Get matched with top cabinet refacers and refinishers in Big Run, PA

Yes, sanding cabinets before you stain them helps the new stain better adhere to the surface. If you’re adding a darker stain to previously stained wood, you only have to sand them lightly enough to remove any finish and rough up the wood to improve adhesion. On the other hand, if you’re trying to stain wood that is a darker color or that has paint on it, you need to sand down to the original wood, or the color will show through the new stain.

The cost of cabinet refinishing is $3,000 on average but can range between $700 to $6,000 or more, depending on the size of your cabinets and their location in your home. Since kitchen cabinets are often much larger than other cabinets in your home, the cost of refinishing these is higher than others, ranging from $1,500 to $5,000. In contrast, smaller bathroom cabinets cost an average of $200 to $2,000 to refinish. The refinishing method also impacts the total cost, with cabinet staining being the most cost-effective option, from $4 to $10 per square foot.

Vinegar won’t strip the wood stain from your wood, but it can help remove a different type of stain. If you’re dealing with food stains or trying to remove water rings on your wood, you can use a little olive oil and vinegar (mixed equally) to remove those stains without stripping your actual wood stain. Just rub the solution in the direction of the wood grain, let it sit, and then wipe it away with a damp towel.

To prepare for cabinet refinishing or refacing, it’s important to remove all items from the cabinetry in question. In addition, clear any clutter from the room, whether it's the kitchen, bathroom, or otherwise. Be sure to have additional cabinet materials, such as cabinet hardware, lights, and glass inserts, ready for your cabinet installer to use.

Finally, if you have pets, ensure they are in a safe, separate location away from your cabinet professionals, who will bring materials in and out of your home during the process.