Spot Refinishing Cabinets to Match Original Stain

Sanding

• Lightly sand the area that needs repair with 120 grit sand paper. Never use heavy grit sandpaper because it will damage the surrounding surface and prevent a successful blending of the new stain and finish. Tape the surrounding finish using blue painters tape. Apply the tape one inch outside of the area you are sanding. Sand the area until you reach the natural wood surface. Feather the topcoat finish, so that the reapplication of the finish--applied after the stain--will blend appropriately.
  
  

Staining

• Obtain stain samples from your local hardware store, or take a cabinet door into the store and have them computer match the stain color; most stores can do this very well. If you choose match the color yourself, stain several spots on a piece of wood. The sample wood should be the same type as your cabinets. Match the samples to your cabinet color.
  
  When applying the stain, begin with a light coat. Apply the coat by wiping it on with a cotton rag. You should not try to achieve the color match on the first application. Apply several coats until you have matched the surrounding stain.
  
  

Finishing

• Remove the blue tape from around the patch. Coat the area with polyurethane finish. Use a spray-on finish. Apply a light coat directly to the patch area. Gradually build up the area until the finish is even and level with the rest of the finish. Feather the edges by spraying the finish lightly toward the edges of the patch.