If you have lightly stained or un-stained light varnished or lacquered kitchen cabinets, you can change their color without stripping them while preserving the wood grain. First, clean them with TSP and lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper. Then, apply a gel stain in the chosen color, testing the color beforehand.

You will likely need several coats to achieve the desired color, so be sure to allow for drying time between coats. Once the color is complete, apply several coats of gel topcoat, varnish, or clear lacquer. If the door handles or hinges are too outdated, consider replacing them for a stunning final result! Be sure to read product labels and technical data sheets available online carefully.