When your kitchen cabinets start to show their age, it might seem like the only option is to throw or recycle them and buy new ones.
But before you go through all the trouble and expense of replacing them, there’s a faster, more affordable option that can make your cabinets seem brand new.
Refinishing kitchen cabinets can give them a fresh new look for a fraction of the cost of buying new ones.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about refinishing kitchen cabinets.
Let’s dive in!
Choosing the Right Finish
The first step in refinishing your kitchen cabinets is to choose the right finish. There are several different finishes to choose from, and each one has its advantages and disadvantages.
Here are some of the most popular cabinet finishes.
Paint
Paint is a versatile finish that can be used on any type of cabinet. It’s also the cheapest option, and it can be applied in a variety of ways.
Cabinet painting tips for giving new life to your old kitchen cabinets:
- Use high-quality paint that will resist chipping and fading.
- Choose a color that will complement your kitchen's décor.
- Apply two coats of paint on the entire surface for the best results.
Some of the best paints on the market are Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr.
Veneer
A veneer is a thin layer of wood that is glued to the surface of the cabinet. It’s a popular choice because it’s affordable and durable.
The material costs more than paint, but it is a fraction of the price of refinishing or replacing cabinets.
Stain
Stain is a common choice for existing cabinets because it allows you to show off the natural wood grain of the cabinet. It’s also durable and easy to apply.
When installing new wood cabinets, the stain color is a major choice to make for the overall look of your kitchen. New cabinets do become worn out over time so lightly sand and fresh spray paint or stain can do wonders and revive your kitchen’s appearance.
Lacquer
Melamine
Once you’ve chosen the right finish, it’s time to start getting your cabinets ready for refinishing.
Preparing Your Cabinets for Refinishing
When refinishing kitchen cabinets, their surfaces can be prepared in several different ways, but the most common way is to sand them down.
When you’re sanding your cabinets, it’s important to use the right type of sandpaper and to be careful not to damage the surface of the cabinet.
Here are some tips for sanding your cabinets:
- Use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the surface of the cabinet.
- Sand in the direction of the wood grain.
- Be careful not to damage the surface of the cabinet.
- Don't sand too hard, or you might damage the wood.
When your cabinets have been sanded down, it’s time to start refinishing them.
Use Wood Filler To Repair Damaged Areas
When refinishing kitchen cabinets, you’ll need to ensure the wood itself is still healthy.
If your cabinets have any damaged areas, you can use wood filler to repair them. Wood filler is a type of putty that is used to fill in holes and cracks in wood surfaces.
Here’s how you can use wood filler:
- Apply the wood filler to the damaged area.
- Use a putty knife to spread the wood filler evenly over the surface.
- Let the wood filler dry completely.
- Sand the surface of the wood filler until you're getting a smooth finish.
Make The Best Of Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets
Refinishing kitchen cabinets is a simple process that can be done in a few steps:
- Clean the surface of the cabinet with a degreaser. This will help the paint or finish stick to the cabinet.
- Apply a coat of primer to the surface of the cabinet. Primers have a variety of purposes, but in this case, they help the paint or finish stick to the cabinet and look smooth.
- Apply a coat of paint or stain to the surface of the cabinet. There are a variety of paints and finishes to choose from, so be sure to choose one that will match your kitchen décor.
- Apply a coat of sealer to the surface of the cabinet. The purpose of the sealer is to protect the paint or finish from fading and chipping. That will ensure a durable finish over the years.
Once you’ve finished refinishing your cabinets, they will look like new and you’ll be able to enjoy them for years to come.
Give special treatment to the doors When Refinishing Kitchen Cabients
When painting cabinets, you have to choose the right paint, lacquer, or stain to refresh the look of your kitchen cabinet doors so they give you many years of service. Even more so if they are made of solid wood.
A fresh coat of paint, lacquer, or stain on your kitchen cabinet doors can give a whole new look to your kitchen. Not to mention it can be the least expensive way to refinish your cabinet doors, instead of replacing them with new doors.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions when refinishing your kitchen cabinet doors.
Take care when sanding not to damage the surface of the wood and be sure to work in the direction of the wood grain.
Pay close attention to detail and you will be rewarded with a beautiful kitchen that will last for years.
End with a sealant to protect the new finish from wear and tear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can refinish your kitchen cabinets without taking them down. However, it may be more difficult to do so.
However, when working with a professional team, refinishing your kitchen cabinets without taking them down is a common practice.
Yes, you can use wood filler to repair damage on your cabinet. If you’ve never done it before and there is more damage to fix, always call for a professional to handle it. That should save you time and money in the long run.
If you refinish your kitchen cabinets and they don’t turn out the way you hoped for, you may be able to paint over the existing finish with a new color.
Alternatively, you could try working with an expert kitchen remodeler when refinishing your kitchen cabinets again. As long as they are careful to pay attention to detail, you should be able to achieve the look you desire.
Conclusion
Refinishing kitchen cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen a fresh new look without spending a lot of money. It’s also a project that can be done right the first time if you choose to work with a professional.
Ace Bath has been the go-to of homeowners in Mississauga, Vaughan, Brampton, Halton Hills, and surrounding areas for their cabinets refinishing projects. With us, you can rest assured refinishing kitchen cabinets will bring the same value as replacing them altogether.
If you’re planning to remodel your entire kitchen and need help with cabinet refinishing, we’re more than happy to handle the work for you.
Get a free quote for your project or call us directly at (647) 459-7374 and we’ll make sure your kitchen cabinets will look like new in no time!
