Get the Renovated Kitchen Look By Refurbishing Your Old Cabinets

Outdated kitchen cabinets getting you down? Refurbishing your old cabinets can give your kitchen a fresh, new look without the high cost of full replacement. With some time and effort, you can restore your existing cabinets to look like new.

We'll cover evaluating your cabinets, choosing the right refinishing method, buying quality materials, using proper tools, and each step of the refurbishing process. Follow along to learn how you can breathe new life into your kitchen by refurbishing your worn cabinets.

Assess Cabinet Condition

Before determining whether refurbishing is the right choice, it's important to fully assess the current condition of your cabinets. Examine them inside and out for signs of structural damage like loose joints, cracked panels or frames, water damage, or rot. If the underlying cabinet structure is badly damaged, refurbishing may not be an option.

Also check drawers and doors for levelness and smooth operation. If doors are warped or don't easily open and close, refurbishing may help improve these issues. But if cabinets are in very rough shape overall, replacing them entirely could be the better option.

When to Repair vs. Replace

Here are some signs your cabinets may be beyond refurbishing and need complete replacement:

• Warped, cracked, or water-damaged frames
• Rotting wood
• Missing doors, panels or hardware that can't be replaced
• Infestations of bugs or pests
• Outdated cabinet layout or size

Unless your cabinets display these major problems, refurbishing is likely still possible. Ready to give those old cabinets new life? Let's explore your options.

Choose a Refinishing Method

When preparing to refurbish kitchen cabinets, you'll need to decide on the best refinishing method. There are three main options:

Repainting

Repainting involves sanding cabinets, priming, and applying fresh coats of cabinet paint. It's the most affordable option for refurbishing. Follow these steps:

1. Use 120-150 grit sandpaper to scuff cabinet surfaces, then clean thoroughly.
2. Apply 1-2 coats of high-quality primer to block stains and provide adhesion.
3. Lightly sand again, then paint with 2-3 thin coats of durable cabinet enamel.

Repainting allows you to update the color and provides long-lasting results when done properly. Enamel cabinet paint can create a smooth, factory-like finish.

Restaining

For wood cabinets, restaining can enhance or change the color while still showing off the wood grain. Here's the process:

1. Use 220 grit sandpaper to strip existing stain and smooth surfaces.
2. Clean thoroughly, then apply wood conditioner.
3. Use staining pads to apply a gel stain for rich, uniform color.
4. Allow stain to fully dry, then apply 2-3 coats of polyurethane for protection.

Restaining takes more work but provides a beautiful result. It's ideal for higher-end wood cabinets.

Refacing

With refacing, existing cabinet boxes stay in place but doors, drawer fronts, and hardware are replaced:

1. Remove all doors, drawers, and hardware.
2. Apply new veneer and replacement doors.
3. Install upgraded handles, knobs, and hinges.

Refacing provides a fresh look while avoiding the effort of stripping and refinishing existing cabinet components. But custom doors and veneers can get pricey.

Purchase High-Quality Materials

The materials you select will have a big impact on your finished product. Use these tips when purchasing supplies:

Sandpaper

Primer and Paint

• Use quality oil or shellac-based primer for best adhesion and stain blocking.
• For paint, choose durable cabinet enamels that resist wear and yellowing.
• Select satin, semi-gloss, or gloss paint finishes based on your desired look.

Stain and Finish

• Gel stains offer uniform coloring on wood surfaces.
• Opt for oil-based polyurethane or varnish for maximum protection.
• Use a foam brush to avoid leaving brush strokes in the finish.

Use Proper Tools

Having the right tools for each stage of your cabinet refurbishing project makes the process easier and improves your results. Key tools include:

Sanders

A power sander like an orbital or belt sander takes the hard work out of sanding and stripping. Palm sanders allow sanding hard-to-reach areas.

Paintbrushes and Rollers

High-quality synthetic bristle brushes hold paint better than foam. Mini-rollers speed up painting flat cabinet surfaces. Angled paintbrushes simplify cutting in edges.

Sprayers

Airless sprayers distribute primer and paint efficiently for a smooth finish. They require some practice but are less tiring than brushes for large cabinets.

Take time to mask and prep your workspace to contain dust and overspray. Proper tools make refurbishing much more manageable.

Safely Prep the Cabinets

Thorough prep work leads to better refurbishing results. Follow these steps:

1. Remove doors, drawers, shelves, and hardware using a screwdriver.
2. Use a degreaser to clean cabinet exteriors and interiors.
3. Fill any holes or imperfections with wood filler and allow drying completely.
4. Sand surfaces uniformly using an orbital sander. Vacuum dust between sanding grits.
5. Wipe sanded cabinets with a tack cloth to remove remaining dust before priming.

Proper preparing and cleaning allows primer and paint to adhere smoothly. Don't forget to label items as you remove them for easier reinstallation later.

Prime Cabinets Before Painting or Staining

Applying a quality primer is one of the most important steps for achieving an beautiful finish on your refurbished cabinets. Primer:

• Blocks stains from bleeding through new paint
• Provides a uniform surface for topcoats to adhere to
• Seals wood surfaces to minimize absorption of finish

Use a small foam roller and angled brush to coat all cabinet surfaces, doors, and frames with primer. Allow drying fully before a light final sanding and painting.

Priming Tips

• Opt for oil-based primer for best results on cabinets.
• Apply in thin, even coats avoiding drips or sags.
• Use an additive if primer is too thick for spraying.
• Hang doors on jigs or sawhorses to prime all sides.

Primer is the first step to making those outdated cabinets look like new again.

Apply New Paint or Stain

Now comes the fun part - applying your chosen new color or finish! For painting cabinets, follow these guidelines:

• Lightly sand primed cabinets to ensure adhesion.
• Use a small paintbrush to cut in edges and corners.
• Quickly roll larger surfaces using a short nap roller.
• Allow proper drying time between coats.
• Add final coat(s) for full coverage and color depth.

Working in thin coats avoids drips and runs in the paint. Take time with each coat for maximum quality.

Staining Tips

• Wipe stain on following the wood grain pattern.
• Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks.
• Allow each coat to fully dry before adding another.
• Sand lightly between finish coats for maximum adhesion.

Your patience will pay off when you reveal beautiful, richly stained wood cabinets.

Reinstall Cabinets and Hardware

Once painting or staining is complete, it's time to put those refreshed cabinets back in place. Follow these final steps:

1. Allow paint or stain to cure fully before reinstallation, typically 2-3 weeks.
2. Carefully mount refurbished boxes back into kitchen openings.
3. Install updated cabinet hardware like hinges, knobs, and pulls.
4. Reattach doors, adjust alignments, and confirm smooth operation.

Take a step back and admire your amazing kitchen transformation! Those formerly outdated cabinets now provide a fresh, stylish look.

Maintain Your Refurbished Cabinets

To keep your renewed cabinets looking like new, follow these maintenance practices:

• Gently clean with soft microfiber cloths and mild soap and water.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasives, or excessive moisture.
• Use touch-up paint as needed to cover nicks and scratches.
• Consider adding cabinet liners or pads to protect cabinet interiors.

Caring for your refurbished cabinets helps preserve their beauty and your hard work.

Refurbishing lets you upgrade your kitchen while saving thousands compared to full cabinet replacement. With some elbow grease and these DIY steps, you can give your kitchen a fresh new look with customized color and style.

Revive and refurbish your outdated cabinets to achieve a fully renovated kitchen without a costly remodel. Your beautiful results will have guests thinking you splurged on a kitchen overhaul!