Hey there!
So, you’ve been eyeing your shaker cabinets, thinking they could use a little facelift, huh? I totally get it. We all love our kitchens, but sometimes they just need a little extra something to bring them back to life. That’s where Retique It comes in! We’ve got these amazing kitchen cabinet kits that can turn your plain cabinets into gorgeous wood finishes, and today I’m going to walk you through how to do it—super simple, super fun!
Step-by-Step: Let’s Do This!
Before we dive in, make sure you’ve got everything ready to go. You’ll need some basics like Krud Kutter or denatured alcohol, Dawn dish soap, and of course, your Retique It kit (because that’s the star of the show here!). Now, let’s get those cabinets looking fabulous!
1. Clean and Prep – The Foundation of Fabulous
First things first, we need to get those cabinets squeaky clean. Grab your Krud Kutter or mix up some denatured alcohol and water, and give those cabinets a good wipe-down. We want to make sure all the grease and grime is gone. Next up, grab some sandpaper and give the cabinets a quick scuff. This will help the primer stick better.
Once you’re done sanding, it’s time for a little wash with Dawn dish soap. Rinse with warm water, and boom—your cabinets are ready for the next step!
2. Primer Time – Setting the Stage
Now we’re getting to the fun part. Depending on which wood finish you’re going for, the primer you use will differ:
- Java and Barn Wood Finishes: You’ll use the Light Wood Wood'n Primer.
- Sun Bleached and White Oak Finishes: You’ll go with the Bleached Wood Wood'n Primer.
Slap on two coats of primer, and here’s a little tip: let each coat dry for about two hours. But if you’re impatient like me, a blow dryer can speed things up! 😉
3. Let’s Get Graining – Choose Your Style
This is where the magic happens, ladies! Time to pick your technique—are you more rustic or weathered? Let’s break it down:
Rustic Vibes:
- Apply the Wood'n Stain from your kit in small sections.- Quickly grab that graining tool and run it through the wet stain. Follow the direction you want the wood grain to go—easy peasy!
Weathered Look:
- Brush on the Wood'n Stain in long, even strokes, following the grain direction.
- Let the stain dry completely, then apply the Wood'n Primer.
- While it’s still wet, use the small graining tool to pull through and create that gorgeous wood grain.
For my extra detail lovers, you can add 1 to 3 more coats of Wood'n Stain once the grain is dry. Just brush it on and let it dry—no need to wipe it off. Then, seal the deal with our water-based gel stain alternative that comes in the kit. It’ll protect all your hard work and give it that finishing touch.
4. Finishing Touches – Admire Your Work!
After all that graining goodness, let everything dry completely. Your final step is to apply the topcoat included in your kit to protect that beautiful finish. And voilà—you’ve just turned your plain cabinets into a Pinterest-worthy kitchen! You might also be interested in this countertop transformation as well!
Prefer a Smooth Finish?
If heavy wood grain isn’t your style, don’t worry—you can still achieve a stunning look with our Retique It Smooth Finish Kit. The Pecan Smooth finish is hot 🔥 right now and doesn’t require many steps at all. It’s perfect for those who want a more subtle, sleek finish without all the texture.
Check out this inspiration video to see how easy it is to get that smooth, flawless look:
What’s in the Kit?
Each Retique It kitchen cabinet kit contains everything you need to create that stunning wood finish (except the cleaner—you’ll need to grab that separately). Inside your kit, you’ll find:
- Wood'n Primer: The base for your finish.
- Wood'n Stain: To create the wood grain look.
- Water-based Gel Stain Alternative: For that extra depth and protection.
- Graining Tools and Brush: To get that professional finish.
Want even more protection? You can add our Tripletique topcoat, where you get to pick your sheen level. It’s a little extra in cost, but totally worth it if you want that perfect finish.
Ready to Shop?
Java Wood Finish Kit
Barn Wood Finish Kit
Sun Bleached Wood Finish Kit
White Oak Wood Finish Kit
Why Retique It?
Before I let you go, let me share something extra special about our Retique It liquid wood coatings. They’re not just any old paint—they’re a patented Liquid Wood formula that contains over 60% recycled ♻️ wood fibers! That means you’re getting a real wood finish that’s stainable and sustainable. It’s like putting a fresh coat of wood on it—literally. Plus, our coatings work on almost any hard surface—interior, exterior, you name it. Whether it’s cabinets, furniture, or even outdoor projects, Retique It has got you covered. Go beyond faux and give your home the real wood look it deserves.
And here’s the best part—these wood finishes are trending for 2024 and into 2025. Wood is back strong and here to stay—well, maybe it never totally left. But now, it’s making a bold statement in kitchens everywhere, and you can be right on trend with Retique It.
Showcase: Your Dream Cabinets
Here’s where the magic comes to life. Check out these transformations:
And for some extra inspiration, take a look at these gorgeous kitchen setups:
Finally, feast your eyes on this bird's-eye view video where you can see all the cabinet faces side by side:
See? Not so hard, right? With Retique It, turning your cabinets into a statement piece is totally doable—even if you’re not a DIY pro. Grab one of our kits, follow these steps, and get ready to fall in love with your kitchen all over again.
Let’s Stay in Touch!
Got questions, need more tips, or just want to share your before and after pics? Drop a comment below or follow us on social media! And don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more DIY inspiration and exclusive discounts. Let’s make your home beautiful, one project at a time!
