🪴AIDAN’S ROOM MAKEOVER 🪴 We finally compl 🪴AIDAN’S ROOM MAKEOVER 🪴
We finally completed our teenager’s bedroom makeover and we’re so happy with how it turned out. It’s always great to see a project come together after lot’s of planning. 
All the room details on the Blog! Link in bio
#RoomDecor #Roomdesign #roommakeover #roommakeoverproject #boyroomdecor #boyroom #boyrooms #boyroomdesigns #teenboyroom #boymomproblems #boymomlife #bedroomdecor #bedroomideas
Had to share this easy hack with you all! I hate w Had to share this easy hack with you all! I hate when you can’t sit furniture flush to the wall because of those pesky cords sticking out! 
Link in bio!
#Nightstanddecor #nightstands #nightstandmakeover #RoomDecor #Roomdesign #roommakeover #roommakeoverproject #boyroomdecor #boyroom #boyrooms #boyroomdesigns #teenboyroom #boymomproblems #boymomlife #bedroomdecor #bedroomideas
A little sneak peek of Aidan’s room. It is my fa A little sneak peek of Aidan’s room. It is my favorite little corner in his room! Can't wait to share more!
#Nightstanddecor #nightstands #nightstandmakeover #RoomDecor #Roomdesign #roommakeover #roommakeoverproject #boyroomdecor #boyroom #boyrooms #boyroomdesigns #teenboyroom #boymomproblems #boymomlife #bedroomdecor #bedroomideas
**CALLING ALL BOY MOMS** !! 📣 This one is for **CALLING ALL BOY MOMS** !! 📣
This one is for you! If you have teenage boys with a million collectibles, trophies, legos, and awkwardly shaped figurines - this IKEA bookcase is exactly what you need. 
Link is in the bio for you!!! 🏆🚂 🧸🪀
#leggo #leggodiverso #leggodisplay #ikeahacks #Ikeahack #RoomDecor #Roomdesign #roommakeover #roommakeoverproject #boyroomdecor #boyroom #boyrooms #boyroomdesigns #teenboyroom #boymomproblems #boymomlife #bedroomdecor #bedroomideas
🪴 $130 EASY DIY BATHROOM FLOOR MAKEOVER 🪴 🪴 $130 EASY DIY BATHROOM FLOOR MAKEOVER 🪴
Create a stunning checkered floor bathroom and makeover your space on a budget. Get inspired with these easy bathroom makeover ideas featuring beautiful checkered flooring. Link in bio for a step-by-step guide and all the materials we used! 
#Checkeredfloorbathroom #BathroommakeoverIdeas #Easybathroomupdates #Homedesign #RenovationProject #Cozyhome
🪴 EASY BATHROOM FLOOR REMODEL 💫 This Bathro 🪴 EASY BATHROOM FLOOR REMODEL 💫
This Bathroom has gone thru quite a few facelifts, but this by far has been my favorite transformation! I am so happy with it I wish we would have done it a long time ago. 
Link in Bio for step-by-step guide and Follow for more easy and budget-friendly room makeovers and design
#CheckeredFloorBathroom #BathroomMakeoverOnABudget #BathroomMakeoverIdeas #CheckeredFlooring #EasyBathroomMakeoverDIY
💫 BATHROOM MAKEOVER ON A BUDGET 💫 Easy budg 💫 BATHROOM MAKEOVER ON A BUDGET 💫
Easy budget-friendly Bathroom makeover. We were inspired by checkered floor tile design but didn't have a big budget. If I would have known this checkered floor pattern would have looked this good. I would have done it a lot sooner! Link in bio for a step-by-step guide and all the materials we used!
Link in bio! ✨
Did you think our floor was tile???
#CheckeredFloorBathroom #BathroomMakeoverOnABudget #BathroomMakeoverIdeas #CheckeredFlooring #EasyBathroomMakeoverDIY
🪴SMALL BEDROOM MAKEOVER 🪴 Figuring out the 🪴SMALL BEDROOM MAKEOVER 🪴
Figuring out the space layout and choosing the right furniture makes all the difference when designing small spaces. We love how this bedroom upgrade came out! Nothing a little wallpaper and paint job can’t handle!
#smallbedroom #Smallbedroommakeover #Bedroommakeoverideas #Bedroommakeover #Design #DIYbedroommakeover
We spent most of the weekend putting together my s We spent most of the weekend putting together my sons bedroom and in our old house, having great air flow to circulate the air in the room is a must! 
Also, who doesn’t love an adorable looking circulator that has a vintage look? 
@vornado (gifted) may be small but it’s powerful and it’s a perfect solution for those warm days. 
For $10 off use code VFAN10 
#vornadofanclub #vornadofan #vornado #giftedbyvornado #bedroomdecor #dresser #boysbedroom #retrodecor #vintagedecor
Load More...
  • DIY Projects
  • Furniture
  • Interior Design
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • DIY Projects
  • Furniture
  • Interior Design
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact

