How To Strip Cabinets Natural Wood

How to Strip Cabinets Natural Wood: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are your cabinets looking tired and dated? If so, you may be considering stripping them back to their natural wood finish. This can be a great way to update the look of your kitchen or bathroom without having to replace the cabinets entirely. Stripping cabinets is not a difficult task, but it does require some time and effort. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started: ### 1. Gather Your Supplies Before you begin, you will need to gather the following supplies: * A chemical stripper (you can find this at most hardware stores) * A putty knife * A scraper * A wire brush * A dust mask * Gloves * Safety glasses * A drop cloth * A bucket of water * A sponge * A clean cloth ### 2. Prepare the Cabinets Before you start stripping the cabinets, you need to prepare them by removing the doors and hardware. You should also cover the floor and countertops with a drop cloth to protect them from the stripper. ### 3. Apply the Chemical Stripper Once the cabinets are prepared, you can apply the chemical stripper. Be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses when handling the stripper, as it can be harmful to your skin and eyes. Apply the stripper to the cabinets using a putty knife or a scraper. Work in small sections, and be sure to apply the stripper evenly. ### 4. Let the Stripper Sit Once you have applied the stripper, let it sit for the amount of time specified on the product label. This will give the stripper time to work its way into the finish. ### 5. Scrape Off the Finish After the stripper has had time to sit, you can start scraping off the finish. Use a putty knife or a scraper to scrape off the finish, working in the direction of the grain. Be careful not to gouge the wood. If you are having difficulty removing the finish, you can apply another coat of stripper and let it sit for longer. ### 6. Clean the Cabinets Once you have removed the finish, you need to clean the cabinets. Use a sponge and a bucket of water to wipe down the cabinets, and then dry them with a clean cloth. ### 7. Sand the Cabinets Once the cabinets are clean, you can sand them to smooth out any rough spots. Use a fine-grit sandpaper, and sand in the direction of the grain. ### 8. Stain or Paint the Cabinets Once the cabinets are sanded, you can stain or paint them to achieve the desired look. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label when applying the stain or paint. ### 9. Reinstall the Doors and Hardware Once the stain or paint has dried, you can reinstall the doors and hardware. ### Tips for Stripping Cabinets Natural Wood * Work in a well-ventilated area. * Wear gloves and safety glasses when handling the stripper. * Be careful not to gouge the wood when scraping off the finish. * If you are having difficulty removing the finish, you can apply another coat of stripper and let it sit for longer. * Be patient. Stripping cabinets takes time and effort. With a little patience and effort, you can strip your cabinets back to their natural wood finish and give them a fresh, new look.