Giving your kitchen cabinets a fresh new look can seem daunting, but with some preparation and the right materials, finishing kitchen cabinets yourself is quite achievable. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps needed to achieve a beautiful, professional finish on your cabinets.
Assessing Your Cabinets
Before beginning any finishing project, take time to thoroughly examine the current state of your cabinets.
- Check for any structural damage or flaws that need repairing first. Look at the condition of hinges and doors as well.
- Clean cabinets thoroughly prior to finishing. Grease, dirt, and residue will impede proper adhesion of new finishes.
- Determine the existing finish. This will help select the proper preparation techniques and finish products. Common finishes include laminate, varnish, shellac and lacquer.
- Decide on the look you wish to achieve – paint, stain, clear topcoat, etc. The possibilities are endless when refinishing kitchen cabinets!
Preparing Cabinets for Refinishing
Proper preparation is crucial to achieving an even, consistent finish.
Cleaning
Use a degreasing cleaner formulated for wood surfaces to thoroughly clean inside and out. Pay close attention to grimy areas around knobs and handles. Rinse with clean water and allow to fully dry.
Removing Doors and Hardware
Remove all doors, drawers, shelves, and hardware prior to finishing. This allows for easier access to all cabinet surfaces, preventing uneven finishes. Set hardware aside for reinstallation later.
Sanding
Lightly sand cabinet frames and doors to roughen the existing finish. This helps new finishes and paints adhere properly. Use 120-150 grit sandpaper for laminates, and 220 grit for wood finishes.
Filling Holes & Repairs
Inspect all cabinets for holes, gouges and flaws. Fill these using a wood filler compound, letting dry completely prior to sanding smooth. Replace any unsound wood.
Priming
For painting cabinets, apply a high-quality primer formulated for wood. Allow to dry fully before finishing. Priming provides added protection for finishes.
Finishing Kitchen Cabinets
Now comes the fun part – choosing a finish and colors for your kitchen! There are several options for refinishing cabinets:
Painting
Painted finishes are very popular for the wide range of colors and finishes possible. Consider:
- Enamel paint – Gives a glossy, durable finish that’s easy to clean.
- Latex paint – Available in flat, satin or semi-gloss. Easy clean up with water.
- Acrylic paint – Dries quickly and leaves a uniform, consistent finish.
Apply with a high-quality brush in smooth, even strokes. Allow proper drying time between coats. Lightly sand between coats for best results.
Staining
For a natural wood look, staining may be the perfect option. Keep in mind:
- Test stains first on cabinet interior or small area. Colors appear differently on varying wood species.
- Apply a wood conditioner beforehand for more even stain absorption.
- Use a pre-stain wood cleaner and sand lightly before applying the stain.
- Work in the direction of the wood grain and wipe away excess stain for ideal results.
- Finish with a clear protective topcoat like polyurethane.
Clear Topcoats
A clear finish allows the natural wood’s beauty to shine through. Consider:
- Polyurethane – Most common clear coat. Provides a durable, protective finish.
- Varnish – Offers a classic, warm glossy finish. Use for interiors only.
- Shellac – Easy to apply, fast drying but least durable option.
Apply thin, even coats allowing proper drying times between. Lightly sand between coats for best adhesion.
Paint & Glaze
For a dimensional, antiqued effect, paint cabinets then apply a translucent glaze over the surface. Wipe and distress the glaze before drying for one-of-a-kind aged character.
Finishing Cabinet Frames vs Doors
Frames – Since frames won’t be moved or touched, high gloss enamels and varnishes are fine here. Work top to bottom and horizontally to avoid drips.
Doors – For durability on opened doors, use satin, semi-gloss or oil-based paints. Work vertically and do edges first before finishing door fronts.
Applying New Hardware
Replacing old hardware with new knobs, pulls or handles adds the perfect finishing touch. Wait until cabinets are fully finished and cured first before reattaching any hardware. Fill old screw holes with wood filler before mounting new hardware.
Maintaining Finishes
Proper care will keep your hand-finished cabinets looking like new for years to come.
- Allow full 2-3 week cure times before cleaning finished cabinets.
- Use mild soap and water. Avoid harsh abrasive cleaners.
- Re-apply protective topcoats like polyurethane periodically.
- Immediately clean up any spills or water on surfaces.
- Avoid exposing to direct sunlight which can damage finishes.
Tips for Success in Finishing Kitchen Cabinets Yourself
- Thorough preparation is key – properly clean and sand cabinets first.
- Remove doors, drawers and hardware prior to finishing for easier access.
- Work in a low-dust space with adequate ventilation.
- Apply finishes in thin, even coats allowing proper drying times between.
- Lightly sand between coats of paint or topcoat for best adhesion.
- Work methodically section by section for a consistent finish throughout.
- Seal surfaces using painter’s tape between sections to avoid drips.
- Follow all safety precautions when using chemical strippers or solvent finishes.
- Be patient! Rushing the process can ruin the finish.
FAQs: Finishing Kitchen Cabinets Yourself
What type of paint should I use on cabinets?
Enamel, acrylic or latex paints formulated for wood surfaces work best. Oil-based provides a durable finish but requires mineral spirits for cleanup.
Do cabinets need to be primed before painting?
Primer creates a uniform surface for paint to adhere to, preventing imperfections from showing through. Always prime wood, laminate or melamine cabinets before painting.
Should I remove cabinet doors to refinish them?
Yes, removing doors allows you to thoroughly finish all surfaces. Lay doors on sawhorses face side up to finish.
What finish should I use to retain a natural wood look?
Penetrating stains or clear finishes like polyurethane enhance the wood’s natural grain. Make sure to prep and condition the wood properly first.
What is the most durable finish for high-use cabinets?
Oil-based paints, polyurethane, and conversion varnishes provide the most durable finishes for heavily used cabinets.
Conclusion
Refinishing kitchen cabinets allows you to transform the heart of your home without the expense of complete replacement. With proper preparation, materials, and techniques, you can achieve beautiful, professional-looking results finishing cabinets yourself. Focus on thorough prep work, applying finishes methodically, and allowing ample drying time between coats. The effort pays off in cabinets with a custom finish and new life for years to come!