Painting by the Penny

Refinished Furniture, DIY, & Interior Design

DIY Projects, Interior Design · January 30, 2022

How To Stain Unfinished Cabinets

Kitchen with stained white oak cabinets, white subway tiles up wall, stainless steel stove and vent hood, and floating shelf

I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission on. Thank you

White oak kitchens have always been one of my favorites. They are bright, modern, and the cabinets look gorgeous. When we purchased our first rental property I knew I wanted to create a similar look, but for much less. So we purchased these Project Source in-stock unfinished cabinets at Lowe’s and I made it my mission to stain them and give them a white oak kitchen look.

I could have easily painted the cabients but wanted to stain them instead. If you are interested in learning how to paint kitchen cabinets, I did it for a different unit and they turned out great too!

Unfinished cabinet base displayed in store

What you’ll need to stain unfinished cabinets

  • 120grit Sanding sponge
  • Minwax Wood Conditioner
  • Foam Brush and Rag
  • Varathane Golden Oak Stain
  • Minwax Color Wash Transparent Stain (I used Minwax pickling stain but this is whats available now)
  • Minwax water-based polycryclic in Satin
Unfinished cabinets against drywall in kitchen

Remove drawers and cabinet doors

In order to be able to stain your cabinets correctly, remove the doors and drawers. Set up a space and line them up. Make sure you are in a well ventilated room and you wear a mask (I’m not always good with this).

Unfinished cabinet doors laying on black table

I didn’t have a lot of cabinets so I was able to line them up in my living and dining room and had my windows open. You don’t have to stain the actual inside of the cabinets but its recommended to stain the inside of the cabinet doors.

Sand

Give all the cabinet doors and drawer fronts a light sanding. I used a 120g sanding sponge and went over all the surfaces lightly. I then cleaned all the dust off and was ready to apply my first product.

Apply wood conditioner

Apply wood conditioner using a rag. Wood conditioner draws out the grain and helps ensure a more even coat. It prevents the stain from looking blotchy. Allow the wood conditioner to sit for 15min.

Container of Minwax pre stain wood conditioner on black table next to unfinished oak cabinet doors

Stain

Once the wood conditioner is dried, apply your stain. I used Varathane Stain in the color Golden Oak. I applied only one coat using a rag and wiped off the excess.

Apply whitewash pickling

The whitewash pickling I used from Minwax seems like it has a new look. I can’t find the can I used and what’s available right now is Minwax Color Wash Transparent Stain. I have used this product for a different project and loved it!

Container of minwax color wash white wash stain

Initially, I applied the whitewash pickling with a rag but found it applies more even with a foam brush then excess wiped with a damp rag.

In the photo below you can see the cabinet door on the left has the stain and the one on the right has the whitewash pickling.

Unfinished cabinet doors

After applying the whitewash pickling and allowing it to dry, I applied another coat of the Varathane stain.

Protect

To protect the cabinets, apply three coats of Minwax Waterbased Polycrylic. Polycrylic does not stick to itself so sanding in between coats is required. Sand lightly in between coats using the 120grit sanding sponge.

Can of minwax polycrylic on black table

In my opinion, water based polycrylic is better to use because oil based tends to yellow over time. I applied the polycryclic using a brush but you could use foam brushes, that work great too!

