The Best Way to Refinish Kitchen Cabinets: A Step-by-Step Guide
Refinishing your kitchen cabinets is one of the most effective ways to give your kitchen a fresh, updated look without the cost of a full renovation. With the right tools, techniques, and a bit of patience, you can achieve a professional-quality finish. Whether you’re updating the cabinets to modernize your kitchen or simply refreshing them for a clean and polished look, this guide will walk you through the best way to refinish kitchen cabinets by painting them yourself!
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials to refinish your kitchen cabinets. Here’s is a basic list of thing you would need. Feel free to change out tools based on your experience and knowledge
- Screwdriver (to remove cabinet doors and hardware)
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Sander (orbital or hand sanding block)
- Degreaser (for cleaning cabinets)
- Painter’s tape (for protecting edges)
- High-quality primer (different primers for different surfaces)
- Cabinet Paint (choose a durable paint specifically for cabinetry)
- Paint sprayer (not always recommended for a DIY project but if properly used, it will give the best results possible)
- Paint brushes and rollers (a foam roller and some patience can give great results)
- Drop cloths or plastic sheets (to protect your surfaces)
- Protective gear (gloves, goggles, and a mask)
Step 2: Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware
Start by removing all cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware (handles, knobs, and hinges). Place the hardware in labeled bags so you can easily reinstall everything later. Label the doors and hinges so you know exactly where everything goes back when it is time to reinstall.
Step 3: Clean and Degrease the Surfaces
Over time, kitchen cabinets accumulate grease, grime, and residue from cooking. Cleaning your cabinets thoroughly before sanding and painting is essential to ensure proper adhesion of the new finish. Use a degreaser or a mild soap solution to clean every surface. Pay special attention to corners and grooves. It is equally important to ensure the soap residue is rinsed completely off while taking care not to soak your cabinets and door.
Step 4: Sand the Cabinets
Sanding is one of the most critical steps in refinishing kitchen cabinets. It prepares the surface which is the foundation of the new coating system. Use medium grit sandpaper to sand the surfaces. For cabinets with a heavy existing finish, an orbital sander can speed up the process. However, be careful not to over-sand and damage the wood, especially around edges.
Step 5: Apply Primer
Once the cabinets are sanded, it’s time to prime. Applying a high-quality primer is crucial to sealing the wood and providing a solid base for the paint. Primer choice is dependent on the surface you are priming. Be sure to follow the manufacture’s instruction before applying your top coat.
Step 6: Top Coat
Now comes the fun part, adding your new colour! Choose a high-quality, durable paint made for cabinetry that is also compatible with your primer. Use a combination of a high-quality paintbrush for grooves and edges and a foam roller for flat surfaces to achieve great finish! If you have the choice and know-how to use a sprayer, you can get an even better finish.
Step 7: Reassemble the Cabinets
Once the paint has fully dried, it’s time to reattach the cabinet doors and hardware. If you want to give your kitchen an updated look, now is a great time to replace old hardware with new knobs or handles. Carefully align the doors and drawers to ensure a seamless finish.
Bonus Tips for Refinishing Cabinets:
- Label everything: Number or label your cabinet doors and drawers as you remove them to make reassembly easier.
- Work in a well-ventilated space: This ensures proper drying of the paint and minimizes fumes.
- Be patient: Allow plenty of time for each step. This is a time consuming process and its all about the prep.
- Sand between every coat: To achieve the best possible results weather you are spraying or using a brush and roller. Do not sand after your final coat.
Conclusion
Refinishing kitchen cabinets can be a rewarding DIY project that gives your kitchen a fresh, updated look. By following the steps outlined in this guide and taking your time, you can achieve a satisfying result. However, cabinet refinishing requires precision and attention to detail, especially when it comes to ensuring smooth finishes and durable coatings.
If you’re looking for truly professional results and a flawless finish that will stand the test of time without any frustration or hassle, it may be worth considering expert help. At Mac and Smith Contracting, we specialize in high-quality cabinet refinishing that transforms kitchens and our goal is to exceed expectations.
Whether you’re ready to tackle the project yourself or prefer to leave it to the pros, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help you achieve the best outcome, whatever your approach!
Your kitchen will thank you for the makeover!