How to Finish Unfinished Kitchen Cabinets Like a Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever looked at your unfinished kitchen cabinets and thought, "Where do I even start?" Don't worry – you're about to become a cabinet-finishing expert. Whether you've just purchased from our Unfinished RTA Shaker Collection or planning a refresh, this guide will transform your cabinets from bare to beautiful.

What Are Unfinished Kitchen Cabinets?

Unfinished kitchen cabinets are exactly what they sound like: cabinets that haven't been painted, stained, or sealed. Typically made from solid wood or high-quality wood composites, these cabinets come in their raw, natural state, giving you complete control over their final appearance and finish.

Why Choose Unfinished Kitchen Cabinets?

Unfinished kitchen cabinets are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners for several reasons:

• Customisation: With unfinished cabinets, you have the freedom to pick the perfect cabinet paint colour, stain, or finish that matches your personal taste and kitchen’s theme.
  

• Cost Savings: The most compelling argument for unfinished cabinets is often their price point. By purchasing finishing unfinished wood kitchen cabinets, you can save significantly compared to pre-finished options. The price difference can be substantial – often 30-40% less than fully finished cabinets.
  

• Personal Touch: Unfinished cabinets are more than just wooden structures. Unlike pre-finished cabinets that limit your creativity, these raw pieces invite you to become the artist of your own kitchen, transforming simple wood into a reflection of your unique style and craftsmanship.
  

• Perfect Coordination Unfinished cabinets offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to precisely match wood tones, colours, and finishes to your existing furniture, flooring, and overall design aesthetic with remarkable accuracy.
  

• Quality Assurance: When you choose unfinished kitchen cabinets, you become the quality control expert. You'll Select your exact stain or paint, Control the number of protective coats and Ensure every detail meets your specific standards.
  

• Design Versatility: Unfinished cabinets are the ultimate playground for design experimentation, offering endless possibilities to explore different finishing techniques.

Types of Unfinished Cabinets

Kitchen Cabinet Varieties

• Base Cabinets

Base cabinets are the workhorses of any kitchen layout, as they are primarily used to support countertops and offer necessary storage. They are usually 24 inches deep and 34.5 inches high. These cabinets make up the main work and storage surfaces in your kitchen, from your countertop to your daily cooking activities.

• Wall Cabinets

Wall cabinets convert otherwise empty wall space into usable storage real estate by mounting them above countertops. These cabinets run in depth from 12 to 24 inches and are typically mounted at 54 inches above the floor. They are a great place for storing dishes, glasses, spices, and any other items you want to access easily but store off the counter.

• Pantry Cabinets

Pantry cabinets are tall and spacious storage units for food storage and kitchen organization. Typically ranging from 84 to 96 inches in height, these floor-to-ceiling units can offer extensive storage for dry goods, small appliances, and kitchen supplies.

• Island Cabinets

These cabinets are the chameleons of kitchen storage and are designed especially for kitchen islands. They can be customized to include features such as built-in wine racks, additional drawers, or even seating areas. Because they are often visible from multiple angles, island units' finish and design are particularly important in contrast to standard cabinets.

Material Variations

1. Solid Wood Unfinished Cabinets

Think of solid wood cabinets as the classic vintage car of kitchen cabinetry. They offer:

• Unmatched natural beauty

• Ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times

• Highest potential for customization

• Rich, authentic wood grain that tells a story

Best for those who value traditional craftsmanship and are willing to invest more in a timeless material.

2. Plywood Unfinished Cabinets

Plywood is like the reliable athlete of cabinet materials – strong, consistent, and adaptable. 

Its key advantages include:

• Greater stability compared to solid wood

• Resistance to warping and environmental changes

• Excellent surface for paint and stain application

• More uniform appearance

• Better performance in humid environments

Ideal for those seeking a balance between durability and aesthetic flexibility.

3. MDF Unfinished Cabinets

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is the budget-conscious choice that doesn't compromise entirely on quality. Picture it as the practical, economical cousin in the cabinet family:

• The most affordable material option

• Incredibly smooth surface for painting

• Consistent texture without natural wood variations

• Lightweight and easy to work with

Perfect for those on a tight budget or looking for a clean, uniform look.

Best Practices for Finishing Unfinished Kitchen Cabinets

The Must-Have Materials

1. Wood Cleaner and Filler

The wood cleaner is your first step in creating that perfect surface. This isn't just about removing dirt – it's about creating a clean, smooth base that will help your finish adhere perfectly.

The wood filler is your secret weapon for perfection. Those small knots, minor dings, or tiny holes? They're no match for a good wood filler. It's like a magical eraser that smooths out the imperfections, ensuring your final finish looks professional and flawless.

2. Sandpaper Trio 

Sandpaper isn't just sandpaper – it's a precision tool with a strategic progression:

• 120-grit: The rough opener, like a bulldozer clearing the initial terrain

• 180-grit: Your intermediate smoothing agent, refining the surface

• 220-grit: The final touch, creating a silky-smooth canvas ready for finishing

Each grit has a specific job, working together like a team to prepare your unfinished wood kitchen cabinets for their stunning transformation.