Stained cabinet doors on black table next to opened can of polycrylic, brush in ziplock bag, and sanding sponge

Once the polycryclic is all dried, you can place the doors and drawers back on. I purchased these black 5 inch pulls and 10 inch pulls on Amazon for a great deal.

stained kitchen cabinets with black hardware, stainless steel stove, white subway tile up wall and wood shelf

For the end panels of the cabinets, I ended up adding the same toe kicks that are sold separately for the bottom of the cabinets and had them cut to size. I stacked them like shiplap to create a more custom look.

stained kitchen cabinet with sink and black faucet, white subway tile up wall

And there you have it, white oak kitchen cabinets look for less!

Related

In: DIY Projects, Interior Design

You’ll Also Love

How To Hang Curtains The Right Way
Teen Boys Bedroom Makeover
4 Things To Consider Before Painting Furniture

Comments

  1. Jamie Huisenga says

    February 5, 2022 at 8:54 am

    What did you use for the countertop? I just stained unfinished cabinets (from menards) with a different stain combo but with the same results and already installed the same knobs as well. Definitely stealing the idea for the sides of the cabinets. I was wanting to do something fun but affordable!

    Reply
    • Joanna says

      February 5, 2022 at 3:13 pm

      Hi! Ahhh yes its such a good idea! Glad I could help! We used a quartz countertop.

      Reply
  2. Jenny P says

    March 7, 2022 at 9:48 am

    I am in love with this idea! I have been wanting to refinish my oak cabinets for a while but couldn’t bear to paint over wood and wasn’t sure how to make a stain work with the veneer end caps. The toe kicks are genius! Do you think the same process would work if I sanded down the previous finish and then started with your steps? I am guessing it was the original stain from when the house was built in the early 2000s. Do you think sanding would be better than stripping or vice versa? Also, can you please share the brand/color of the flooring you used? We are looking to cover our ceramic tile with luxury vinyl planks. Thanks so much for a beautiful inspiration 😍

    Reply
    • Joanna says

      March 7, 2022 at 4:17 pm

      Thank you so much! For the cabinets I would recommend both stripping and sanding. If they currently have a dark stain I would strip first then sand. If you just want to lighten them a bit you could probably get away with sanding. You could use a sander/deglosser to remove the varnish first then sand lightly. If striping, I would recommend Citristip. It can get messy and sticky but works well to remove paint and varnish.
      The flooring is laminate purchased at Lowe’s it’s Allen and Roth Urbanite Oak.

      Reply
      • Jenny P says

        March 9, 2022 at 12:16 pm

        Thank you again so much for this gorgeous inspiration!

        Reply
  3. Kelley Foess says

    March 31, 2022 at 4:22 pm

    Hello – Your cabinets are beautiful. I’m an avid painter but new to sanding. You used stain and the pickling. I see Varathane has a White Oak color. Did you consider using that or what’s the reason the two step stain and pickling was needed?

    Reply
    • Joanna says

      April 5, 2022 at 2:18 pm

      Hi! Thank you! I used the pickling because I wanted a little bit of white to come through the stain but its not necessary, its just preference. If you find a stain color you really love then go for it and skip the pickling.

      Reply
  4. Megan says

    April 22, 2022 at 10:33 am

    I just went to lowes yesterday and the sale lady said these are terrible quality 🙁 I was so sad as I just love this look. How long have you had and are you thinking they can hold up long term?

    Reply
    • Joanna says

      April 22, 2022 at 10:50 am

      Hi! We’ve had them in our rental unit for over a year and they are still in great condition! We made sure to seal them to protect them and also added soft close hinges so they don’t slam shut. For the price they are great and I would purchase them again.

      Reply
      • Megan says

        April 22, 2022 at 3:44 pm

        Interesting the lady was so hesitant for us to purchase! Thank you for the feedback.

        Reply
        • PJ says

          May 24, 2022 at 1:21 am

          Megan, I received the same treatment at Menards. I asked about the unfinished cabinets and was said oh are you interested in the “Cheap-O-” ones? Then listened to the guy just climb the price ladder showing more and more expensive “quality” options. He was a salesman, even saying he was steering me away from other options that would land him larger commissions when he just didn’t want me to buy the more affordable options (and smaller commissions). I could buy two complete sets of Cheap-O- cabinets with what he wanted me to buy….

