How to Restain Oak Cabinets
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Remove any drawers or doors on your cabinets. Use the screwdriver to remove any non-wood materials such as hinges and handles.
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Place a dropcloth underneath your work area. Chemicals such as stain and paint stripper will damage floors and carpets.
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Apply a thin coat of paint stripper to the cabinets with a clean brush. Allow the stripper to sit for approximately 20 minutes.
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Remove the original stain finish with a plastic putty knife. Scrape the surface of the cabinets until all the old stain has been removed. Don't use a metal scraper, as it will damage the surface.
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Wipe the surface of the oak cabinets with a soft, damp cloth to remove any excess chemicals. Wait until it is completely dry.
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Sand the entire surface of the cabinets with 400-grit sandpaper. Make sure you sand with the grain until the surface is smooth and clean of the original stain finish.
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Apply a coat of wood conditioner to the entire surface with a clean brush. This will ensure the new stain absorbs evenly into the wood. Allow the cabinets to completely dry.
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Apply a thin, even coat of stain to the entire surface of the cabinets with a clean brush. Wait until the first coat is dry before applying further coats. Continue to apply coats until the new finish achieves your desired depth and darkness.