Which stain is leaves a better look for oak wood kitchen cabinets, oil-based or water-based stain?

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I’m thinking of purchasing Oak wood stock kitchen cabinets from my local home improvement store, I want to give them a dark stain color I just don’t know which is better Oil or Water based stain. Since it is for the kitchen I need something that will handle the heat, grease, etc. especially when I clean them I don’t want the stain to fade. Thanks for any help or suggestions or websites.

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  1. gk says:
    August 31, 2009 at 7:31 pm

    I prefer oil stain ,Two coats and usually mix whatever color that I am using (4 parts color to one part natural) with natural"clear" stain of the same brand. It seems to make the grain a little deeper. A trick an old floor refinisher showed me years ago and seems to work well.

    As far as the finish. I also prefer oil polyurethane, Three coats ,sanding between #2and #3 coat. I use high gloss for my first two coats and whatever gloss is required (flat,semi,satin, or gloss) for the final coat.(The higher the gloss the more durable the finish)

    Water based polly is fine for the insides of the cabinets as it is much easier to apply but tends to be a little "chalky" looking and does not hold up to cleaning solvents as well. It is great for closet built-ins , and other household furniture

    Whatever you use ,take your time and be as neat as possible ,Letting each coat dry and lightly sanding with fine sandpaper between coats. Dust or vacuum constantly and use a tack cloth before coats. Your efforts will be their own reward.
    Good luck.

  2. slatz says:
    August 31, 2009 at 7:31 pm

    Oil based stains are actually "easier" to use (apart from the odor, which requires good ventilation). as they do not raise the wood grain or extract discoloration from the wood.

    In terms of durability, the clear coat that you apply over the top will determine that. As a rule, the solvent finishes (oil based varnish or polyurethane) are harder but can yellow a bit over time. Water based finishes as a rule, are softer, not as chemically resistant, but do not yellow over time. Yellowing (or "non-yellowing’) is more important with certain stain colors like white washed pickling, than it is with a walnut stain color. Oil based polyurethanes are probably the most chemically resistant of the standard air drying clear finishes.

  3. chevretteg says:
    August 31, 2009 at 7:31 pm

    oil base stains are the only way to go, gives a much deeper appearance , then apply 2 coats clear varnish.

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