How To Refinish Your Kitchen Cabinets

How to Refinish Your Kitchen Cabinets

Refinishing your kitchen cabinets is a great way to update the look of your kitchen without having to replace them. It’s also a relatively inexpensive project that can be completed in a weekend. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to refinish your kitchen cabinets:

Materials You'll Need

Sandpaper (120-grit and 220-grit)
Tack cloth
Primer
Paint
Polyurethane
Paint brushes or rollers
Screwdriver
Hammer
Nails

Step 1: Remove the Doors and Hardware

Start by removing the doors and hardware from the cabinets. Use a screwdriver to remove the hinges and knobs or pulls. Once the doors and hardware are removed, you can begin sanding the cabinets.

Step 2: Sand the Cabinets

Sand the cabinets with 120-grit sandpaper to remove the old finish. Be sure to sand in the direction of the wood grain. Once you’ve sanded the cabinets with 120-grit sandpaper, switch to 220-grit sandpaper and sand again. This will help to smooth out the surface of the cabinets.

Step 3: Clean the Cabinets

Once the cabinets are sanded, use a tack cloth to remove any dust or debris. This will help to ensure that the primer and paint will adhere properly to the cabinets.

Step 4: Prime the Cabinets

Apply a coat of primer to the cabinets. Primer helps to create a smooth surface for the paint and also helps to prevent the paint from peeling or chipping. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 5: Paint the Cabinets

Once the primer is dry, you can begin painting the cabinets. Use a high-quality paint that is specifically designed for kitchen cabinets. Apply two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Once the paint is dry, you can apply a coat of polyurethane to protect the finish.

Step 6: Reattach the Doors and Hardware

Once the paint is dry, you can reattach the doors and hardware. Use a screwdriver to attach the hinges and knobs or pulls. Once the doors and hardware are reattached, your kitchen cabinets are refinished!

Tips for Refinishing Your Kitchen Cabinets

If you’re not sure what color to paint your cabinets, try looking at kitchen design magazines or websites for inspiration.
If you’re painting your cabinets a dark color, it’s important to apply a coat of primer first. This will help to prevent the paint from absorbing into the wood and causing the grain to show through.
When painting your cabinets, use a brush or roller that is specifically designed for painting kitchen cabinets. This will help to ensure that the paint is applied evenly and smoothly.
Allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next. This will help to prevent the paint from peeling or chipping.
Once the paint is dry, apply a coat of polyurethane to protect the finish. Polyurethane is a clear finish that will help to protect the paint from wear and tear.