How To Refinish Kitchen Cabinets​

Refinishing kitchen cabinets remains an economical method for remodeling kitchen spaces without requiring extensive remodeling costs. It serves as an outstanding choice for cabinets needing cosmetic improvements. New life enters your kitchen at reasonable rates through cabinet refinishing before you initiate full renovation work. This guide provides all necessary instructions for renovating kitchen cabinets, restaining them, and changing their general appearance. It also includes the complete process of kitchen cabinet sanding and cost assessment for refinishing in this guide. Let’s dive in!

Why Refinish Kitchen Cabinets?

Old cabinets become more attractive after refinishing because this method helps you renew your kitchen’s look at reasonable prices. Time takes a toll on cabinetry since it leads to wear along with adverse effects and damage. Cabinet doors along with surfaces will regain beauty while keeping functionality by undergoing refinishing steps. The eco-friendly approach also benefits the environment by cutting down waste amounts.

Steps For Refinishing Old Cabinets

Bright kitchen with newly refinished white cabinets, updated hardware, and a contrasting dark countertop.

Here is a step-by-step guide on cabinet refinishing. 

Step 1: Assess Your Cabinets

You must inspect the condition of kitchen cabinet before beginning their refinishing restoration. Are they structurally sound? Inspection shows that all cabinets’ doors together with drawers show proper mechanical function. Refinishing becomes a smart choice to restore worn cabinet appearance when your cabinets show no major damage. The decision to replace cabinets becomes necessary when the damage reaches an advanced stage.

Step 2: Gather Your Supplies

The process of refurbishing kitchen cabinets requires these equipment and materials:

  • You will need a screwdriver to eliminate cabinet doors together with hardware.
  • Sandpaper (medium and fine grit) or a power sander
  • The repair of minor dents or scratches requires using wood filler.
  • You need a Tack cloth to clean away dust after using sandpaper as your tool.
  • Primer (if painting)
  • The desired finishing touch requires either paint or wood stain depending on your choice.
  • Paintbrushes, rollers, or a paint sprayer
  • Clear topcoat (for added durability)

The workspace also needs protection from falling debris with drop cloths together with plastic sheeting.

Step 3: Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware

The next operation is to uninstall both cabinet frames and hardware pieces. Begin by taking off cabinet doors with all associated hardware such as handles and knobs and dove. Use labels to identify both doors and their matching locations which will help for easier assembly later. Even the application of refinishing solutions becomes possible due to this step.

Step 4: Clean the Cabinets

Wash all surfaces of the cabinets together with doors and drawers in order to eliminate built-up grease and accumulated dirt and grime. Wash the cabinets with either a degreaser solution or mix a degreasing agent and warm liquid soap. Proceed by using clean water followed by complete drying time. Dusting surfaces properly enables better attachment of paint or stain.

Step 5: Sand the Cabinets

The proper refinishing process heavily depends on cabinet surface sanding operations. The finishing removal process creates a new flat surface for the fresh coat application. Here’s how to do it:

  • You will need to start by using medium-grit sandpaper which ranges from 120-150 grit to remove current finish coatings.
  • Fine-grit sandpaper at 220 grit should be used to achieve smooth surface finish.
  • All accumulated dust should be removed using a tack cloth.
  • Before you sand cabinet surfaces that contain deep scratches or dents, you should apply wood filler to the areas.

Step 6: Apply Primer (If Painting)

High-quality primer must be applied for painting cabinets because it gives you an even coating and better bonding abilities. You should apply flat surface areas with a brush or roller but detailed sections need a small brush for application. Wait until the drying time for the primer concludes before beginning the following step.

Cabinets require restaining and painting as the final step of the refinishing process.

The exciting stage begins at this point when you choose to paint or stain your cabinets with a new finish.

How to Restain Cabinets:

  • Apply the stain by using either a brush or cloth and move it along the wood grain direction.
  • Leave the stain to rest for several minutes before using a tidy cloth to remove the extra substance.
  • The drying process should be finished before you apply a supplemental coat of stain.
  • Users should follow these steps when painting their kitchen cabinet doors:
  • A brush roller or paint sprayer should be used to create an even application of the paint.
  • Apply the stain in small layers to prevent excessive dripping and streaking appearance.
  • Dry all visible sections of paint before starting with another application.

How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Kitchen Cabinets?

A kitchen showcasing freshly refinished wooden cabinets, illustrating the cost-effective transformation achievable through refinishing.

The price to refinish kitchen cabinets depends on the size of your kitchen room together with your finish selection along with work price rates. You need to spend between $1,500 to $4,500 to refinish kitchen cabinets which costs $4 to $15 per square foot. Self-performing the work cuts expenses however the time investment alongside required abilities and quality of execution matters.

Conclusion

Homeowners who decide to refinish their kitchen cabinets will receive an appealing transformation of both appearance and atmosphere in their kitchen. Guided by proper tools along with suitable techniques any homeowner can easily complete a cabinet refinishing project or restaining or painting their cabinets. The combination of proper cabinet sanding with high-quality finishes along with these process guides will help you create professional quality results even though you spend significantly less than buying new cabinets. Happy refinishing!

Get Cabinet Refinishing services From EXQ

Ger cabinet refinishing services from EXQ kitchen and Bath at a very competitive price. EXQ specialists deliver all cabinet refinishing services. The skilled team at our company will convert your outdated cabinets with great precision. EXQ gives you outstanding refinishing services that match the best results with budget-friendly prices. Contact EXQ immediately through our website for a consultation to bring your dream kitchen into reality. Contact our team by phone or reach us at our website to start. Let’s start kitchen cabinet refinishing today!

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