How to paint or restore Blackwood kitchen cupboards?

DIYHaveaCrack

I am currently doing a kitchen reno and my plan was to paint the timber stained kitchen cupboards and island bench (and it took me forever and several paint pot samples to decide the colour!). However someone has pointed out to me that the timber is actually blackwood (which I didn't realise).

So I have a conundrum - it seems a shame to paint blackwood if it can be restored to its natural state (that's the question).

I've attached a picture of one of the drawer fronts as one side wasn't stained. 

So what I think I'll do is have a crack at a couple of the pieces to see if they can be restored to their natural state (and if I like the aesthetic) or if I am better off just painting them.

So my question is - Is using a stain remover initially better than trying to sand the stain off as all the pieces are bevelled (not sure if that's the right word but they have a fancy pattern on them!)? If yes, what do I use?

Thanks

Ann

MitchellMc

You’re right to pause and consider whether to paint or restore Ann (@DIYHaveaCrack). Blackwood is a gorgeous timber, so it’s understandable you’d want to see its natural beauty. Here’s the reality: stains penetrate the timber deeply, so you generally can’t just “remove” a stain unless it’s very superficial. Most of the time, getting back to bare timber means sanding through the top layers, which on bevelled or patterned pieces is tricky and time-consuming because you have to get into all the recesses to avoid patchiness.

That said, the darker look you’re seeing might not even be a stain. It could just be a varnish or a two-pack polyurethane coating. Varnishes, especially oil-based ones, darken the timber naturally. In that case, a paint stripper can help remove the coating, but it still won’t remove deep stains, and you’ll still need sanding to prep the surface, particularly around the detailed edges. If your goal is to have a natural, light blackwood finish, you’d need to strip and sand all surfaces thoroughly, then reseal with a clear, probably water-based sealer to preserve the lighter look without further darkening.

If your priority is the painted colour you’ve chosen, you can simply go ahead and paint, less work and a more predictable result. But if the natural timber aesthetic appeals to you, putting in the effort to strip, sand, and reseal can produce stunning results. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you love the painted look more or want to showcase the natural beauty of your blackwood.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell