What To Use To Clean Cabinets Before Staining

Prep is basically degreasing and abrading the surface for better adhesion.

What to use to clean cabinets before staining.

Wipe the folded tack cloth across the wood to remove dust. Forum responses finishing forum from contributor g. Tack cloth is a cheesecloth like piece of fabric that s coated in a layer of sticky adhesive. This means you have to use a type of cleaning solution that gets rid of buildup without leaving any residue behind as the stain won t properly absorb otherwise.

If not done the paint can peel or bubble over time making all that hard work giving the cabinets new life a pointless endeavor. This response is true of prepping and existing finish on furniture but kitchen cabinets are more problematic because they are work areas where grease steam food splatters and oil from hands are common. Prepping cabinets for painting is important. Oil or substances on hands really show up on a failed re finish around doorknobs and hands if the surface is not.

I have used dawn in water thoroughly flushed followed by white gas scrubbed with a purple scotchbrite. Before you stain the cabinets it s important to remove all the doors and drawers to make sanding and applying the stain easier. Ive used java gel before and loved it. Step 7 polish the cabinets with a wood polish per the manufacturer s instructions once they are completely dry.

Some cabinets have built up furniture polish and oils from cooking. Lastly before you stain it s a good idea to use tack cloths to clean every last bit of dust off the prepped wood surface. The knotty pine has a bit of an orange tint. I wish general finishes made a white or ivory stain.

Use 120 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the cabinets. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain. Cleaning cabinets with vinegar before painting or using a mix with rubbing alcohol can ensure you get a deep clean. I also have a huge window and bench seat 40 inches deep by 72 wide i am teetering on painting the knotty pine walls and cabinets and or using a stain.

Wood dust from sanding will cause problems if it s not removed from the surface before staining. Instead use a tack cloth a sticky piece of cheesecloth made especially for this purpose. Wipe the cabinets with the clean damp cloth to rinse them so as not to leave behind any soap residue. Step 2 unless your cabinets are raw wood the existing finish must be removed before you can apply the new stain coat.

Clean unfinished wood with a damp rag before staining. The cabinets are also knotty pine and very well built. Step 6 dry the cabinets with a soft clean dry cloth to remove excess moisture.