Back to Wood Stains How-To
How To Stain Wood Cabinets
In just a few easy steps, you can give your wood pieces a new look that lasts. Watch the video above to see how we transformed a plain wood cabinet into a beautiful home bar using BEHR® Fast Drying Water-Based Wood Stain and BEHR PREMIUM™ Spray Paint. Follow along with the simple step-by-step instructions below to get started.
Suggested Tools & Supplies
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Sandpaper
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BEHR® Fast Drying Water-Based Wood Stain in Golden Oak
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BEHR® Fast Drying Water-Based Polyurethane
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BEHR PREMIUM™ Spray Paint in White, Gold, and Beyond Navy
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Cloth
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Brushes
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Stir Stick
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Step 1Grab your tools.
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Step 2Start by prepping your cabinet. Sand the wood surface evenly with sandpaper and wipe away the dust with a lint-free cloth.
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Step 3Using a brush, apply BEHR® Fast Drying Water-Based Wood Stain in the direction of the wood grain.
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Step 4Let the stain sit and penetrate the wood for 2-3 minutes. Then, using a clean cloth, wipe off the excess stain in the direction of the wood grain.
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Step 5Let the stain dry for 1 hour. Once dry, use a clean brush to apply BEHR® Fast Drying Water-Based Polyurethane to give your wood surface a protective topcoat. Ensure to hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and brush lightly and evenly across the surface for a smooth finish.
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Step 6Let the first coat of polyurethane dry for 1 hour. Then, give it a light sand before applying a second coat.
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Step 7Spray any dated hardware like knobs or handles with spray paint for a fresh new look.
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Step 8If you want to add some colour and unique accents to your wood cabinet, you can use spray paint and painter’s tape to make a design.
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Step 9Once everything is dry and reattached, your newly transformed wood cabinet is ready to be styled in your home!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
PAINT AND STAIN CALCULATOR
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COLOUR STUDIO
So many colours and so many ideas: Visit Behr’s Colour Studio for inspiration, colour tools, design advice and everything you need to find your project’s perfect colour.
Colour Studio
