Hey everyone! I'm having a tough time trying to stain my kitchen cabinets in a Java color. I've already sanded them down using 150 grit sandpaper by hand, but after my first attempt, I had to sand them again since it looked pretty bad. I've tried applying the stain with a brush the first time and a rag the second time, but they keep coming out streaky. I'm using General Finishes gel stain. I'm waiting a week between coats and applying it as thin as I can, doing three coats in total. I'm also facing challenges with the end panels since they appear to be made of some cheap material. Plus, I'm struggling with pooling around the corners while applying the stain. Is there a better stain I should consider? Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Also, here's a link to some pictures: https://imgur.com/a/XhP2C9H
1 Answer
It sounds like you're on the right track, but there are a couple of things to consider. The end panels are often made of veneer or a less expensive material, which might explain the difference in appearance. Make sure you properly clean the cabinets before and after sanding, as any dust can cause unevenness in the stain. I recommend using varying grits of sandpaper, finishing with something like 220 grit for a smoother surface. For General Finishes gel stain, a lot of folks find that two thin coats work best, applied with a brush or foam brush. You can check their website for instructional videos which might help you out!
I think you're right about the vids! I ran into similar issues and found that they often show more prep than I realized. Your surface should ideally be totally clean and potentially even prepped with a conditioner if it's a tricky material. Don't lose hope, just keep experimenting!