Refacing Raised Panels on Cabinets

Sand unfinished panels with 220 grit sand paper. Use 100 grit sand paper on painted doors and 60 grit on varnished or stained doors. If the panels are stained or painted, apply a coat of primer.

Tape off the indentation surrounding the raised panels.

Paint the panels in chalkboard paint color that complements your room. Use a 4-inch paint roller to apply an even layer of paint. Allow the paint to dry for two hours before applying the second coat.

Remove the painter's tape.

Apply a single line of craft glue or construction adhesive to one side of a wine cork. But the cork - lengthwise - against the ridge of the raised panel. Glue a single row of corks around the panel. Repeat this process with a second row of corks around the indentation.

Remove the doors from the cabinets with a screw driver. Extract any hardware.

Cover the cabinets with drop cloths or plastic sheets. Lay newspaper on the kitchen table, opening the windows for ventilation. Lay the doors on the newspaper.

Remove any stain or paint from the doors and cabinets with wood stripper. Use a putty knife to gently scrape away stubborn spots.

Sand the wood. Use 220 grit sand paper on unfinished wood, 100 grit on painted cabinets and 60 grit on varnished or stained cabinets.

Tape off the area around the raised panels. Apply ebony or dark cherry wood stain to the panels. Allow the stain to dry for four hours. While the panels are drying, stain the cabinets with honey colored stain.

Apply a second coat to the panels and let the stain dry another four hours. Remove the tape. Apply the tape to the edge of the raised panels to protect them from the contrasting stain.

Apply honey colored stain to the rest of the doors and finish staining the cabinets. Allow the stain to dry four hours.

Stain the back side of the raised panel doors and dry for four hours. Add a second coat of stain to the front of the doors and allow all of the cabinetry to dry overnight.

Remove the tape. Restore the hardware.