Expert: Jamie Yocono - 9/21/2007

Question
I want to make changes to my bathroom which is small. i have a double oak vanity. I want to "sand" and make a darker color on the cabinets. How can I  achieve this task?

Answer
Hi Miranda,

Sanding and staining a vanity is a good way to get a new "look" to your bathroom, so I'll try to help. However, you're going to need to do a very thorough job sanding, or you won't get good results. This is because the vanity is probably sealed with a varnish, so it won't accept the stain unless you remove all of it. If you only remove some of the varnish, your subsequent staining process will probably give you blotchy results.

Stripping the finish off is the first step. You mentioned sanding, but perhaps a better method would be to buy some chemical stripper. You can find this in the paint department at most hardware stores. You paint it on and let it sit on the wood for a few minutes. Then remove it. Some people remove it with a putty knife, which I recommend.   Pay special attention to the corners and crevices, this is where there can be a buildup.

Once the finish is off, you'll need to sand. Buy some 100 grit and 180 grit sandpaper. Start with the coarser, paper - the 100 grit - and remove any deep blemishes. Then use the 180 to clean up the surface. This paper should give you a very smooth surface.

I recommend Minwax stain, it's a very good product that's easy to use. You can apply it with a rag or a brush. Try to apply it evenly, so that there are no dry spots or drips. Let the first coat dry to see if it's dark enough, if not, apply a second coat maybe 4-6 hours later.

Finally, you'll need a coat or two of varnish. Once again, Minwax is a good choice. Buy a good brush for this, it really does make a difference. Two thin coats are better than one thick one. If you have any rough spots, you can LIGHTLY sand between coats (with the 180 paper) to eliminate the rough areas.

OK, I hope this helps. This is somewhat of a big project for a beginner, but certainly not a difficult one. More time consuming than anything.  Write back if you need more help or advice,

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com