Can You Strip Paint and Stain Old Cabinets?

Knowing the Wood

• Although stripping your cabinets may seem like a good idea because you dislike your the existing paint, it is important you know the condition of the wood before starting the stripping process. If the cabinet is built using lower-quality plywood, for example, the wood will have blemishes and cracks when stripped and won't look good when stained. If you know that the cabinet is built with hardwood, softwood or top-quality plywood, you can proceed with preparations. Remove the cabinet door from the base, as it gives you more control during the stripping process.

Safety Precautions

• Wear the proper safety equipment and gear when stripping your cabinets. Old clothing with long sleeves, a pair of goggles and rubber gloves can protect your body from potential burns and scrapes. Use a respirator if you are stripping lead-based paint. Since most paint strippers contain chemicals, do not use the stripper near an open flame or gas stove. It is best to remove the cabinet doors completely from the cabinet frame and strip the paint in another room or outside, if you have a gas stove or potential hazards in your kitchen. In all circumstances, it is useful to have a fire extinguisher handy.

Paint Remover and Scraping

• Find an area that provides proper ventilation. Place newspapers around the area where you are stripping the paint to prevent it from staining the floor. Apply paint stripper to the cabinet using a paintbrush. Only brush in one direction and apply it in a slow fashion to avoid splashes. Wait for the stripper to start working; the paint starts bubbling and pulling away from the cabinet's surface. Use a scraper to remove the paint from the cabinet, but do so in a careful manner to avoid chipping or scratching the wood. Do not force the paint off the cabinet if the stripper only works partially. Apply a second coat and repeat the process.

Applying the Stain

• Allow the wood to dry completely after the stripping. Wash the wood surface with mineral spirits to remove any additional chemical residue that remains after the process is done. When that dries, sand the surface with very fine sandpaper to remove any cracks or splinters that may have surfaced during the scraping. Apply the stain of your choice using a paintbrush. Apply several coats for a darker look. Let the cabinet dry before putting the cabinet door back on the frame.