          Reply
  5. AMY KOUNG says

    February 3, 2023 at 9:14 am

    Thank you so much Joanna! I copied your method on my bathroom’s vanities. It turned out great.

    Reply
    • Joanna says

      February 3, 2023 at 7:08 pm

      So glad to hear Amy! Thank you for sharing. I’m so happy they turned out great!

      Reply
  6. Caroline says

    February 15, 2023 at 3:55 pm

    Thank you for this post. Wondering how you kept the stain and white wash for gathering in the corners and cracks of the cabinet doors?
    I’m currently
    Staining my white oak cabinets with min wax simply white.
    Thanks in advance!!

    Reply
    • Joanna says

      February 16, 2023 at 7:40 pm

      Hi Caroline, thank you so much! My best advice is to apply thin even coats. Use a lint free rag and don’t start in the corners.

      Reply
  7. Kelsey says

    February 22, 2023 at 1:26 pm

    Thank you so much for your detailed post! I’m using it as a guide to redo my entire kitchen! I had a couple questions if you don’t mind. Do the front frame of the cabinets need sanding and staining, etc. or do you just have to do the doors? And did you glue the toe kicks onto the ends of the cabinets? If so, what glue do you recommend for that. Thank you again for the post, so grateful to redo my cabinets without spending a fortune.

    Reply
    • Joanna says

      February 22, 2023 at 6:33 pm

      Hi Kelsey! Thank you so much and I’m so excited you’re using this as a guide! Yes the front frame of the cabinets need light sanding and staining as well. I did add extra toe kicks for the cabinet ends. We ended up nailing it using a brad nailer, just two tiny nail holes on the far right and far left of the toe kicks, filling those holes with wood filler and sanding lightly before staining. We also glued it using my favorite wood glue, Titebond (the premium or Ultimate) work great!

      Reply
      • Kelsey Smith says

        March 24, 2023 at 5:13 pm

        Thank you so much for the response and all the help! Very excited for the finish result.

        Reply
  8. Natalie Belewich says

    March 5, 2023 at 6:00 am

    Thank you for sharing! I followed this exactly, step by step, and used the same pulls – we absolutely love the way our cabinets came out in our “extra” basement kitchen.

    Reply
    • Joanna says

      March 6, 2023 at 12:53 pm

      Hi! Thank you so much for letting me know! I’m so happy you love it!

      Reply
  9. cristal says

    March 20, 2023 at 2:46 pm

    Hello,
    How did you make the shelves?

    Reply
    • Joanna says

      March 21, 2023 at 3:53 pm

      Hi! We purchased 2×10 inch lumbar at Lowe’s. Sanded it down to smooth and stained. Then purchased the shelf brackets at Home Depot

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

5 Thrifted Lamp Makeover Ideas

About me

Hi! I’m Joanna, a Latina who is passionate about making homes beautiful through furniture, design and DIY! Follow along as I share all my tips and tricks and the behind the scenes. I hope to inspire you as much as you all inspire me!

