Expert: maura macaluso - 8/22/2008

Question
I was told today by a friend that TSP would be a great way to clean my cabinets.  My question is. What do I need to do next to update the stain? I would really like to darken them to a more modern color.  At the present they are a pecan color. I would like them to be a more expresso color.

Answer
TRISODIUM PHOSPHATE is a very strong dangerous substance to use.
TSP is a strong cleaner at the dilutions normally used, which vary from 1/2 cup TSP to 2 gal. warm water for "heavy duty cleaning"  to 1 cup TSP to 3 quarts warm water for "ridiculously heavy duty cleaning"  (source The Savogran Company).  For mildew killing, household bleach is added to the TSP/water mixture.  The recommended ratio is 1 part household bleach to 4 parts water.
Read the manufacturer's mixing ratios, as they may vary.
PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS...
TSP is a strong base and can cause severe eye damage and can burn unprotected skin.
Wear suitable clothing and eye protection. Keep away from skin and out of gloves.
Any foliage near where TSP is to be used should be soaked with plain water prior to the application of TSP, and rinsed down afterward. Be sure to read and follow all warnings on the product's packaging.

I question why you would use this product when a regular detergent and water and some elbow grease should be effective in cleaning your cabinets.

In order to change your stain color when an prior stain exists, you will need to completely remove any clear protective coating by completely sanding down every inch of the exterior surface of your cabinets.  The new stain will not penetrate the wood of the cabinets if this coating is not completely removed.  You will start your staining by experimenting in an area of the cabinets which is hidden from view now.  Pecan being lighter in color than espresso may work and you should be able to get close to the color you desire by applying your espresso stain with a clean cotton rag.  Apply it in thin layers until you get the color right. Let the small experiment spot completely dry and than spray it with a light coat of satin clear urethane. That will be how your cabinets will look when finished. Now you can decide for yourself if it is a close enough match to what you desire before you start this procedure on the rest of the cabinets. Once you begin staining there is really no way to go back, as the sides of the cabinet are usually too thin to allow for completely sanding a stain off.  After staining the entire cabinet and getting even coverage,then allowing it to completely dry for a few days, apply either satin polyurethane or satin urethane varnish to the entire cabinet in order to protect its finish.  Allow that to fully cure before touching the surface or you will wind up with permanent fingerprint marks.  Good luck with your project and thanks for the question.