Prepping the Cabinets

• Place the kitchen cabinets on a flat surface to keep the finish from running. If there is enough table surface available, place them on a worktable. This will help to keep trash from flying up off the ground and into the paint, stain or varnish.
  
  Sand the cabinets with 100-grit sandpaper in preparation for finishing them. If you are sanding by hand, work the sandpaper in the direction of the grain. Sanding across the grain will cause scratches that may not be readily seen until the finish is applied. Be certain to remove any dust created by sanding from the cabinet surfaces with a brush or a soft cloth.
  
  

Stain

• Choosing the stain or paint used to apply a finish to the kitchen cabinets should be based on the existing décor of the kitchen. Once a color choice has been made, the method of application needs to be considered. For example, thin stain should be applied with a soft cloth instead of a brush because of the stain's thin consistency. Using a circular motion when applying the stain gives a different finished look than is obtained by straight-line application.
  
  Staining products are available that already have the varnish included. These need to be applied with a brush in the direction of the grain. Read the label to determine if sanding between coats is needed.
  
  Apply the first coat of finish in thin coats. As with sanding, apply it in the direction of the grain. Remember, several thin coats are always better than one or two thick coats. Another issue to contend with in finishing kitchen cabinets is the compatibility of the stain and clear coat. The best way to determine this is by reading the product labels. If using sanding sealer as a finish, sand the cabinets between coats with 000-steelwool. This increases the final durability (and shine for the high-gloss finish).
  
  

Paint

• For paints, stroke the brush with paint in the direction of the grain of the wood. This is known as "pushing" the paint and will give the best result. The direction of the grain of the wood is seen as a 'pattern' in the wood itself and in some woods, e.g. oak or ash, is slightly raised and can be felt when you pass your hand over it. Again, apply the paint to the cabinets in thin enough coats that it doesn't run.
  
  Experiment with multiple colors of paint to create a desired look. For example, apply a light or dark color as the base coat. Then you can use a sea sponge or something similar and pat on the next coat in a different color resulting in an antique look. Just dip the sponge in the second color and lightly pat the surface with it. You can create a similar look by wadding up a piece of newspaper
  
  Keep in mind that the difference in paints is as vast as those for stain and varnish. Acrylic, latex and enamel are among the most common. The main difference between acrylic and latex is that the first has a chemical composition that gives it an elastic property. This means it expands and contracts with heat and cold. Enamel paint air-dries to a hard, glossy finish and requires mineral spirits to clean out the brushes.