Tips for Cabinets Refinishing

Cabinet Refinishing

What is Cabinet Refinishing? Cabinet refacing usually refers to repairing the surface of your existing cabinet doors, stripping the old stain or paint, and then re-staining or painting them to match your desired style. 

Cabinet refacingĀ is a relatively inexpensive way to modernize the look of a room, add a new touch, or be your do-it-yourself handyman. It is also a fast project since most cabinets are pretty easy to open and close; therefore, there is no need for measurements or tools. If you have cabinets that need some repair and have been sitting around for a long time, consider cabinet refacing. It may be one of those projects that will save you money in the long run.

When you begin cabinet refinishing, start by removing all hardware, including drawer pulls and door pulls. Take a screwdriver and loosen all of the bolts and screws securing the top and bottom of the drawer fronts. Once the hardware is reduced, remove it carefully and discard it. Then, it is time to sand the surfaces that will be refinished.

The first step to cabinet refinishing is to remove all of the hardware from the cabinets. Using a sander, smooth out any rough spots using low-tension sandpaper, and then use an orbital sander to give the surface a flat and smooth finish. This is a great way to save money during a remodeling project. In addition, you will end up with a much more appealing finish because the cabinetry will be less visible.

It is essential to realize that there are different types of cabinet painting methods. One of the most popular and effective ways to refinish cabinets is called wet-sanding. With wet-sanding, you will mix a thin layer of high-quality resins, epoxy or bonding glue, and a wood-based penetrating stain or wood finish. Wet-sanding creates a smooth, non-textured surface that makes it easier to sand and create a better finish.

Another option for kitchen cabinet refinishing is called striping. You first apply a coating of paint to the cabinet surfaces with a brush or roller with striping. Next, you will use a metal strip along the surface of the cabinet and then rip it away. This gives you an unbroken feeling of sand while creating a clean seam along the cabinet’s entire length. Both strips and striping require a good deal of preparation before you begin the project.

When choosing paint for kitchen cabinet refinishing, pick a durable, long-lasting, and even coat of paint. Do not settle for a cheaper inferior acrylic or latex paint. A better choice will be made with a water-based medium like latex or oil-based acrylic resins. Latex and oil-based paints provide an exceptional work environment because they resist staining and have excellent adhesion properties. It can be applied to several cabinets with no problem at all, and if the existing finish is damaged, it can easily be repaired. Oil-based paints provide a rich dark finish that can mimic stains found in older cabinetry and be cleaned as they do.

You may also choose to buy a ready kit for your kitchen cabinets that includes everything you need for your cabinet refinishing project. In some cases, a kit may consist of the supplies to refinish just the cabinet faces; you may not need to finish the cabinet doors, as those tasks are already accomplished when you purchase the kit. Make sure you carefully read the instructions included with the kit. Some of the techniques for cabinet refinishing that you may find in these kits include using a stencil to create a simulated surface finish or the use of a primer and paint to create a smooth, even surface.

Regardless of the method you choose for your cabinetry refacing project, make sure that you follow the directions closely for a professional result. Professional cabinet installers are well trained to use the equipment necessary to achieve the results you want. The knowledge and experience of others working in the field are valuable to you. You can often find these installers online, and you may be able to get free consultations over the phone if you are unsatisfied with the results from your first attempt. If you decide to hire a professional, be sure to provide him with plenty of time to complete the job and let him know just what you intend to do with the veneer so he can adequately estimate the time it will take.