Expert: Kirk Ryan - 6/16/2009

Question
We have light wood cabinets, with a shiny stain on them I want to strip them and make them a darker color.  What do you recommend that I buy in order to strip the cabinets, I want to make this as easy as possible.  My co-worker told me to buy Naval Jelly, I went to Lowes and discovered that Naval Jelly is for rust, he also told me it would be easier for me to buy a stain/finish and poloyurtherne.  Is this true?  Any assistance you can give to me will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Answer
Typically the cabinets would have to be sanded back to their natural wood surface. Then you can stain and seal them anyway you wish.

You would be best using a low speed power sander. Usually people have professionals do it just to insure everything is done evenly. But anyone can do it if they take their time with it.

After sanding you can stain them either a clear color stain(you'd still see grain) Or you can stain solid color(no grain shows)

Many people use a thin lacquer sealer a week after staining. The lacquer will add a very light shine to the stain though. But it does help to protect the wood and stain.