner according to label instructions. Apply a coat of the conditioner to the wood surfaces with a paint brush in long even strokes. Complete a small section at a time. Wipe off excess with a clean cloth. Repeat this process for all wood surfaces. Allow the conditioner stay on the wood for the same amount of time for each section.The wood conditioner acts like a clear pre-stain which the wood soaks up like coat of colored stain, but since it is clear it does not leave visible blotches.
- 4
  Allow the pre-conditioner to completely dry for 24 hours or according to label directions.
- 5
  Mix the wood stain with the stir stick to dissolve any solid bits that settled to the bottom of the can. Apply the stain to the wood surfaces with a clean paint brush. Stain one section at a time using the same process for staining as for applying the conditioner. Allow the stain to sit on each section for the same amount of time. Wipe off excess stain with a clean cloth.
- 6
  Reattach all hardware, door and drawers.

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