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Refacing Kitchen Cabinets on Your Own
Is your kitchen starting to show signs of wear and tear? If things are starting to look a little dull or if you are seeking a brand new look for your kitchen, you may want to consider refacing your cabinets. Refacing will allow you to avoid purchasing and installing new cabinets and is a job that you can complete on your own. It is much more affordable than cabinet replacement and it can provide that fresh look you desire.
Listed below are a few of the steps you should follow when refacing your cabinets on your own.
Cleaning
Food residue and grease can build up on your cabinets, especially after years of use. Due to this, you will need to clean them thoroughly before you start your project. Cleaning and refacing is an easier process if you remove the cabinet doors; however, you should make sure to appropriately mark each piece as it is removed. The cabinet hinges may not match the drilled holes of other doors when you are reinstalling them.
When using cleaners and solvents, make sure to wear protective gear, follow manufacturers instructions, and cover appliances, countertops, and floors with drop cloths. Use a clean cloth to apply the solvent and allow the cabinets time to dry thoroughly before continuing.
Stripping and Refinishing
If you have made the decision to apply a new finish to your cabinets, you should consider removing them from their existing mounting. As with cleaning, removing the doors and cabinet bases will make your job far easier and safer.
One of the first steps that you should take is to determine the existing finish that is currently on your cabinets. There are several varieties of finish listed below:
Shellac – Apply a couple drops of denatured alcohol to the cabinet surface. If the finish is shellac, it will dissolve instantly.
Wax – A minimal amount of turpentine will dissolve wax.
Polyurethane or Varnish – Paint or varnish stripper will strip these finishes.
Paint – You need to determine whether the paint on your cabinets is oil or water based. To do this, rub denatured alcohol on the surface with a clean cloth. This should remove water-based paint. If your cabinets are finished with oil-based paint, you will have to completely strip them and use a primer to refinish.
Formica or Vinyl – If your cabinets are finished with these materials, you should hire a professional to refinish or consider purchasing new cabinets.
Preparation
After you have cleaned and determined the finish of you existing cabinets, you should prepare their surfaces by patching all holes, nicks, and scratches with wood filler. After allowing it to dry sufficiently, you should sand down the surface of the cabinet to blend the filler in with the rest of the surface and to remove any additional finish and residue. Sanding will give you a fresh, new surface to refinish. If you are choosing to paint your cabinets, use a coat of primer before you start.
Hardware
In addition to refacing the surface of your cabinets, you should consider refacing your cabinet hardware. Each handle and hinge of your cabinets should be cleaned thoroughly before being reinstalled. Place your hardware in a solution of soap and hot water and allow it to soak for at least an hour. Scrub the pieces with a soft brush and polish with the proper cleaner after it has dried.
If your hardware is still dull after the cleaning, you should consider replacement. There are many options to choose from that can provide a unique look or an added functionality for your cabinets.
Refacing your kitchen cabinets can be achieved with a limited budget and carpentry knowledge. With proper planning and a little hard work, you can create a new look for your kitchen without having to break the bank.