
San Jose Cabinet Refinishing is one of the most affordable ways to give your kitchen a new look. But the wood type of your cabinets impacts how well they respond to staining and painting.
A natural wood finish like tung or linseed oil creates an organic style and offers warmth to your cabinets. However, these finishes require regular reapplication and may not offer as much protection from water or scratches as other finishes.
Paint
Choosing the right paint for your cabinet doors is crucial for ensuring an even, durable finish. There are several types of paint available, and each type has its own benefits. For example, acrylic paints are water-based and clean up quickly with soap and water. They also dry quickly and emit less odor than oil-based paints. This makes them a great choice for cabinets that will be used frequently and need to be wiped down often. However, when it comes to cabinet refinishing, acrylic paints are not as durable as oil-based options and can peel or flake more easily over time.
Pine is a soft wood that is often used for rustic or country-style cabinetry. It takes both stain and paint well, though it can be prone to blotching. Using a pre-stain conditioner can help the pine absorb the stain more evenly and minimize blotching. Pine is also more affordable than many other wood types, making it a cost-effective option for refinishing your cabinets.
Hickory is a dense, hard wood that displays predominant grain patterns and rich natural colors. This wood type is best suited for people who prefer a more natural, rustic aesthetic. Hickory is easy to stain, and it is available in 15 different stain colors in addition to its natural look. However, if you decide to paint your hickory cabinets, be aware that the knots in this type of wood contain resin, which can seep through the paint and affect the appearance of your finished product over time.
Cherry is a medium-hard wood that has a fine grain pattern and flowing patterns. Its natural color ranges from nearly white to dark reddish brown and it looks beautiful in both painted and stained finishes. Cherry is an excellent choice for anyone wanting a refined look for their cabinetry and it can be found in 17 stain colors in addition to its natural look.
Painting over bare wood is an important part of the cabinet refinishing process. When it is applied correctly, a coat of primer blocks wood tannins and provides an excellent base for the final color. Primer is also much cheaper than cabinet paint, and it can be tinted to a shade that matches the color of your chosen stain or paint. This saves money, reduces odor, and ensures that your finished product will look good for years to come. For the best results, a high-quality acrylic latex primer is recommended. This type of primer goes on smoothly, dries quickly, and is more durable than vinyl latex. It is important to allow the primer to dry completely before applying any additional coats of paint. It is also a good idea to apply a second coat of primer once the first has dried, as this helps your final paint job hold up over time.
Stain
A stain enhances a natural wood grain rather than hiding it like paint. This creates a beautiful aesthetic that can make your cabinets look brand new. Before beginning a staining project, it is necessary to prepare the surface to ensure that the stain adheres properly. This starts with a thorough wiping with trisodium phosphate, a deglosser used to remove oily buildup and wax that cannot be removed with normal cleaning. Staining projects also require some sanding to achieve a smooth finish. Cabinets that are stained already will need a light sanding to help the stain stick, while painted or heavily varnished cabinets may need complete stripping to reach bare wood.
Before applying any stain, it’s important to decide on your desired color. There are several different types of stains available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. For example, transparent stains allow the grain and knots to show through but offer a lower level of surface protection. On the other hand, solid stains form a layer on top of the wood grains and offer more protection, but they can leave a more unnatural appearance.
The type of wood that you use for your cabinets will also influence the refinishing process. Maple, birch, and poplar are all good options that hold up well to both painting and staining. Pine, on the other hand, is softer and can be more susceptible to blotching. However, a pre-stain conditioner can help the wood absorb stain evenly.
If you choose to stain your cabinets, it’s important to take the time to let each coat dry properly before wiping. It’s also crucial to sand between each coat. Rushing the staining process will lead to sticky surfaces and uneven colors. Unlike painting, staining requires more patience and precision, but the end result will be worth it.
Cherry cabinets are known for their refined, elegant style. This wood type has a fine, flowing grain pattern that accentuates its natural orange-reddish hue. However, it can be enhanced even further with one of our 17 stain options.
Walnut is another option for cabinet refinishing that offers an elegant, distinctive look. Its pronounced grain pattern shows intricate patterns and swirls that can be highlighted with any of our 17 stain options. Its rich reddish color can be brought out further with a darker stain. This is a great option for those who want to highlight their home’s unique character. In addition to being a stunning aesthetic, walnut is also an excellent choice for a durable finish that can stand up to the test of time. For the best results, staining should be done with a high-quality polyurethane. This will provide a thicker coating that is resistant to water and scratches. It will also be less likely to yellow over time.
Veneer
Cabinet refacing is a more extensive project than simply painting or staining. During refacing, homeowners keep their existing cabinet boxes but replace the door fronts and drawer fronts for an entirely new look. This method is best for those who want a more premium appearance but don’t mind the time, cost and mess of a complete remodel.
Wood veneer is a thin “slice” of real wood that’s applied to a substrate, usually MDF or particleboard. Veneers come in a wide variety of grain patterns, colors and finishes. They are often used to mimic solid woods that may be too expensive or difficult to work with, such as exotic hardwoods. They are also more consistent than solid wood and less temperamental in response to changes in humidity or temperature.
The process of creating veneer begins with cutting raw lumber into very thin slices. These are then bonded together to create larger faces or sheets. These are then glued to another material for strength and durability, such as MDF, plywood, wood crossbanding or poly/resin back. The resulting product is then finished for use in furniture, architectural millwork, cabinets and more.
To apply a stain, it’s important to prep the cabinet surface as needed before the actual application. This is a very hands-on process, and there are several different ways to do it. Chemical strippers are one option, but they can be a bit toxic and messy to use. Good sanding is the other option, and this can take a lot of patience and care. Using a fine-grit sandpaper and wiping the surface clean between coats is key to getting a smooth finish that will last.
There are a couple of different types of stain available, both oil-based and water-based. Water-based products are typically better for beginners, as they dry quickly and emit fewer fumes during application. It’s still a good idea to test your stain on an inconspicuous area before committing, however. Different woods can react differently to stain, and the color may appear a little different after it dries.
As with paint, it’s crucial to properly prepare the surface for staining by sanding it down and applying a few light coats. It’s important to let each coat dry completely between applications to avoid streaking and other unsightly marks. It’s also a good idea to apply a protective sealant afterward, which is a great way to protect your investment and make the finish last longer. For this, most pros and experienced DIYers will opt for a high-performance polyurethane. These are water-based, and they offer a great mix of protection, clarity and user-friendliness for most projects. This is particularly true if you are aiming for a high-gloss finish. A gloss finish is best for cabinet doors and draws, as it’s easier to maintain a high-gloss than a matte finish.








