Expert: Eileen Cronk - 4/28/2008

Question
I just refinished my cabinets - the doors and the trim turned out a slightly different shade, even though I used the same stain etc. - the cabinet doors actually look a little milky.  What happened?

Answer
Hi Debbie
Nice to hear from you.
I need lots more info before I can help with this.
SO...Are these kitchen cabinets?
    What process did you use to prep before staining?
    What kind of wood are the cabinets?
    What type of stain did you use.
    What was the top coat you applied over the stain?
You see Debbie all these things could have a bearing on what happened.
I can comment on the color of the trim being different than the doors..thats easy.
Every piece of wood takes a stain differently.
Its very common to apply the same color of stain and see a difference like you experienced.
And I will just hazard a guess...or a couple on the cloudiness you see.
It could be the stain was not properly dry (if you applied a top coat over it)
It could be there was some dirt under the stain.
Thats one reason its important I know what process you used to prep.
Get back to me.
Regards
Eileen