How to Strip and Stain Wood Cabinets

Before starting, remove all hinges and hardware, and lay a cabinet door on sawhorses with a drop cloth underneath. Be sure to label each piece of hardware to remember where they should return.

Using rubber gloves and respirator mask, dip a paintbrush into the chemical stripper and apply to cabinet door. Be sure to read and follow all safety precautions on the packaging while working with a chemical stripper. Work quickly and in a well-ventilated area with a respirator mask to avoid harmful vapors.

Wait 15 minutes, then use a paint scraper to remove the paint finish, going with the grain of the wood. Work from the center of the door outward in both directions, allowing the old paint to drop off the ends of the door.

Paint scrapers work best to reach those hard-to-get spots like corners and bevels. 

Allow surface to dry for at least an hour after stripping.

Sand the surface lightly in the direction of the grain using a 100-grit palm sander, ensuring all paint has been removed and the surface is smooth. Palm sanders work best, but you can also use a sanding block, if desired.

Wipe off any sanding dust from the surface with a clean rag.

To ensure acceptance of stain color, apply a pre-stain wood conditioner with a paintbrush. Think of this step like priming a wall for paint. Let dry according to manufacturer's instructions.

Apply stain with a foam paintbrush.

Allow the stain to penetrate 5-15 minutes to desired color. The longer the stain sits, the darker and richer the color will become. Wipe off any excess stain with a soft rag in the direction of the grain. If you want a darker color, you can apply a second coat in 4-6 hours.

Apply a thin coat of clear polyurethane with a paintbrush. Let dry 2 hours, and then sand using a 220-grit sanding block to ensure an even finish and proper adhesion of a second coat. Apply a second coat, and let dry at least 3 hours before reattaching hardware.