The kitchen is the heart of every home. When it’s time for a new kitchen makeover, many homeowners will replace their countertops, flooring, and appliances. But one thing you might not realize: your cabinets could use a refresher too! It can be difficult to find the perfect color for your cabinets. So instead of picking something you think you might like, try to picture what would look best in your space. Here are some tips on how to stain kitchen cabinets darker, so you can give them a fresh new look that’s flattering to the rest of the room.
Tips on Painting Cabinets
Cabinet color is a personal preference, but one way to make them darker is by using paint with an eggshell finish. An eggshell finish has more sheen and reflects light, which will give your cabinets the appearance of being darker. You can also use opaque paint, like flat or eggshell. Be sure to choose a satin or semi-gloss finish when choosing a flat paint. This will emphasize the wood grain in your cabinets and make them look lighter than if you had used an eggshell finish.
To help your new color last longer, you should use a primer before painting. This will provide better coverage and seal in the color – perfect for those who are looking to stain kitchen cabinets darker! You may also want to consider using oil-based paints on the inside of your cabinets instead of latex paints that might be more water-based. The oil-based paints are less likely to chip or peel over time because they dry slower and bond better with the wood surface. These paints also have a higher sheen than latex paints and produce a warmer tone
Considerations for the Kitchen
If you have a kitchen with a lot of light, you might want to go for a lighter shade. In this scenario, you might want to try painting the cabinets white or another light color. On the other hand, if your kitchen has dark tones, like black countertops or dark floors, then it’s probably best to stain them darker.
Another thing to think about is what other components are in your space. If you have a traditional-style kitchen with wood flooring and light-colored walls, then stained wood cabinets will give your room an instant update. However, if your kitchen is more modern and features metal appliances or stainless steel appliances and marble countertops, then painted wood cabinets won’t do the trick. You may want to consider switching out your cabinetry entirely for these types of spaces.
The Best Way to Stain Kitchen Cabinets Darker
The best way to stain kitchen cabinets darker is to start from scratch. Remove your old color by sanding it completely off, then apply a sealant. This will protect the wood underneath and help to keep the new colors from fading over time.
Once you’ve done that, you’re ready to pick your new paint color. You want a hue that complements the natural tones in your kitchen.
So if you have yellow tones in the room, you might want to go with a blue or green hue for your cabinets. If you have lots of reds and oranges, try an earthy green or brown instead.
After picking out your perfect color—or colors—you can use a paintbrush and rollers to get started on staining kitchen cabinets darker!
How to Take Care of Your Cabinets
It’s important to take care of your cabinets so they last a long time. You should clean them regularly with warm water and mild soap. Use a natural wood cleaner, apply sparingly, and avoid using abrasive cleaners or chemicals.
Cabinet doors can be counteracted by applying a coat of wax or polish every six months. Keep the inside of your cabinets dust-free with cloths and vacuum attachments.
You can also make your cabinets look as good as new with stains. If you want them darker, mix some dark brown paint into the stain before applying it. Mixing dark brown paint into lighter stains will result in a more subtle color change, too!
Different surfaces might require more coats for better coverage, but don’t forget to sand the surface before staining it. When you’re done, remove any excess sawdust and wipe down the surface for a beautiful material that is well taken care of!
Cabinets and Colors
Cabinets come in lots of different colors, so finding the right one for your space might seem like a challenge. But if you spend some time trying out a few shades, you’ll find one that will work. You should also think about the size of your kitchen and how much light will be cast onto them. For example, lighter cabinets may look better in an open kitchen with lots of natural light, while darker cabinets may work better in a more closed-off kitchen or one that doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight.
The most common color for cabinets is white because it works well with any style and keeps your options open for painting the walls whatever color you want. But if you want to update your kitchen and give it more of an upscale feel, consider staining your cabinet to make them darker. This can be done without replacing the whole cabinet – just sanding down the old finish first before applying a new stain!
Match your Color Scheme to the Style of your Cabinets
One thing to take into consideration when choosing a color for your cabinets is the style of the cabinets themselves. If you have modern-looking cabinets, you might want to go with a bright hue. More traditional cabinet styles might work best with earth tones.
When it comes to staining kitchen cabinets darker, it’s important to keep in mind what color scheme you’re working with and which style of kitchen your new color will be going with. You don’t want to try and make your light-colored kitchen cabinets dark without matching them to the rest of the room. The beauty of staining kitchen cabinets darker is that you can match them with the rest of your décor so they look like they’ve always been there!
Choose a Stain Color
If you’re just looking for an easy way to make your kitchen look different, consider staining your cabinets darker color. If you want them to match the rest of the room, try choosing a stain color that complements your countertops. For example, if you have black or white counters, choose a stain color in those hues. If you have light wood counters, go with a dark shade of brown or black.
If you want more direction on how to stain kitchen cabinets darker, here are some other tips:
- Remove all doors and drawers from the cabinet before you start so they don’t get stained as well.
- Depending on how much of the cabinet is stained, make sure to use primer so that the new color will show up more vividly.
- Use a paintbrush or roller to apply the stain; this will ensure even coverage and fewer streaks over time.
- Apply at least two coats of stain so that it looks smooth and professional when dry; this may also protect against stains in the future!
How to Stain Kitchen Cabinets Darker
Darker cabinets can help create a formal or contemporary feeling, depending on the design. They can also make your kitchen feel less cluttered and more open.
The color of your cabinets will depend on the type of stain you choose. Here are some popular colors to consider:
- Walnut: Has a brownish-bronze tone. This is a popular color for cherry wood.
- Black: Creates a sleek look that’s perfect for an ultramodern space.
- Golden oak: Makes light and airy spaces feel cozier and inviting.
- Jacobean: Provides that classic traditional look with a dark brown tone.
What to Expect From Your Cabinet Refinishing Project
The process of staining kitchen cabinets darker is not difficult, but it does require a bit of prep work before you start. Below are some tips to keep in mind:
- For the smoothest finish, clean cabinets thoroughly and make sure they’re dry before you start.
- Try using a primer for a smoother application.
- Use a high-quality brush for the best results.
- Plan your project according to how much time you have available! If you choose to do the project on your own, start with the top cabinets and work your way down. This will minimize paint drips from getting on lower cabinets.
- If you want to stain kitchen cabinets darker without painting them, make sure that all the doors are closed during application so no excess gets on surfaces you don’t want it on!
Conclusion
Staining kitchen cabinets dark has a number of advantages, including that it’s easier to keep clean, it can make your kitchen look larger, and it can help your home to seem more luxurious. Using a stain is actually a fairly straightforward process, though there are some things you should know before you get started.
For example, different types of stains have different qualities and should be applied in different ways. You should also be aware that if your cabinets have glossy surfaces, they will not be able to be stained. Once you have all the information you need, all you need to do is to grab your supplies and get started!
