My New Obsession with Staining

Thank you Pinterest for introducing me to stain! In the weeks leading up to purchasing my house, I obsessively browsed Pinterest for decorating ideas.  I came across this gem on the blog Monica Wants it All and was ecstatic that I could update my bathroom cabinets with some stain.

This is what I was working with.

 

Two lessons that I am slowly learning about DIY projects are that you really have to read through every word in a tutorial before undertaking it AND also don’t always assume that your shortcut will be wise.  In this case, it was the first lesson that came back to haunt me during this project. 

Something you need to know before you start this stain project:  You will need to devote up to two weeks to complete this! So if you have guests coming into town or any important events that are coming up that you require use of said furniture being stained, hold off until you can deal with a mess for two weeks.

Another thing you need to know (AKA that I ignored): Wear gloves. The stain seeps through the sock and removing stain from your fingers isn’t fun or pretty ;)

 

 

Things you will need:

• Something to cover areas you do not want stained. I used blue plastic table clothes (I have a huge box of them)
• A sanding block
• GLOVES
• Tape (masking or painters)
• General Finishes Java Gel. Everything I read said this is the ONLY stain that works. I bought mine here.
• Screwdriver
• Men’s sock
• Satin poly coat (either order with the General Finishes stain of just any poly coat will do)

Step 1: Remove all of the doors and hardware. If you have a small bathroom/work space like me, then take the doors to a different area for staining.

Step 2: Prep your area. Lay down your cloth/stain shield and tape areas that need to be taped (like walls, floor, under the counter top).

Step 3: Lightly sand the surface. No need to scrub. It took me all of 10 minutes to do this.

Step 4: Wear a glove under your sock! I didn’t read the tutorial very well and applied the first coat sans glove. I had to scrub a layer of skin off my hand. Also, if you’re like me and you start this project without a glove, then wrapping your hand in a plastic bag also works.

Step 5: Apply a thin coat of General Finishes Java Gel to the surface of your furniture. Wait at least 6 hours. BREATHE – it will look better. The first coat is always ugly. Apply another coat. Wait 12 hours.

Stay away from the liquor – it really will look better.

 

Apply another coat. Wait 24 hours.  See, it looks good doesn’t it? Most tutorials I read said to wait five days before applying a the poly coat. Personally mine dried faster, but to be cautious I waited five days, applied the poly coat. Wait a day in between poly coats. I did two coats. I think it’s a bit too shiny, but it doesn’t look bad. In other words, you may just want to do one coat.

Step 6 – Wait a few days and then put the doors back on and admire your beautiful new, modern cabinets.

Final product!

 

FYI - I have since fixed that bathroom mirror situation over my sink as well as the medicine cabinet. Post to follow soon!

Tips, Tricks & Other notes

• The Lysol Dual Action Wipes are AMAZING. They removed dripped stain seamlessly.
• Buy latex or rubber gloves (I can’t stress this enough)
• Painter’s tape refuses to stick to anything. Unless it’s wet paint/stain. Be careful.
• My cabinets are not real wood. From what I read this method doesn’t work on bare wood – so score for those of us with cheaply made furniture.
• Use a new sock (or a unstained part of the sock) for each coat, including the poly coat.
• Enjoy the beauty of your work!

Welcome to Spackle & Sparkle!

Welcome to Spackle & Sparkle! I'm using this blog to document the transformations I am making in my first home, which was purchased in October 2013. It is an approximately 1,100 square foot townhome with two bedrooms and one and half bathrooms. I also have a small enclosed patio in the back. Sharing this space is my almost 10 year old son chihuahua who is named Machismo. Although I'll focus on my home and DIY projects, from time to time I'll also post my favorite recipes, beauty product & reviews on other lifestyle-themed topics. Enjoy!