Give Your Kitchen Cabinets a Makeover with Vinyl Paper

Is your kitchen looking a little tired and dated? Drab cabinets can really bring down the look of an otherwise nice kitchen. But you may not have the time, budget or desire to undergo a full kitchen remodel right now. Vinyl paper offers an affordable and easy way to give your cabinets a fresh new look without the mess and expense of painting or replacing them. In just a weekend, you can fully transform the vibe of your kitchen with a stylish vinyl paper makeover. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process step-by-step.

Choosing the Best Vinyl Paper for Your Cabinets

With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to select the right vinyl paper for your specific kitchen cabinets. Here are the key factors to consider when shopping for vinyl paper:

• Durability - Since cabinets endure a lot of wear and tear, opt for vinyl with a thick, protective laminate coating that can stand up to everything your kitchen dishes out. Vinyl paper made specifically for cabinets is more scuff and water-resistant.
• Texture - Do you prefer a smooth, sleek look or something more like real woodgrain? The texture of the vinyl paper makes a big difference in the overall aesthetic.
• Color/Pattern - From solids to woodgrains to marble and more, vinyl paper comes in a huge range of color and pattern options. Choose something that pairs well with your existing kitchen decor.
• Ease of Installation - Look for vinyl paper that is pliable and includes adhesive backing for simple application.

Some of the top reviewed brands of vinyl paper for kitchen cabinet makeovers include DC Fix, Chalkboard Vinyl, and Supercrafty. Spending a bit more for higher quality can make the project go smoother and last longer.

Measuring Your Cabinets Carefully

Before you can order the vinyl paper, you'll need to measure each cabinet section accurately to determine how much you need. Here's how to measure up your kitchen:

• Use a tape measure to measure the height and width of each door and cabinet front. Record the dimensions on a sheet of paper.
• For the sides of cabinet frames, measure the height from top to bottom and the depth from front to back.
• Measure any interior cabinet surfaces that you want to cover.
• Add all the measurements together and add an extra 10% to be safe.

Having all the right measurements will let you order sufficient vinyl paper in one purchase. Now let's get those cabinets prepped and ready!

Preparing Your Cabinets for a Flawless Vinyl Application

Any grease, dirt or flaws on your cabinet surfaces will show right through the vinyl paper, so it's crucial to properly clean and prep your cabinets beforehand. Here are the key steps involved:

Thoroughly Clean All Surfaces

Cleaning is the first critical step. Give cabinets a thorough wipe down as follows:

• Remove all doors, drawers and hardware and set aside together.
• Wash cabinet frames, doors, interior surfaces and trim with a mild soap and warm water solution. Use a cleaning cloth or sponge to scrub away any built-up grease or grime.
• Use a degreasing cleaner on any especially dirty areas and let it soak in for 5 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
• Allow all surfaces to completely dry before moving onto sanding and priming steps.

Fix Any Nicks, Gouges or Imperfections

Even small damages on your cabinets can telegraph through vinyl paper. Here's how to fix them:

• Fill any holes, gouges or cracks with wood filler, allow to dry and sand smooth.
• Lightly sand any bumps or rough areas to flatten surface.
• Spot prime repairs with a primer compatible with your cabinet finish.

Account for Grooves when Measuring

The recessed horizontal grooves on many cabinet frames and doors present a vinyl application challenge. Simply stretching the paper over them creates visible air bubbles and seams. The solution? Cut relief slits in the vinyl to allow it to fold into the grooves. Use a ruler and utility knife to measure and cut slits to the depth of the grooves around cabinet frames before adhering the vinyl paper.

Applying Vinyl Paper to Your Cabinets

Once your cabinets are prepped, it's go time! Follow these steps to properly apply the vinyl paper:

Create a Clean Work Area

Choose a large, clean workspace to do the application for easiest vinyl control. Recommendations include:

• Cover countertops/floor around workspace with drop cloths or paper.
• Have smoothing tool (squeegee, brayer) close by.
• Make a cutting surface such as cardboard or wood.

Affix the Vinyl Paper

Here's how to attach the vinyl paper neatly and securely:

• Peel away vinyl backing to expose adhesive surface.
• Line up vinyl on cabinet frame and press on from top center outward.
• Smooth firmly with a squeegee, removing any air bubbles.
• Use a sharp utility knife on cutting surface to neatly trim excess vinyl from edges.

Work systematically from the top down and use the squeegee to smooth the paper and eliminate wrinkles or bubbles. Take your time for best results.

Reattach Doors, Drawers and Hardware

Once the cabinet frames and doors have the new vinyl paper, screw drawer slides and hinges back into place. To reattach handles and knobs, carefully mark their previous position under the vinyl by lightly pressing a blunt tool through the paper. Reinstall using the marks as a guide.

Finishing Touches

The finishing touches complete the professional look:

• Use a sharp razor along edges for a neat seam.
• Touch up any pequimperfections by lifting vinyl and applying more adhesive.
• Remove floor covering and clean up workspace.

Transforming your dreary, dated kitchen cabinets with vinyl paper gives you an entirely fresh, modern look for a fraction of the price of new cabinets. Just follow the tips below to keep your vinyl paper cabinets looking fabulous:

• Use cabinet organizers to prevent pots/pans from rubbing vinyl surfaces inside cabinets.
• Immediately wipe up any water splashes or spills to avoid stains.
• Clean vinyl surfaces with mild soap and water only.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubs that could scratch the vinyl.

You can give your kitchen a modern look with the new vinyl paper. Express your unique sense of style by accessorizing with cute kitchen towels, stylish knobs and pulls, or bold patterned dishes. We hope this guide makes revitalizing your outdated kitchen cabinets with vinyl paper an achievable DIY dream. Share before and after photos of your vinyl paper makeover and inspire others!