Revamp Your Kitchen Cabinets with These Simple Steps

Home Improvement

Refacing your kitchen cabinets is the perfect way to give them a fresh, new look. Your home is your most significant financial investment, and the kitchen is the heart of your home. If you’re not happy with the appearance of your cabinets, it’s time to make a change. This article will help you determine if you’re a good candidate for resurfacing and guide you through the process of refacing or painting your cabinets.

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Kitchen is the place where most of the action takes place. If your cabinets are stained and flimsy, it’s time to update them. Whether you decide to paint or reface, resurfacing your cabinets is a cost-effective way to improve the overall look of your kitchen. Refacing your cabinets is cheaper than buying new ones, and you can do it yourself over a weekend. Painting is even cheaper and easier than refacing, and you can finish the job in a day’s work.

Before you start, it’s essential to determine if your cabinets are in good shape and if you like the existing layout. If you answered yes to both, then you’re an ideal candidate for resurfacing. Craftsmanship was better in the old days, so most cabinets made before 1980 are of better quality than what you’d find at a home renovation store. All they need is some DIY love, and they’ll look as good as new.

Planning and Preparation: Steps 1-3

Refacing involves replacing the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware and covering the sides and framework with stick-on veneer or glued-on plywood. This will give your cabinets a new look without the mess and inconvenience of completely removing and replacing them. It’s also cost-effective, with the overall cost being about half of what it would cost to install new cabinets. If you’re ready to start, let’s move ahead:

To begin refacing your cabinets, first research all of your options. There are hundreds of companies that offer refacing materials, and it’s likely that you’ll find a cabinet door that fits your taste. Major home-improvement retail stores also sell these items special order. During your research, decide whether you want to use plywood or a self-adhesive covering (SAC) for your end panels and frames. The plywood comes in precut pieces and is glued on the exposed sides of the cabinet box. The self-adhesive covering is a thin sheet of wood or woodlike laminate that’s peeled and stuck or ironed onto the front of the cabinet frame.

After deciding on the materials, measure your cabinets accurately. Sketch out a rough drawing of your cabinet layout and label the different sections to help you keep everything in order. Measure the cabinet doors and drawer fronts with a tape measure and record your lengths and widths on your diagram.

Next, remove the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, hinges, and hardware with a screwdriver. If you plan to reuse the hinges and hardware, save them with the screws for later. Lightly hand-sand all surfaces of the cabinet box and end panels with 150-grit sandpaper. Don’t use a power sander as it will dig in too much. Your goal is to simply scuff the surface somewhat to allow for better adhesion of the plywood or SAC. After sanding, clean the dust from the surface with a tack cloth and wash everything with some warm, soapy water.

When the materials arrive, the next step in refacing your cabinets is to install them. If you measured accurately, this should be a straightforward process.

To start the fourth step, begin with the end panels. Apply high-quality wood glue to the backside of the panel in a zigzag “S” pattern from top to bottom, about an inch from the edge. Place the panel on and press firmly on all corners, then the center. Remove any excess glue and use finishing nails to secure the panel. These nails can be found at any hardware store. Place one nail in each corner and every 8 inches down the sides.

For step five, add veneer to the cabinet boxes. Cut strips of veneer with sharp scissors or a utility knife that measure a half inch wider and 2 inches longer than the stiles and rails you’ll be covering. Remove the backing from the top of the strip and line it up evenly before pressing down. Peel the rest of the backing off as you go down, pressing the veneer onto the cabinet frame. Trim the excess from the rails and stiles using a utility knife and straight edge. Finish one cabinet at a time and sand the edges with 150-grit sandpaper. Use a Plexiglas scraper to apply pressure on the veneer from the top down.

There is also an iron-on version of the veneer that can be applied in the same way as the SAC, except it’s ironed onto the front of the cabinet instead of being pressed on with an adhesive. After ironing on the veneer, trim and sand it in the same manner as outlined above.

Step six involves replacing the hardware. If using the same hardware, reattach it in the existing holes. If new hardware is desired, take one of the old pieces to the store to compare sizes. It’s not necessary to buy in the same size, but doing so will prevent having to fill in the old screw holes. If new hardware cannot be found in the same size, use wood putty to fill in the previous holes and drill new ones to match the hardware.

The final step is to attach the door and drawer fronts. Follow the instructions that come with the materials and avoid putting new hinges back into the previous hinge holes that lay beneath the new veneer surface, as they can become loose and pull the veneer off. Ideally, the hinges should be 2 inches from the top and bottom of the doors. If new hinges are being used, stay as close to that measurement as possible without using the old holes.

To finish, redo the doors and drawers. Reface them to match the base that was just veneered or get creative by using plastic, Plexiglas, tile, or glass to dress them up. Alternatively, premade doors and cabinets can be ordered.

After putting your door and drawer fronts back on with the hardware in place, take a step back and admire your newly renovated kitchen cabinets. Give yourself a pat on the back for saving a lot of money by doing it yourself. In the next section, we will explore whether painting your cabinets is a good option for resurfacing.

Painting your cabinets is a much cheaper alternative to a DIY refacing job. If you’re on a budget, this may be your best choice. Additionally, some people prefer the look of painted cabinets to natural wood surfaces. As with refacing, preparation is essential for a successful result.

Step one is to clean the surface. A clean surface is necessary when painting grimy kitchen cabinets. Remove the doors, drawers, and hardware to make everything easier. Get some trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner from your hardware store and follow the safety precautions listed on the product. This cleaner will remove all the greasy buildup on your cabinets. Rinse the cabinets with a sponge and clean water after washing.

