How To Finish Unfinished Oak Cabinets

How to Finish Unfinished Oak Cabinets

Unfinished oak cabinets can be a great way to save money on your kitchen or bathroom remodel. They can also be a great opportunity to add your own personal style to your home. But before you can enjoy your new cabinets, you need to finish them. ## Supplies * Sandpaper (120-grit and 220-grit) * Tack cloth * Wood conditioner * Stain (optional) * Clear finish (polyurethane or lacquer) * Paintbrush or sprayer * Gloves * Safety glasses ## Instructions 1.

Prepare the cabinets.

- Remove the doors and hardware from the cabinets. - Lightly sand the cabinets with 120-grit sandpaper. - Use a tack cloth to remove any dust. 2.

Apply wood conditioner.

- Apply a coat of wood conditioner to the cabinets with a paintbrush or sprayer. - Allow the conditioner to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. 3.

Apply stain (optional).

- If you want to stain the cabinets, apply a coat of stain with a paintbrush or sprayer. - Allow the stain to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. 4.

Apply clear finish.

- Apply a coat of clear finish to the cabinets with a paintbrush or sprayer. - Allow the finish to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. 5.

Reattach the doors and hardware.

- Once the finish is dry, reattach the doors and hardware to the cabinets. ## Tips * If you're not sure what color to stain your cabinets, you can test different colors on a piece of scrap wood. * Use a brush to apply the stain or clear finish in the direction of the grain. * Apply thin coats of finish and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next coat. * If you're applying more than one coat of finish, lightly sand the cabinets with 220-grit sandpaper between coats. * Wear gloves and safety glasses when working with stains and finishes. ## Troubleshooting * If the finish is too thick, it may crack or peel. To avoid this, apply thin coats of finish and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next coat. * If the finish is too thin, it may not protect the cabinets from wear and tear. To avoid this, apply multiple coats of finish. * If the stain is too dark, you can lighten it by adding a clear finish. * If the stain is too light, you can darken it by applying multiple coats of stain. ## Conclusion Finishing unfinished oak cabinets is a relatively easy project that can save you money and add your own personal style to your home. By following these steps, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that will last for years to come.