How to Stain Cabinets That Are Already Stained: 6 Refresh Steps

Don’t let old wood stains leave a permanent mark—here’s how to start fresh

A kitchen with gray cabinets
Photo: Joe Hendrickson / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
A kitchen with gray cabinets
Photo: Joe Hendrickson / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Alison Kasch
Written by Alison Kasch
Contributing Writer
Updated Nov 9, 2023
SKILL LEVEL
Simple
COMPLETION TIME
3 hours
COST
$100–$500
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
  • Screwdriver
  • Sandpaper (150-220 grit)
  • Tarp or drop cloth
  • Tack cloth or microfiber cloth
  • Cloth or foam brush
SUPPLIES
  • Painter’s tape
  • Stain of your choice
  • Rubber or latex gloves
  • Goggles
  • Chemical stripper (optional)

Despite its name, cabinet stains don't have to be permanent. By learning how to stain cabinets that are already stained, you can achieve a freshly-stained look for cabinets that are looking worse for the wear or need a new color. Here’s how to stain cabinets that are already stained.

Angi Tip

Consider applying water-based stain to your cabinets, as it is easier to apply and dries significantly faster than its oil-based counterparts. This time-saving stain option is also less prone to streaks or imperfections in the finish.

Kaitlyn Pacheco
Kaitlyn Pacheco
Content Editor, Angi

Prepping to Refinish Stained Cabinets

To begin the cabinet refinishing process, use a screwdriver to carefully remove all the cabinet hardware, which includes handles, knobs, and hinges. Removing the door will also make it much easier to sand and apply the new stain.

Next, take preventative measures to safeguard the surrounding areas from any potential mess. Cover any nearby surfaces with drop cloths or a tarp to shield them from dust, splatters, and drips that can occur during the refinishing. Don protective goggles and latex or rubber gloves to protect your hands.

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  1. Strip the Existing Stain, If Needed

    If you're wondering how to remove stain from wood, chemical strippers are a good option, but they’re not always necessary. For example, when transitioning from a darker stain to a lighter one or removing lacquers, you’ll need to use a chemical stripper. If you're going from a light to a dark color, no stripping is necessary. However, be aware that it could affect the color of the new stain.

    Ensure you're in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear, including gloves and safety glasses. Apply the chemical stripper generously to the stained area using a steel wool pad. Allow it to sit for the recommended duration, usually 15 to 30 minutes, to let it penetrate and loosen the old stain. Afterward, use a paint scraper or putty knife to gently scrape off the softened stain. Wipe the surface with a clean cloth to remove any residue.

  2. Sand the Cabinet Surface

    A person sanding a cabinet surface
    Photo: Biserka Stojanovic / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

    Next, sand the cabinet using 150 to 220 grit sandpaper. Sand with the grain of the wood, taking care not to gouge the surface, and try to be as consistent as possible throughout. Once you're finished sanding, go over the cabinet’s surface with a tack cloth or microfiber cloth to remove any lingering dust particles.

  3. Apply the New Stain

    Apply a generous coat of the new stain to the wood using a cloth or a foam brush. Paintbrushes are an option, but these can leave a streaky finish from the brush strokes. Apply the material in smooth, even strokes.

  4. Wipe Away Excess Stain

    With your cloth or stain pad, wipe away any excess stain. Do not use paper towels, as these can remove too much stain and leave fine paper particles stuck to the wood.

  5. Allow the Stain to Cure

    Per the manufacturer’s instructions, allow the stain to cure for the specified amount of time needed. This timeframe is typically between 18 to 24 hours.

  6. Apply a Second Coat of Stain (If Necessary)

    A woman staining a yellow cabinet
    Photo: Alex Potemkin / E+ / Getty Images

    If you want to make your cabinets a darker color, apply an additional coat of stain, wipe it away, and allow it to fully cure. Be sure the first coat is dry before adding another coat.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Learning how to stain cabinets that are already stained may seem like a relatively easy DIY in theory, but in practice, it can be challenging. If you have a lot of wood to re-stain, varnishes to remove, or detailed wood carvings to preserve, it might be best to hire a local cabinet refinisher for the job. The average cost to refinish cabinets ranges anywhere from $1,800 to $5,000, while a basic DIY will usually be under $500.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood can appear blotchy after staining due to uneven absorption, which happens when the wood has varying grain density. The denser the grain, the less the stain will be absorbed. This can cause the wood to appear uneven in color, with some areas darker than others. 

To prevent this issue, apply a wood conditioner before staining. Wood conditioners help to equalize the absorption of the stain, resulting in a more even finish. There are many different types of wood conditioners available, so be sure to choose one that is appropriate for the type of wood you are staining.

Adding a second coat of stain to wood can even out the color to some extent, but it won't drastically alter the hue if the initial application is too light or too dark. It's more effective at enhancing the richness of the color rather than significantly changing it. Ensure the first coat is dry before applying the second.

Stain is meant to be absorbed by the porous wood, allowing some of the natural grain to show through. With that in mind, you don’t want to add more stain than the wood can absorb, as you risk covering up its natural markings. Generally, two coats is the maximum you should do, although very dense hardwoods may only be able to take a single coat.

Yes, it’s possible to paint over stained wood. Keep in mind that you’ll need to remove as much of the remaining stain as possible before applying a new coat of paint. Choosing the best paint for kitchen cabinets comes down to your priorities and preferences, but you can use oil-based, water-based latex, or hybrid enamel paint.

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Alison Kasch
Written by Alison Kasch
Contributing Writer
Alison is a Chicago-based writer who has spent the last seven years focusing her content on everything inside and outside the home.

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