Why Refinish Cabinets?
If your cabinets are looking tired and outdated, refinishing them is a great way to give them a fresh, new look. It’s also a much cheaper option than replacing them entirely.
There are two main ways to refinish cabinets: painting and staining. Painting is the easier option, but it doesn’t provide the same wood grain look as staining does. If you’re unsure which route to take, we recommend hiring a professional painter or refinisher to help you out.
The process of refinishing cabinets is pretty straightforward, but it does require some time and effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Remove all doors, drawers, and hardware from the cabinets. Be sure to label everything so you know where it goes back when you’re finished.
2. Clean the surfaces of the cabinets with a degreaser or TSP solution (follow the manufacturer’s instructions). This will help ensure that your paint or stain adheres properly.
3. If you’re painting, use a primer designed for use on wood surfaces. Apply it evenly with a brush or roller and allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
4. Once the primer is dry, you can start painting! Use a paintbrush for detailed work and a roller for larger areas. Again, let each coat dry completely before adding another.
5. Once you’re satisfied with the paint job, you can move on to staining. Start by sanding the cabinets lightly with a fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any dust.
6. Apply the stain using a brush, rag, or sprayer. Allow it to penetrate the wood for several minutes before wiping away any excess with a clean cloth.
7. Once the stain is dry, you can apply a clear finish or sealer to protect your newly refinished cabinets and make them look even better!
Refinishing cabinets is an easy way to give your kitchen a brand-new look without breaking the bank. Just remember: patience is key! Take your time and make sure all of the steps are done correctly for best results.
Step by Step Instructions
1. Clean the cabinets with a degreaser and a scrub brush.
2. Remove all the hardware from the cabinets.
3. sand down the cabinets with a coarse grit sandpaper.
4. Wipe down the cabinets with a damp cloth to remove any dust particles.
5. Apply a primer to the cabinets with a paintbrush or roller.
6. Wait for the primer to dry before moving on to the next step.
7. Paint the cabinets with a color of your choice using a paintbrush or roller. 8 Allow the paint to dry completely before adding any new hardware to the cabinets
Prepping the Cabinets
Whether your cabinets are starting to show their age or you’re simply looking for a change, refinishing them is a great way to give them a fresh new look. But before you start, there are a few things you need to do to prep the cabinets.
First, remove all of the hardware from the doors and drawers. This includes the knobs, pulls, and hinges. Next, give the cabinets a good cleaning with a degreaser or TSP solution. Be sure to rinse them well afterwards.
Once the cabinets are clean and dry, you’ll need to sand them down. Start with a coarse grit paper and work your way up to a finer grit. If you’re planning on painting the cabinets, you can skip this step.
Now it’s time to prime the cabinets. This will help ensure that your paint or stain goes on evenly and smoothly. When choosing a primer, make sure it’s suitable for use on wood surfaces.
Once the primer is dry, you’re ready to start refinishing your cabinets!
How to mix colors
Sometimes when you want to add a pop of color to your home, you need to put in some extra effort. You can try contacting a professional interior decorator, but if you want to do it your own way, there are some resources that can help you like the Pantone website. Once you select a few colors for your room or area of the house, mix them together to make your own! When choosing colors for the interior and exterior of your home, it is important to remember that the general rule of thumb is to use five percent of color on the walls and decorations and use ten percent on furniture. For example, if you want to paint an entire room white, it’s best to use three coats of white paint.
Choosing the Right Stain and Finish
If your cabinets are looking a little worse for wear, refinishing them is a great way to give them a new lease on life. But before you start, it’s important to choose the right stain and finish. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The type of wood your cabinets are made of. Some woods take stain better than others, so if you’re set on a certain color, make sure to test it out on a hidden area first.
- The level of wear and tear. If your cabinets are in good condition overall, you may be able to get away with just a light sanding and staining. But if they’re more damaged, you’ll need to do some repair work first before applying the finish.
- Your personal style. What kind of look are you going for? A natural finish? A dark, dramatic stain? Something in between? Keep in mind that darker stains can be more difficult to touch up later on down the road.
Once you’ve decided on the perfect stain and finish for your cabinets, follow the instructions below for how to apply it like a pro!
Painting and/or Staining Your Cabinets
Whether your cabinets are made of wood, metal, or laminate, you can give them new life with a fresh coat of paint or stain. If your cabinets are looking worn and outdated, painting or staining them is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to refresh your kitchen.
If you’re painting your cabinets, be sure to use a primer before applying the paint. This will help the paint adhere better to the surface and provide a smooth finish. When choosing a paint color, keep in mind that light colors will make your kitchen appear brighter and bigger, while dark colors will create a cozier feel.
If you decide to stain your cabinets instead of painting them, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, when staining wood cabinets, it’s important to choose the right type of stain. Gel stains are ideal for creating a smooth, even finish. Second, always test the stain on a hidden area of the cabinet before applying it to the whole surface. This will help you determine how dark or light you want the final color to be.
Reassembling and Installing Your Cabinets
After you have stripped and sanded your cabinets, it is time to start reassembling them. If you are working with a professional, they will take care of this step for you. However, if you are doing the work yourself, here are some tips to help you reassemble and install your cabinets:
1. Start by attaching the doors to the cabinet frames. Use hinges that are the same size and style as the originals. If you cannot find an exact match, choose a hinge that is similar in size and style.
2. Next, attach the drawer fronts to the drawer boxes. Again, use hinges that are the same size and style as the originals.
3. Once the doors and drawers are attached, reinstall them in the cabinet openings. Make sure that they are level and flush with the surrounding surfaces.
4. Finally, install the hardware on the doors and drawers. Choose hardware that complements the style of your cabinets and home décor.
Aftercare Tips for Refinished Cabinets
Once you have finished refinishing your cabinets, it is important to take care of them properly to ensure that they stay looking like new for as long as possible. Here are some aftercare tips to follow:
- Wipe down the cabinets with a damp cloth on a regular basis, such as once a week. This will help to remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated on the surface.
- If you notice any fingerprints or smudges, clean them off immediately. Use a mild cleaning solution and a soft cloth so as not to damage the finish.
- Be careful when using cleaners or chemicals near your cabinets, as they can potentially damage the finish. If you need to use any products near your cabinets, test them in an inconspicuous area first.
- Avoid putting hot pans or other items directly on cabinet surfaces, as this can cause discoloration or damage the finish. Always use trivets or placemats when necessary.
By following these simple aftercare tips, you can help keep your newly refinished cabinets looking like new for years to come!
Alternatives to Refinishing Cabinets
In addition to refinishing your cabinets, there are a few alternative ways to make them look like new again. You could:
- Paint them: This is a quick and easy way to change the color of your cabinets and give them a new look.
- Replace the hardware: Replacing the handles, knobs, and hinges on your cabinets can also give them a fresh new look.
- Add new features: If your cabinets are looking dated, you can add some new features to them such as glass doors or pull-out drawers.
AMD Remodeling
Refinishing your cabinets can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to make them look like new again. With the right tools, supplies, and guidance from this step-by-step guide, you are sure to achieve beautiful results that will last for years. Take some time to plan out each step of the project carefully before starting so that you can confidently complete it without any issues. Best of luck with your refinishing project! Give AMD Remodeling a call today at 469-547-5887