How to Update Old Kitchen Timber Cupboards

What to use: Cabot’s Stain & Varnish Water Based

Why you should use it: Forget expensive kitchen renovations – totally refresh the look and feel of your kitchen with Cabot’s Stain & Varnish Water Based. This combined stain and varnish is perfect for all interior timber and can change the colour of the timber depending on how many coats you use, giving cupboards a gloss or satin sheen.

How it works: This low odour, scratch-resistant stain has a durable finish to protect the natural grain of timber.

Get Started

STEP 1 PREP

First up, remove any stains, dirt, wax, grease and oil with mineral turpentine (you can remove polish with a suitable polish remover). If there are any holes or gaps to fill, do this after the first coat has been applied to ensure accurate colour matching.

Depending on the surface you’re coating, there are several ways to prep:

Bare Timber: Sand the surface smooth in the direction of the grain, using 180 - 240-grit sandpaper. Remove all traces of sanding dust and you’re good to go.

Previously Coated Timber: Completely remove the previous coating either with paint stripper or by sanding. Remove all dust and you’re ready for the first coat.

STEP 2 APPLICATION

Stir Cabot’s Stain & Varnish Water Based thoroughly with a broad, flat paddle before and during use until the pigment is mixed in and the colour is uniform. If you’re using more than one can, mix all the cans together into a larger container to ensure colour uniformity. With a good quality brush or roller, apply the liquid with the grain of the timber.

STEP 3 ALLOW TO DRY

Allow at least two hours drying time. Once this is done, if there are any holes, cracks or other defects, fill them with Cabot's Wood Tone Putty, to ensure accurate colour matching.

STEP 4 LIGHTLY SAND AND REAPPLY

For best results, lightly sand the timber to remove any grain raise, using 240-grit sandpaper, then remove all sanding dust. Apply a second and third coat, sanding between each coat. Or, if your desired colour is achieved after one or two coats, add a coat of Cabot's Cabothane Clear Water Based to complete the 3-coat system.

STEP 5 ADMIRE YOUR NEW KITCHEN

You’re done! And in just a few easy steps you’ve totally transformed the look and feel of your kitchen. Hooray!

How to Update Old Kitchen Timber Cupboards

What you’ll need

Cabot's Stain & Varnish Water Based

Flat Paddle For Stirring

Brush or Roller