Expert: Eileen Cronk - 6/4/2008

Question
I'm one of those terrible people that need more informationon staining the oak cabinets that are in a dark walnut finish white or cream-colored.  I've stripped a drawer front and tried a white stain, but even after staining them three times, the white is barely noticeable.  I've been reading about wood dyes, and comments I should be using this on oak instead of stain.  Thoughts?

Answer
Hi Van
Nice to hear from you.
I am so glad you are doing only one drawer as a test.
For this look I would use water based white paint mixed down with water.
The stain as you are finding does nothing on the oak.
Not surprising it happens.
So continue testing.
I would start mixing the paint and water 1/2 and 1/2.
Brush on the wood and then wipe back before it dries with rags.
Too strong color wise add more water. To weak, add more paint.
I would avoid dye. Never heard of it coming in white but I haven't seen everything LOL.
If this is what you like, add a protective clear coat in a water based poly.
Good Luck
Regards
Eileen