3. Tack Cloth

This might look like a simple piece of cheesecloth, but it's your defence against invisible enemies – dust particles that can ruin an otherwise perfect finish. After sanding, a tack cloth picks up the finest dust that even your vacuum might miss. It's like a magnet for particles, ensuring your surface is pristine.

4. Wood Conditioner

Wood is like a sponge with an unpredictable drinking habit. Some areas absorb more stains, creating blotchy, uneven colouration. Wood conditioner is your consistency control, helping unfinished wood kitchen cabinets absorb stains more uniformly. It's the difference between a professional-looking finish and an amateur attempt.

5. Stain or Paint

This is where your personal style comes into play. Stain enhances the natural wood grain, telling the story of the wood's unique character. Paint offers a clean, modern look with endless colour possibilities. Your choice transforms unfinished cabinets from raw wood to a statement piece in your kitchen.

6. Clear Polyurethane Sealer

It guards against moisture, scratches, and wear and tear on a daily basis. A good polyurethane sealer does not just protect; it enhances by giving a subtle sheen that will make your cabinets look professionally finished.

7. Drop Cloths and Painter's Tape

Drop cloths go beyond simply covering your floors with a dirty canvas; they create an ideal workspace. The painter's tape provides for neat, clean lines as you protect those places you really want to avoid getting painted or stained. It is like surgical drapes over the cabinet refinishing project.

Essential Tools

1. Electric Sander

Manual sanding is possible, but an electric sander is like upgrading from a bicycle to a sports car. It saves time, provides consistent pressure, and helps you achieve a more uniform surface quickly.

2. Quality Brushes and Foam Applicators

Different tools for different jobs:

• Brushes: Perfect for detailed work and getting into corners

• Foam applicators: Ideal for creating smooth, even stain or paint layers without brush marks

3. Clean Rags

More than just cleaning tools, these are essential for:

• Wiping away excess stain

• Applying thin, even layers

• Buffing between coats

4. Safety Gear

• Protective glasses shield your eyes from dust and chemicals

• Respirator masks prevent inhalation of harmful particles

• Gloves protect your skin from harsh materials

5. Basic Screwdriver

Remove the hardware carefully before starting. A simple screwdriver helps you:

• Take off handles and hinges

• Label and organize parts

• Ensure a complete, professional refinishing process

Maintenance Tips for Finished Cabinets

Proper care and maintenance will keep your cabinets looking beautiful and lasting for years. Here are some simple yet effective time-saving tips to protect their finish and ensure they remain in top condition.

1. Clean Daily: Use a soft, damp cloth to clean surfaces. Never use abrasive cleaners that might harm the finish.
2. Do not Use Harsh Chemicals: Stick to mild cleaning agents to avoid damage to the finish.
3. Use Furniture Polish: Occasionally apply furniture polish to maintain the shine and give it an added layer of protection.
4. Touch-Up Scratches: Scratches or chips should be addressed immediately using touch-up kits to maintain a flawless look.
   
5. Reapply Protective Coating: Every few years, refresh the protective coating for your cabinets to maintain their durability and resistance to wear.

Potential Challenges

• Time and Effort

Transforming unfinished cabinets is not a weekend quickie project. It demands dedicated time, often spanning several days or weeks. The process requires multiple stages of preparation, finishing, and careful drying, making it a true labor of love that tests your patience and commitment.

• Skill Requirement

Cabinet finishing is an art that requires more than good intentions. You'll need to understand wood preparation, master sanding techniques, and develop a steady hand for staining or painting. While not impossible to learn, it does demand a willingness to research, practice, and potentially accept some initial imperfections.

• Ventilation

Chemical-based paints and finishes let off very intense fumes if they are not well managed. The working place has to have excellent ventilation systems such as having windows open and even fans operating while using masks. This isn't just a cosy feeling cosy; this is a serious consideration that affects one's health and safety.

• Material Selection

Choosing the right materials is a nuanced process that goes beyond price. You'll need to consider wood type, finish compatibility, durability, and how materials interact. A wrong choice of primer, stain, or sealant can compromise your entire project, turning your dream of beautiful cabinets into a costly learning experience.

Project Timeline and Budget

Time Investment:

This project will take about 2 to 4 days to complete. You’ll spend around 12 to 16 hours actively working while drying time between steps will take 24 to 48 hours. Planning your time well will help everything go smoothly.

Budget Considerations:

The cost varies based on your kitchen size and chosen materials. While unfinished kitchen cabinets offer initial savings, invest in quality finishing supplies for lasting results.

Final Thoughts

Finishing unfinished cabinets might seem daunting, but with proper preparation and attention to detail, you can achieve professional results. Whether you're working with our quality  Unfinished RTA Shaker Vanity Cabinets or other unfinished cabinets, these steps will help you create beautiful, lasting results that enhance your kitchen's value and appearance.

Remember, patience is key - rushing any step can compromise the final result. Take your time, follow each step carefully, and enjoy the transformation of your kitchen cabinets from unfinished to fabulous.