from Gardners 2 Bergers: Stain Cabinetry like a Pro

We have spent most of the summer in Fresno, though that was not the original plan! It's been so sad to see the smoke filled air and know northern Cali is suffering. This project comes from Fresno - so i't's the perfect time to share it. Now if you're like me, you would be skeptical to stain your own cabinets. But you can see my husband stained these while we were at a trade show!

Here's how to get the look:

Materials

Alder Cabinets- found at bog box stores and custom.
Denatured Alcohol
Weatherwood's Reclamation Stain for Cabinet
Sponge Brush or Spray Gun
Weatherwood's White Maintenance Oil Topcoat
Weatherwood Varnish
Rags
Weatherwood's Salvage Stain for Alder Wall

Directions

1.] SAND (SORT OF): Cabinets come pre-sanded to usually at least 220 grit. But that's over sanding for reactive stains. Here's a trick, you can purchase denatured alcohol, it's inexpensive and faster than sanding. Apply it like you would stain, with a spray gun or paint brush. Make sure to the wood the day before you plan to stain, so it can completely dry.

Create & Hold White Washed Gray Cabinetry

2.] STAIN: If you want a pure driftwood gray, you should use Reclamation. If you want a brown with brown in it, use Salvage. Using a wide brush, roller, or sponge brush, apply heavy coat of stain. Like in the above video, the wood will absorb the stain as it dries. The color will change from raw wood to stained.

Once you're wood is dry, which takes about 30 minutes, you're ready to move to the next step. You will see the before and after transformation of raw alder to Reclamation stained below.

Then you want to decide if you like the color as is, in which case just seal it with Weatherwood Varnish. If you want to lighten it, you'll want to use Weatherwood's WHITE Maintenance Oil Topcoat, LEFT. However, if you want to darken it, and enhance the warmth of the wood tone, then use Weatherwood's CLEAR Maintenance Oil Topcoat (RIGHT).

3.] LIGHTEN / DARKEN: We decided to lighten the bottom cabinetry, so we used White Maintenance Oil Topcoat. This will lock in that light driftwood look and protect the wood. It's a brush or wipe on application, brushing is faster but a rag will make the product go further.

Allow the oil to penetrate for 5-10 minutes. The longer it sits, the whiter the effect. The use a clean rag to wipe off. If it gets too pale, just buff the finish back down. The White Maintenance Oil will provide light to medium wood protection.

4.] SEAL: Cabinets need heavy duty wood protection, so you will want to use Weatherwood Varnish over the cured oils. Apply 2-3 coats of protection, to mimic store bought cabinets.