Step two is to sand the surface. Lightly hand sand the entire surface with 150-grit sandpaper. Use a tack cloth to clean up the dust after sanding and wipe it clean with a wet sponge.

Step three is to apply a primer coat. If your cabinets have never been painted, you should apply a primer coat. Primer is a base coat, usually white, that improves the bond with the paint. If you’re painting the cabinets a darker color (like red), the primer may be a lighter shade of your paint color. If the cabinets have already been painted and you’re repainting in a similar color palette, you can skip the primer coat and move directly to step four. Generally, oil-based paints require an oil-based primer, and latex primers are used with latex paints. Apply latex with a synthetic fiber brush, and oil-based primer needs a natural bristle brush.

Step four is to paint away. When it comes time to buy your paint, don’t go with the cheapest option. You get what you pay for. Latex paints dry quicker and are easier to clean up than oil-based paints. Oil-based paints may give you a tougher and smoother surface. There are also paints specifically made to stand up to the rigors of a kitchen or bathroom. Glossy finishes are easier to clean and typically have a tougher “shell” than matte finishes. This decision comes down to your personal preferences.

The quality of your brush is also essential. A high-quality brush may be expensive, but it’s worth the money. Avoid using foam applicators and a roller. The best final coat will come from a 2.5- or 3-inch brush. You’ll need to apply at least two coats of paint, maybe even three depending on how the second coat looks.

After the second coat is fully dry, reinstall all the hardware carefully. Followed by the drawer and cabinet fronts, and you’re all done. For more information about home renovation, please clean the paint from your fingers and click forward to the next page.

Eliminating lead paint from older homes is crucial as it can be harmful. You can test an area for lead paint using kits available in the market, but it is recommended to have a professional perform the test. If lead paint is found, it is best to remove it. However, sanding should be avoided as it can produce lead dust, which spreads throughout the house. Instead, consider removing the cabinets, using a liquid remover, or hiring a professional to do the job for you. For further information, refer to the sources listed below.

To know more about the subject, check out the related articles on HowStuffWorks, such as How to Build Kitchen Improvements, How Buying a House Works, and How Selling a House Works. You can also find some great links, including Sherwin-Williams, Lowe’s, Face Your Kitchen, and Planet Green: Green Kitchens.

Sources:

– Alward, Mary M. “A Guide to Refacing Kitchen Cabinets.” doityourself.com, 2006. http://www.doityourself.com/stry/remodelopportunities

– Barrett, Neal. “Painting Kitchen Cabinets.” Popularmechanics.com, October, 2003. http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journal/home_improvement/1276486.html

– Consumer Product Safety Commission. “What You Should Know About Lead Paint In Your Home: Safety Alert. http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/5054.html.

– Gibson, Scott. “Painting Kitchen Cabinets.” thisoldhouse.com, 2008. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,202424,00.html

– Goode, Pete. “Reface or Replace Cabinets?” thisoldhouse.com, 2008. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,220605,00.html

– Granju, Katie Allison. “Cabinets: Should You Replace or Reface?” hgtv.com, 2008. http://design.hgtv.com/kitchen/Article_detail.aspx?id=556

– Heffernan, Cam. “Re-Facing Kitchen Cabinets.” hometips.com, 2008. http://www.hometips.com/articles/cabrefacing_guide.html

– Romano, Jay. “YOUR HOME; Refacing Kitchen Cabinets.” The New York Times, July 25, 1999. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F02E1DC143EF936A15754C0A96F958260

– Simkins, Brian. “Cabinet Refacing 1 – Planning and Preparation.” doityourself.com, 2007. http://www.doityourself.com/stry/refacingcabinets1

FAQ

1. What is cabinet resurfacing?

Cabinet resurfacing is the process of updating the look of your kitchen cabinets without having to replace them entirely. This involves removing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, sanding down the surface, applying a new coat of paint or stain, and replacing the hardware.

2. How much does cabinet resurfacing cost?

The cost of cabinet resurfacing depends on the size of your kitchen, the materials used, and the complexity of the job. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 for this project.

3. Can I resurface my cabinets myself?

While it is possible to resurface your cabinets yourself, it is recommended that you hire a professional to ensure that the job is done correctly. This will ensure that the cabinets look great and last for many years to come.

4. How long does cabinet resurfacing take?

The amount of time it takes to resurface your cabinets depends on the size of your kitchen and the complexity of the job. On average, this project takes anywhere from 2 to 4 days to complete.

5. Can I change the color of my cabinets when resurfacing?

Yes, you can change the color of your cabinets when resurfacing. This is a great way to update the look of your kitchen without having to replace the cabinets entirely.

6. What materials are used for cabinet resurfacing?

The materials used for cabinet resurfacing vary depending on your preferences and budget. Some common materials include paint, stain, laminate, and veneer.

7. Will cabinet resurfacing make my cabinets look brand new?

Cabinet resurfacing can make your cabinets look brand new if it is done correctly. This involves sanding down the surface, applying a new coat of paint or stain, and replacing the hardware.

8. Do I need to remove everything from my cabinets before resurfacing?

Yes, you will need to remove everything from your cabinets before resurfacing. This will ensure that the job is done correctly and that your belongings are not damaged during the process.

9. How often do I need to resurface my cabinets?

The frequency of cabinet resurfacing depends on the materials used and the amount of wear and tear they receive. On average, you can expect to resurface your cabinets every 10 to 15 years.