Staining poplar??

[wharf rat]

Wife decided it was time to start gutting the kitchen this weekend starting with the cabinets. After I got the first few down she decided to test sand one and with in a few minutes said, "we're keeping these, refinishing and staining them". "Okay darling", I said (this scenario will be repeated many times over the coming weeks). Anyway, the cabinets are poplar. With the exception of a few green streaks in the face frame here and there, the grain patterns (on the doors especially) look surprisingly pretty nice.
I've researched wood working sites for the last few hours, only to discover that world is split in half on what to do and how to do it. Half says paint and the other varnish/stain. I was a painter for many years and understand the sanding/prepping stage of it all. But staining, varnishing and the process that goes with it will be totally new for me, but that's what she wants (refer to okay darling scenario).

Has anybody ever tried staining poplar cabinets?
Were the results worth it?
What did you use? (Many sites have mentioned Danish oil)
Any advice would be grately appreciated.

 

[aps45819]

I like oil finishes, just re finished a coffee table with Danish oil...... 8 coats, I've found the rub on oil finishes are more durable than surface finishes.

Popular is difficult because of inconsistencies in it's density

 

[Bean]

You better google staining poplar. The results I'm seeing don't look good.

 

[wharf rat]

I'm guessing your coffee table was a different type wood, but did you use a sealer either before, after or at all with the Danish?
I'm pretty sure I'll need a prestain conditioner of some sort. Again, the stain thing is new for me and the sites I've been to have my head spinning but Danish oil keeps being mentioned.

 

[wharf rat]

You better google staining poplar. The results I'm seeing don't look good.

Been looking at them for hours and trust me, anything will look better than what they are. It can be done. The cabinets are 35 years old and pretty solid. Definitely worth a try.

 

[Bean]

Been looking at them for hours and trust me, anything will look better than what they are. It can be done. The cabinets are 35 years old and pretty solid. Definitely worth a try.

I bet if you are patient it will all be ok!

 

[wharf rat]

Some before and after with regards to sanding. It's already night and day with the looks.

 

[sanchezf]

I say stain them, they will look great...

 

[bulldog]

Some before and after with regards to sanding. It's already night and day with the looks.

Man, that's an azz-ton of sanding, but it looks like you're doing a heck of a job.
I don't have recommendations on the stain, but I do recommend you take a break and have a
Good luck.

 

[wharf rat]

Man, that's an azz-ton of sanding, but it looks like you're doing a heck of a job.
I don't have recommendations on the stain, but I do recommend you take a break and have a
Good luck.

Wife did most of the sanding but I helped (there were some good games on yesterday). We went to Lowes and bought a Dewalt sander which kept her busy most of the day
Only took three cabs down but have 7 more (I think) to go with the drawer fronts on 5 of them.

 

[aps45819]

I'm guessing your coffee table was a different type wood, but did you use a sealer either before, after or at all with the Danish?
I'm pretty sure I'll need a prestain conditioner of some sort. Again, the stain thing is new for me and the sites I've been to have my head spinning but Danish oil keeps being mentioned.

Mahogany, I made the table back in '83
Previously finished with Danish oil.
Sanded and re-coated.
Oil finishes soak into the wood so you don't want a sealer.

A staining polyurethane combo might be the way to go since you don't know what the previous finish was.
It looks like old varnish and ANY remaing will prevent a stain from bein absorbed into the wood.

 

[wharf rat]

Mahogany, I made the table back in '83
Previously finished with Danish oil.
Sanded and re-coated.
Oil finishes soak into the wood so you don't want a sealer.

A staining polyurethane combo might be the way to go since you don't know what the previous finish was.
It looks like old varnish and ANY remaing will prevent a stain from bein absorbed into the wood.

Can I find that with the Danish oil brand? Our neighbor thought varnish as well.

 

[Vince]

Been woodworking for awhile now and never tried to stain poplar. A good wood to paint, but never tried staining it. Always used poplar for drawer insides, inside supports for dressers, etc. :shrug: Hope the project turns out well for you.

 

[aps45819]

Can I find that with the Danish oil brand? Our neighbor thought varnish as well.

Danish oil is not polyurethane