If a restricted budget forces you to keep a tight rein on kitchen
renovation costs, one great way to cut corners is to give old cabinets
a makeover
As long as cabinet construction is sturdy and surfaces not badly
warped, the following easy to follow steps below can give cabinetry
the face-lift required for a fresh, new look:
- Remove hardware – while you may want to clean up and
reuse the hinges, replace handles and knobs with ones that will
better enhance new kitchen décor. If you decide to replace
hinges, consider concealed spring styles. Hardware holes that
don’t match hardware replacements will, of course, need
to be filled in and new ones drilled.
- Raised-panel cabinet doors usually have a center panel that
can be removed; some pop out, others have screws that hold them
in place. These-type panels can easily be removed before painting,
unless they have already been painted in place.
- Remove surface buildup; use a scraper to remove gunk. Remove
remaining residue with an appropriate grease-removing cleanser;
check label for application guidelines and warnings. If everything
checks out, follow directions for use, and then allow surfaces
to dry thoroughly before continuing.
- Patch hardware holes made obsolete by new hardware with wood
putty; use a putty knife. Follow instructions for dry time.
- Sand surfaces – use fine grain sandpaper; 400 to 600 grit.
This will remove rough spots, even out the surface, and prepare
the surface for primer.
- Apply primer – apply a thin layer; allow it to dry for
at least 24 hours; longer in humid areas. Lightly sand; apply
a second coat of primer, let dry and lightly sand again.
- Apply paint – two coats of gloss or semi gloss enamel
for a nice, uniform finish; allow to completely dry between coats.
Old Hardwood Cabinets
For old hardwood cabinets that are unfinished or refinished, use
a penetrating wood stain after step 4. Stir stain well, apply with
a brush; rub off with a clean rag. The longer the wood stain stays
on the wood before rubbing it off, the deeper the stain.
Wait at least 48-hours before applying polyurethane. Gently stir
before use; do not shake the can. Shaking the can will result in
air bubbles, creating an uneven finish. Follow instructions for
drying time; usually 6 to 8 hours. Apply a second coat; this will
seal the wood, protect it from kitchen grime, and enhance the natural
wood grain.
In addition to traditional wood grain stains, oil-based pastel
stains are available that give wood a soft pastel color; without
compromising the beauty of the grain.
For a country look that will totally alter kitchen cabinetry style,
replace removable cabinet door center panels with safety glass,
Plexiglass® or other acrylic, bead-board painted in a contrasting
color, or decorative pierced tin.
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