How Do I Refinish My Oak Kitchen Cabinets

How to Refinish Oak Kitchen Cabinets

Oak kitchen cabinets are a classic and durable choice for any home. However, over time, they can start to look worn and outdated. Refinishing your oak kitchen cabinets is a great way to update your kitchen without breaking the bank. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it yourself:

Materials you'll need:

Sandpaper (120-grit, 220-grit, and 320-grit)
Tack cloth
Wood filler
Putty knife
Primer
Paint or stain
Polyurethane
Paintbrush or roller
Safety glasses
Dust mask

Step 1: Clean the cabinets

The first step is to clean the cabinets thoroughly. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the cabinets and remove any dirt or grime. Allow the cabinets to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Sand the cabinets

Once the cabinets are clean, you need to sand them to remove the old finish. Start with 120-grit sandpaper and sand in the direction of the grain. Once you've sanded the entire cabinet, switch to 220-grit sandpaper and sand again. Finally, finish with 320-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface.

Step 3: Fill in any holes or dents

If there are any holes or dents in the cabinets, you need to fill them in before you can paint or stain them. Use a wood filler and a putty knife to fill in the holes or dents. Allow the wood filler to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Prime the cabinets

Priming the cabinets will help the paint or stain to adhere better. Apply a coat of primer to the cabinets using a paintbrush or roller. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 5: Paint or stain the cabinets

Now it's time to paint or stain the cabinets. If you're painting the cabinets, use a high-quality paintbrush or roller. Apply two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. If you're staining the cabinets, use a brush or rag to apply the stain. Allow the stain to sit for the amount of time specified on the can before wiping off the excess.

Step 6: Apply polyurethane

Polyurethane will help to protect the paint or stain on the cabinets. Apply two coats of polyurethane, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Step 7: Enjoy your new cabinets!

Once the polyurethane has dried, your cabinets are refinished! Enjoy your new, updated kitchen.