What To Use To Clean Cabinets Before Staining

I wish general finishes made a white or ivory stain.

What to use to clean cabinets before staining.

Before you stain the cabinets it s important to remove all the doors and drawers to make sanding and applying the stain easier. This means you have to use a type of cleaning solution that gets rid of buildup without leaving any residue behind as the stain won t properly absorb otherwise. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain. I have used dawn in water thoroughly flushed followed by white gas scrubbed with a purple scotchbrite.

Step 7 polish the cabinets with a wood polish per the manufacturer s instructions once they are completely dry. Tack cloth is a cheesecloth like piece of fabric that s coated in a layer of sticky adhesive. This response is true of prepping and existing finish on furniture but kitchen cabinets are more problematic because they are work areas where grease steam food splatters and oil from hands are common. The cabinets are also knotty pine and very well built.

Dry rags or brushes aren t the most effective tools for removing dust. If not done the paint can peel or bubble over time making all that hard work giving the cabinets new life a pointless endeavor. Step 2 unless your cabinets are raw wood the existing finish must be removed before you can apply the new stain coat. Wipe the cabinets with the clean damp cloth to rinse them so as not to leave behind any soap residue.

The knotty pine has a bit of an orange tint. Prep is basically degreasing and abrading the surface for better adhesion. Lastly before you stain it s a good idea to use tack cloths to clean every last bit of dust off the prepped wood surface. Wipe the folded tack cloth across the wood to remove dust.

Use 120 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the cabinets. I also have a huge window and bench seat 40 inches deep by 72 wide i am teetering on painting the knotty pine walls and cabinets and or using a stain. Ive used java gel before and loved it. Instead use a tack cloth a sticky piece of cheesecloth made especially for this purpose.

Wood dust from sanding will cause problems if it s not removed from the surface before staining. Forum responses finishing forum from contributor g. Clean unfinished wood with a damp rag before staining. Prepping cabinets for painting is important.

There are two ways to go about it. Oil or substances on hands really show up on a failed re finish around doorknobs and hands if the surface is not. Cleaning cabinets with vinegar before painting or using a mix with rubbing alcohol can ensure you get a deep clean.