Instagram

Follow @Paintingbythepenny

🪴AIDAN’S ROOM MAKEOVER 🪴 We finally compl 🪴AIDAN’S ROOM MAKEOVER 🪴
We finally completed our teenager’s bedroom makeover and we’re so happy with how it turned out. It’s always great to see a project come together after lot’s of planning. 
All the room details on the Blog! Link in bio
#RoomDecor #Roomdesign #roommakeover #roommakeoverproject #boyroomdecor #boyroom #boyrooms #boyroomdesigns #teenboyroom #boymomproblems #boymomlife #bedroomdecor #bedroomideas
Had to share this easy hack with you all! I hate w Had to share this easy hack with you all! I hate when you can’t sit furniture flush to the wall because of those pesky cords sticking out! 
Link in bio!
#Nightstanddecor #nightstands #nightstandmakeover #RoomDecor #Roomdesign #roommakeover #roommakeoverproject #boyroomdecor #boyroom #boyrooms #boyroomdesigns #teenboyroom #boymomproblems #boymomlife #bedroomdecor #bedroomideas
A little sneak peek of Aidan’s room. It is my fa A little sneak peek of Aidan’s room. It is my favorite little corner in his room! Can't wait to share more!
#Nightstanddecor #nightstands #nightstandmakeover #RoomDecor #Roomdesign #roommakeover #roommakeoverproject #boyroomdecor #boyroom #boyrooms #boyroomdesigns #teenboyroom #boymomproblems #boymomlife #bedroomdecor #bedroomideas
**CALLING ALL BOY MOMS** !! 📣 This one is for **CALLING ALL BOY MOMS** !! 📣
This one is for you! If you have teenage boys with a million collectibles, trophies, legos, and awkwardly shaped figurines - this IKEA bookcase is exactly what you need. 
Link is in the bio for you!!! 🏆🚂 🧸🪀
#leggo #leggodiverso #leggodisplay #ikeahacks #Ikeahack #RoomDecor #Roomdesign #roommakeover #roommakeoverproject #boyroomdecor #boyroom #boyrooms #boyroomdesigns #teenboyroom #boymomproblems #boymomlife #bedroomdecor #bedroomideas
🪴 $130 EASY DIY BATHROOM FLOOR MAKEOVER 🪴 🪴 $130 EASY DIY BATHROOM FLOOR MAKEOVER 🪴
Create a stunning checkered floor bathroom and makeover your space on a budget. Get inspired with these easy bathroom makeover ideas featuring beautiful checkered flooring. Link in bio for a step-by-step guide and all the materials we used! 
#Checkeredfloorbathroom #BathroommakeoverIdeas #Easybathroomupdates #Homedesign #RenovationProject #Cozyhome
🪴 EASY BATHROOM FLOOR REMODEL 💫 This Bathro 🪴 EASY BATHROOM FLOOR REMODEL 💫
This Bathroom has gone thru quite a few facelifts, but this by far has been my favorite transformation! I am so happy with it I wish we would have done it a long time ago. 
Link in Bio for step-by-step guide and Follow for more easy and budget-friendly room makeovers and design
#CheckeredFloorBathroom #BathroomMakeoverOnABudget #BathroomMakeoverIdeas #CheckeredFlooring #EasyBathroomMakeoverDIY
💫 BATHROOM MAKEOVER ON A BUDGET 💫 Easy budg 💫 BATHROOM MAKEOVER ON A BUDGET 💫
Easy budget-friendly Bathroom makeover. We were inspired by checkered floor tile design but didn't have a big budget. If I would have known this checkered floor pattern would have looked this good. I would have done it a lot sooner! Link in bio for a step-by-step guide and all the materials we used!
Link in bio! ✨
Did you think our floor was tile???
#CheckeredFloorBathroom #BathroomMakeoverOnABudget #BathroomMakeoverIdeas #CheckeredFlooring #EasyBathroomMakeoverDIY
🪴SMALL BEDROOM MAKEOVER 🪴 Figuring out the 🪴SMALL BEDROOM MAKEOVER 🪴
Figuring out the space layout and choosing the right furniture makes all the difference when designing small spaces. We love how this bedroom upgrade came out! Nothing a little wallpaper and paint job can’t handle!
#smallbedroom #Smallbedroommakeover #Bedroommakeoverideas #Bedroommakeover #Design #DIYbedroommakeover
We spent most of the weekend putting together my s We spent most of the weekend putting together my sons bedroom and in our old house, having great air flow to circulate the air in the room is a must! 
Also, who doesn’t love an adorable looking circulator that has a vintage look? 
@vornado (gifted) may be small but it’s powerful and it’s a perfect solution for those warm days. 
For $10 off use code VFAN10 
#vornadofanclub #vornadofan #vornado #giftedbyvornado #bedroomdecor #dresser #boysbedroom #retrodecor #vintagedecor
I love the look of the bamboo shade in our bathroo I love the look of the bamboo shade in our bathroom but there was a lack of privacy. 
So I purchased a privacy liner and got the problem solved! 
You can also cut fabric and install it behind your shade but I found it quick and easy to buy the fabric that comes with the Velcro and snap locks. 
Privacy liner is on my Amazon Storefront under hardware (linked in bio)
#windowtreatment #bambooshades #bathroomdesign #bathroomwindow #windowshades #romanshades
Load More...

  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 Painting by the Penny · Theme by 17th Avenue