I can’t believe February is already half way over! Wow! That was fast! I have several projects coming up in the next few weeks that I will be sharing with you. Just in case any of you are ready for a winter project, I have a kitchen makeover for you today. This is a project I did a few years ago. It was the kitchen island at our previous house. The entire time we lived there I wanted to do something to the finish on the cabinets. I was not a fan of the color of the cabinets and because of the door style I didn’t really want to paint them. I wanted the cabinets to be a deeper richer color. I wasn’t sure what product I needed to use over the existing finish, but I knew I did not want to strip them! No thanks! Ha!
I did some research online and came across General Finishes Gel Stain. This was the ticket! You can use this directly over another finish.
Here’s the link:
Pretty amazing stuff! I have a few pictures below. (Sorry I don’t have more pictures of step-by-step process but this is before I started blogging!)
This is what the cabinet color looked like when we moved in. We put the granite counter tops on and added stone to the column, but I was still not happy with the red/ orange tone of the cabinets.
Not my favorite. 
I ordered these products from Amazon.
General finishes gel stain, the color was Antique walnut.
General finishes urethane sealer Clear
I also ordered these little pyramids. I was very happy that I did because they made for faster drying time.
The 1st step in this process is to clean the cabinets.
I used 409 spray. That’s usually my 1st step to refinishing or painting any piece of furniture. It breaks down built up grease and oil.
2nd step clean with 409 spray! Yes, I know it’s the same as 1st step. In the kitchen you will have a lot more build up than another piece if furniture.
3rd step use a sanding block with Fine Grit. Basically you just want to go over the cabinet surface really well.
Not trying to take off the finish just braking down the sealer a bit.
4th step clean again with 409 to remove any dust or left over dirt/ grime.
5th step remove the doors, drawers and hardware.
Now the fun part begins. Time for the 1st coat of Gel Stain.
I used a sponge brush. Brush on the stain to cover all of the old stain color. It’s going to be a little translucent at this point it almost looks like you’re giving the cabinets a glaze. Don’t worry it will cover beautifully after the 3rd coat.
I had to do 3 coats of Gel Stain to cover and get a smooth look.
Now, this is very, very important, you must follow the instructions on the drying time. Good conditions drying time is 6 to 8 hours between coats. Damp conditions are 24 hours between coats.
It’s hard not to get in a hurry between coats. Trust me, If you don’t follow these instructions it can cause the previous coat to lift back off messing up your finish. (I know this for a fact, Don’t ask me how. Lol)
After 3 coats of Gel Stain your next step will be to coat cabinets with the clear urethane top coat.
After that dries you’re home free! All that’s left is to replace your hardware(or put on the new hardware) and put the doors on and drawers in.
Now sit back and enjoy your new kitchen!!!
All in all this is not a hard project. Time consuming, yes but not hard. It will make a huge difference in updating your kitchen! I’ve heard Realtors say “Kitchens and bathrooms sell a house” and I believe it! Just a few weeks after I finished this project we got a contract on our house! Yeah!
I hope you enjoyed the before and after pictures. Maybe this will inspire anyone that has been considering a kitchen make over to go for it!
The Whole 9 Yards 