Conceal Old Kitchen Cabinets with Modern DIY Interior Covers

If your kitchen cabinets are old, damaged, or just plain ugly on the inside, a full cabinet replacement can be tedious and expensive. Fortunately, installing new interior covers is an affordable, easy way to disguise unattractive boxes while giving your kitchen a modern facelift.

DIY contact paper or vinyl wraps allow you to conceal worn cabinet interiors for a fraction of the cost. With some simple preparation and careful application, you can completely transform the look of your existing cabinets.

Why Update Old Kitchen Cabinets?

Replacing aging or damaged kitchen cabinets entirely involves a sizable investment of both time and money. From cabinet demolition, to new unit installation, countertop fittings and more, full-scale remodels run anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000.

However, by simply adding new interiors, you can modernize the aesthetic and boost functionality of your current cabinetry. This small fix can dramatically improve the look and value of your home before selling. Before listing your house, consider concealing unpleasant cabinet interiors to capture buyers' attention.

Boost Home Value

A kitchen remodel offers one of the highest ROI for home improvements, recouping over 70% of costs. Buyers place high value on updated, move-in ready kitchens. By camouflaging old cabinet boxes you instantly boost perceived value and resale potential.

Modernize Aesthetic

Tired of oak cabinetry or dated laminates? Install contact paper or vinyl wraps in contemporary patterns and textures to fashion a more modern look. Accessorize with updated hardware for a complete transformation.

Hide Damaged Interiors

Concealing stained, warped or broken cabinet interiors allows you to avoid expensive new cabinetry. Use removable liners to disguise the flaws for a flawless appearance.

Prep Work: Clean and Ready Cabinets

Proper planning and preparation ensures DIY cabinet liners properly adhere. Before attempting to conceal the original boxes, some simple cleaning and repairs are required.

Remove and Replace Shelving

First, remove all shelves, racks or drawers from the cabinets. Set hardware aside to reinstall later. Replace any broken supports or sliding tracks for functionality.

Clean All Surfaces

Thoroughly wash interior walls, floors and ceilings with a mild detergent and water. Sugar soap helps remove sticky residue or grease. Strong degreasers may damage finishes. Allow surfaces to fully dry before installing liners.

Smooth Out Flaws

Use 100-120 grit sandpaper to scuff areas with large snags, scratches or uneven textures. This allows contact paper, vinyl or plastic sheeting to lie completely flush. Finer 220-400 grit removes dust prior to liner application.

Choose Cabinet Liner Material

For concealing kitchen cabinet interiors, you have several material options depending on your budget and project plans.

Contact Paper

Self-adhesive contact paper intended specifically for cabinets works well for camouflaging. The vinyl paper layer tears easily but offers a tight bond. Hundreds of textures and patterns suit any style. Contact paper costs under $10 per roll.

Plastic Laminate

Plastic laminate sheets provide an economical option for small spaces like drawers or shelves. Transparent materials showcase contents while colored plastic transforms the aesthetic. Use spray adhesive for application. Prices run approximately $20 per 4 x 8 sheet.

Vinyl Wraps

Self-adhesive vinyl wraps yield a flawless, durable finish that resists moisture, stains and mildew. The thicker material stretches to fit contours smoothly without ripping. Designer woodgrain prints mimic high-end cabinetry. Expect to invest $30+ per roll.

Measure Precisely for Custom Fit

Carefully measure the interior dimensions of your cabinets for perfect liner sizing. Failure to cut materials accurately results in gaps, bubbles and lifting. Follow these steps for a wrinkle-free installation.

Tools Needed

Gather a steel tape measure and carpenter's square for precision. Have an utility knife or sharp scissors available to cut materials.

Measure Width & Depth

Record the side-to-side width across the upper back wall along with total depth from top to bottom. Repeat for each individual cabinet requiring liners.

Factor in Walls & Floors

Include measurements for interior side, top and bottom walls in your calculations. Contact paper and vinyl covers all visible surfaces to entirely disguise boxes.

Cut Liners Slightly Larger

For easiest application, cut sheets 1-2 inches wider and longer to accommodate smoothing. Excess liner along walls gets trimmed off later.

Apply Liners Smoothly

Use the following techniques and tools for a seamless, wrinkle-free liner installation that conceals flaws beautifully.

Work Top Down

Applying contact paper or vinyl sheets from the top cabinet edge down prevents gravity from causing creases or ripples during smoothing.

Apply in Sections

Rather than attempting to cover the entire surface at once, apply liner materials in smaller sections. Use an applicator like a J-roller, starting from the center and working outward while gently smoothing.

Remove Air Pockets

Inspect for any remaining bubbles or creases, especially along corners, seams and edges. Use a utility knife to slit and flatten before resealing.

Neatly Trim Excess

Run a sharp razor along top edges, seams and corners to neatly trim off any overhanging material. For safest results, have a helper hold liner taut while cutting.

Finish With Decor Touches

Adding complementary accents provides finishing polish to your newly covered kitchen cabinets. Consider installing coordinating adjustable shelves, stylish knobs or pulls and practical sliding racks.

Update Hardware

Swapping out worn, outdated handles and hinges for brushed nickel bar pulls or black iron knobs dresses up transformed cabinets.

Add Matching Liners

Use corresponding vinyl or contact paper to line shelving. Self-adhesive options help corral contents in place and further disguise original materials.

Include Storage Upgrades

Slide-out trays, spinning racks and drawer organizers improve functionality. Consider installing specialty inserts like a spice drawer, towel bar or cutlery tray.

With some simple cleaning, careful measurements and decorative touches, you can entirely transform worn and damaged kitchen cabinets. Installing modern contact paper or vinyl interiors allows you to refashion existing cabinetry at a fraction of full replacement costs.

Show off your stunning new cabinet liners to rave reviews from family and friends. Then relax knowing your kitchen updates added value and marketability to your home.