My Favorite All-In-One Stain
This throwback takes us to a cabinet project I completed last year. Our client had stunning custom cabinets built, but the cabinet company didn’t offer staining or painting. That’s where I came in—brought on to give them the perfect finish, all on a quick timeline.
Before we dive in, can we take a moment to appreciate the flawless design of this bathroom? WOWZA.
Just out of frame is a breathtaking, floor-to-ceiling custom tile shower. (I’ll link to the tile shop’s photos at the bottom so you can see the full effect.)
Here are a few progress shots to show what I walked into on this job. These cabinets are truly stunning—crafted from durable, beautifully grained white oak. I only wish I could give a shout-out to the talented cabinet maker… but I can’t recall the builder!
Back to our story—my client called me in a bit of a panic, eager to get her cabinets finished so she could wrap up her project. Around here, finding a quality finisher who’s available within two weeks is no easy feat. We’re usually booked solid 4–6 weeks out, at minimum.
I managed to squeeze her into my packed schedule—partly because this was a smaller job, and partly because I had the perfect “one and done” solution in mind. What product, you ask? Rubio Monocoat. Now, I know polyurethane has most handymen and finishers around here in a chokehold, but Rubio Monocoat is something else entirely. According to Cody, it’s a go-to in Europe, and let me tell you—they’re on to something. This stuff is incredible!
This is the good stuff.
Dropping the website here before I move on: https://www.rubiomonocoatusa.com
Here’s why I’m such a fan:
Only one coat needed – seriously, it’s that good.
Zero VOCs – no toxic, smelly fumes like you get with most stains and topcoats.
Bonds to the wood on a molecular level – they’re really into the science of topcoats… and honestly, I find that kind of dedication pretty irresistible.
No streaks, no stress – apply as much as you want, any way you want, and you won’t get overlap marks. The wood simply won’t accept more product.
There are also some other pretty cool things about it that can be found on their website if you want to nerd out with me!
The application process is surprisingly simple. You do have to clean your wood according to their instructions, and mix the stain color with an activator, but after that it’s as easy as wipe on, let it sit for about 5 minutes, then wipe off. It’s dry to the touch in about 30 minutes, ready for light use in 4–6 hours, and fully cured in 5 days.
And that’s it—no complicated steps, no fuss.
This job only took me about 4 hours to complete. I didn’t get final shots with the adjusted drawers and pulls, since the cabinet builder was handling that. BUT—I did track down the final, final photos on the stone and tile installer’s website!
Shout out to Southern Stone in Goldsboro, NC for some pretty phenomenal tile and stonework! You can find them here: https://www.ncsouthernstone.com/gallery
So, what do you think!? Would you use Rubio Monocoat? I don’t sell it, but you can order it online or find a local retailer (we use Rockler Woodworking in Cary).
Ready to Transform Your Cabinets?
If you have beautiful custom cabinets just waiting for the perfect finish, I’d love to help! I specialize in high-quality cabinet staining and painting that’s fast, flawless, and durable. Using Rubio Monocoat, a premium “one-and-done” product, I can give your cabinets a stunning finish without streaks, toxic fumes, or long downtime.
Whether it’s a small project or a full kitchen, I can help you meet tight timelines while delivering results you’ll love. Let’s bring your cabinets to life!
Contact me today to discuss your project and get a free estimate.
