How to Gel Stain Veneer Cabinets

Wood coating on veneer cabinets is too thin to successfully sand and re-stain using traditional methods. Sanding veneers will cause the thin wood to flake off, leaving a sloppy surface and blotchy stain. As an alternative to traditional stain, tone your cabinets with a darker shade of gel stain. Gel stain has a thick consistency designed to go over smooth surfaces, much like paint. Unlike liquid stain, gel will not penetrate into wood grain and therefore won’t blotch or pool into pores.

Screwdriver
Sponge
Soft, lint-free rag
Clear coat

Instructions

- 1
  Remove hardware from the cabinets, using a screwdriver. If possible, remove the cabinet doors and lay them on a flat surface.
- 2
  Wash any surfaces you want to stain, using a sponge and soapy water. Rinse the cabinets and allow them to dry for 24 hours before staining.
- 3
  Wipe the cabinets with a dry, clean rag.
- 4
  Apply a small amount of gel stain to a clean rag and wipe it on a hidden area of the cabinet to verify a good color match. If unsatisfied with the stain’s appearance, try a different colored stain.
- 5
  Wipe the stain in a thin layer along the grain of the entire cabinet. Allow the stain to dry before proceeding.
- 6
  Spray or paint your favorite clear coat over the cabinet to seal in the stain and protect the wood surface.

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