When your kitchen cabinets start to look a little too used, or you just want to give them a new lease on life, refinishing them is a great option. It can be done relatively cheaply and it will make your kitchen look brand new. Here is how to refinish kitchen cabinets to look brand new.
What Is Refinishing Or Painting Cabinets?
Refinishing kitchen cabinets is the process of painting or staining them to give them a new finish. It can be done to change the color of your cabinets, or just to give them a new look. It is a relatively easy project that can be done on a weekend.
Additionally, it is important to sand the cabinets down before beginning the refinishing process. This will help the new paint or stain to adhere better and give you a more even finish.
Materials And Tools To Use
The first thing you need to do is gather all of the materials and tools you will need for the project. This includes:
Sander
You must use a sander to rough up the surface of your cabinets before painting or staining them. This will help the new finish adhere better and give you a more even result.
Paint Or Stain
You will also need either paint or stain for your project. If you are painting your cabinets, make sure to use high-quality paint that is made for cabinets. The same goes for stains; make sure to use a high-quality stain that is made for cabinets.
High-Quality Paintbrush Or Roller
You will also need either a paintbrush or a roller to apply the new finish to your cabinets. If you are painting, a paintbrush will work best. If you are staining, a roller will work best.
TSP Cleaner
TSP cleaner is a strong cleaner that is made for cleaning painted surfaces. It will remove any residue that may be on your cabinets and help the new paint or stain to adhere better.
Primer For Cabinets
You will also need to use a primer made specifically for cabinets. This will help the new paint or stain to adhere better and give you a more even result.
Cordless Drill
You will need a cordless drill to screw the new hardware onto your cabinets.
Latex Gloves
You will also need to wear latex gloves while working with the TSP cleaner and the primer. This will protect your hands from harsh chemicals.
Steps To Refinish Kitchen Cabinets
Refinishing kitchen cabinets can be a great way to change the look of your kitchen without spending a lot of money. It can be done relatively easily, and it will make your kitchen look like it just came out of a magazine. Here are the steps to refinish kitchen cabinets.
Step 1: Clean And PrepareThe Cabinets
The first step is to clean and prepare the cabinets. This involves removing all of the doors and hardware from the cabinets.
Once the doors and hardware are removed, you will need to sand down the cabinets. This will help the new paint or stain to adhere better and give you a more even result.
After sanding the cabinets, you will need to clean them with TSP cleaner. This will remove any residue that may be on your cabinets and help the new paint or stain to adhere better.
Step 2: Smooth The Surfaces
After the cabinets have been cleaned, you will need to smooth out the surfaces. This can be done with a sanding sponge or sandpaper.
Once the surfaces are smooth, you will need to apply a primer made specifically for cabinets. This will help the new paint or stain to adhere better and give you a more even result.
Step 3: Protect The Rest Of The Kitchen
You will need to protect the rest of the kitchen which can be done by covering the floors and countertops with a drop cloth.
You will also need to tape off any areas that you do not want to get paint or stain on. This includes the backsplash, appliances, and light fixtures.
Step 4: Begin With A Primer Coat
After the kitchen has been protected, you will need to begin with a primer coat than bare wood. This can be done with a paintbrush or roller.
If you are painting, make sure to use high-quality paint that is made for cabinets. The same goes for stains; make sure to use a high-quality stain that is made for cabinets.
Step 5: Start With The Cabinet Frames
After the primer coat has been applied, you will need to start with the cabinet frames. This can be done with a paintbrush or roller. Be sure to use even brushstrokes and try not to leave any drips or streaks.
Step 6: Apply Your Chosen Finish
Choose your finish whether it be paint or stain, and apply it to the cabinets. Be sure to use even brushstrokes and try not to leave any drips or streaks. Also, make sure to work in small sections so that the finish does not dry before you have a chance to spread it evenly. Use a wood filler to make the scratches or any holes in the cabinet doors and drawers.
Step 7: Reassemble Your Kitchen Hardware
Once the finish has dried, you will need to reassemble your kitchen hardware. This includes the cabinet doors and drawers or any other hardware that was removed.
Step 8: Add The Final Touches
After the cabinet doors have been reattached, you will need to add the final touches. This can be done by adding new knobs and pulls to the refinishing cabinets.
You will also need to caulk any gaps that may have been created when the doors were removed. This will help to create a seamless look and prevent any dirt or debris from getting trapped in the cracks.
Benefits Of Refinishing
There are many benefits of refinishing kitchen cabinets. This includes:
Less Costly
Refinishing your kitchen cabinets can be much less costly than replacing them. This is because you will not need to purchase new cabinets or have them installed.
Simple and Convenient
Refinishing your kitchen cabinets is a relatively simple and convenient process. This can be done on a weekend or it takes 2-3 days and does not require any special skills or tools.
Plenty Of Options
This is true – you have a lot of options when it comes to finishes and colors when you refinish your kitchen cabinets. You can go with a paint color that matches your walls, or choose a stain that provides a different look. You can also mix and match different finishes and colors to create a unique look for your kitchen.
A Freshly Look
One great benefit of refinishing your kitchen cabinets is that it can give your kitchen a fresh new look. You have a lot of options when it comes to finishes and colors, so you can choose something that matches your walls or provides a different look.
Tips for Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets
There are a few things to keep in mind when refinishing kitchen cabinets. This includes:
Protect Your Countertops
To protect the kitchen’s countertops, floor surface, and a splashback from the stains, you need to use paper or clothes to cover them. This will help to keep them from getting paint or stain on them and will also make the cleanup process much easier.
Remove Cabinets’ Accessories
Remove all the doors, drawer fronts, drawer pulls, and hardware before you start refinishing. This will make the process much easier and will help to prevent any paint or stain from getting on them.
Use A Soft Cotton Cloth
You can apply the stain using soft cotton or tack cloth, a brush, or a combination of both. Be sure to work in small sections and make sure to use even brushstrokes.
Sanding Lightly
Lightly sand the refinish cabinets before beginning your project apply the new oil paint to a good surface for gripping. Be sure to use fine-grit sandpaper and work in small sections. This will help to prevent any damage to the cabinet’s entire surfaces.
Fill The Open Grain
After the cabinets have been sanded, you will need to apply a high-build primer. This will help to fill the pores and provide a smooth surface for the paint or stain to grip. Be sure to work in small sections and sand between coats until the pores are filled.
Hire A Professional
To make your repainting kitchen cabinets look their best, it is always a good idea to hire a professional. Contact our team at Artistic Cabinet Finishes to learn more about our kitchen cabinet refinishing services. We offer a wide range of finishes and colors to choose from, and give your kitchen a fresh new look!
