Cabinets are one of the most important kitchen features and they can make or break your overall kitchen design. If your cabinets are looking tired and drab, it’s likely time to give them a facelift. Professionals typically recommend refacing, refinishing or replacing your cabinetry.
Refinishing is the most budget-friendly option of the three. Refinishing your cabinets involves sanding and then revitalizing the existing doors and drawer fronts with stain or paint. This process will not only breathe new life into your kitchen, but it can also add value to your home. It’s also a more sustainable option than refacing or replacing your cabinets because it uses less new material.
This is an ideal option if you love the layout and structure of your cabinetry, but aren’t crazy about the color or finish. With refinishing, you can transform your cabinets with a variety of colors and finishes to match your kitchen color scheme and overall home decor. You can even experiment with specialty techniques like glazing, distressing and antiquing to create a truly unique look for your cabinetry.
During the refinishing process, you can also add hardware or trim to your cabinetry for a more personalized touch. Adding details to your cabinetry can help them stand out from the rest of the room and also tie the design together. You’ll need a variety of materials for this project including sandpaper, a high-quality polyurethane product, wood stains (we suggest starting with a walnut stain), felt tip furniture pens for touch-ups and clean rags for wiping off excess stain. Using a high-quality primer like KILZ 3(r) Premium Primer will help ensure a smooth, beautiful finish and promote adhesion.
Before you get started on your refinishing project, make sure the kitchen is well protected by covering countertops, appliances, tables and chairs with plastic sheeting or building paper (which is greener) and taping down any backsplashes to prevent any dust and paint from getting on them during the refinishing process. You’ll also want to remove your cabinet doors and drawers and label them or number them so they’re easy to reattach once the refinishing process is complete.
Once your sanding is complete, apply the degreaser to a sponge and begin scrubbing the cabinet doors to remove any dirt and grime buildup. Be sure to scrub down all of the grooves, corners and edges to ensure they’re thoroughly cleaned. Allow the cabinet doors to dry completely before reattaching them. Be sure to use a quality hinge and handle hardware for best results.
While the refinishing process isn’t as extensive as refacing, it can still take several days to complete and can be loud and messy. This is a great project to do with a friend or family member. During the process, it’s also a good idea to go out of town or to a friend’s house to avoid having to deal with solvent-based lacquer fumes for a day or more. With the right tools and preparation, you can successfully refinish your kitchen cabinets. If you have any questions or need assistance with your project, be sure to contact a professional kitchen cabinet refinishing company. A reputable Tampa cabinet refinishing company will be able to provide you with a high-quality result that will elevate the beauty and value of your kitchen.