Well, this took a little over a week off and on with allowing for all the different coats to dry, and I have to say it was a little more work than I thought it was going to be, – HOWEVER, I LOVE IT.
Remember – this is what it looked like before. Maple cabinets with a medium stain. Pretty, but I really wanted it darker.
I moved a lamp in and sat it on the floor by the door so you could see the finish better. (One of my knobs broke and hubby is trying to use liquid weld to fix it – see it propped up on the counter – I think I will just buy another new one)
Step by step how I did it.
I used General Finishes Gel Stain in Antique Walnut. The doors and hinges were removed and the cabinet base was given a light sanding to remove the shine. No need to go down to bare wood, just take the shine off. I taped off the wall and floor so stain wouldn’t get on them.
If you are going to do this, you need to be in a dust free cool area. It’s been hovering between 110 and 115, so doing this in the house was the only option. The frame I was able to do in place, but the doors needed a work surface so I used my dining table. Now it looked like this in varying stages for over a week. Lightly sanded and ready for 1st coat. I put wood spacers under the doors to hold them off the table.
Coat One – brush on with a foam brush and then wipe off with a soft cloth in the direction of the grain. (I cut an old tee shirt into strips)
Coat 2 – I’ve seen this done on oak and it looks totally different because oak has so much more grain than maple. The oak takes the stain in the direction of the grain with a much smoother look. The maple has light and dark spots to it, so it makes it look even more streaked.
Third boat – It’s definitely looking better. –
5th coat and I am calling it done. I think that is about as streak free as I am going to get it. All I did was add a coat of Satin Clear Poly after the stain was thoroughly dry.
I really like how much richer it looks.
In person it really is pretty and the color is perfect.
Just watch the video that General Finishes has on YouTube and you can do this too. Patience is the name of the game. This does take time.
So what do you think? Better?
Be sure to get all of your projects lined up for Inspire Me Tuesday. Party goes live Monday afternoon at 3 PM CMT. Can’t wait to see you there.
I am joining the following parties:
Pieced Pastimes , Funky Junk Interiors ,
It’s Overflowing, Silver Pennies ,
DIY Showoff , Thoughts From Alice ,
Creatively Living ,Just A Girl & Her Blog , Pink
Mod VintageLife ,The Dedicated House , Between Naps On The Porch ,
Dwellings-Heart of Your Home , Karen’s Up On The Hill
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