Cabinet refacing is a major home improvement project that can significantly transform your kitchen. It involves removing the existing cabinet doors and replacing them with new ones while also altering the color via painting or staining. Cabinet refinishing, on the other hand, is a more modest renovation that offers a similar face-lift but limits your options to the current door style and cabinet structure.
As such, kitchen cabinet refinishing is best for homeowners with high-quality cabinetry that they are not ready to replace yet but want a fresh look. Refinishing also takes less time than refacing, and it is more cost-effective than purchasing and installing brand-new cabinets. Despite these benefits, both projects are more complicated than simply painting or staining your cabinets and require special tools, knowledge, and skills.
Before you can refinish your cabinets, you must ensure that your cabinetry is in good condition. Macfarlane suggests examining all of the visible surfaces to look for signs of damage or wear and tear. If you find any, you will need to repair those areas before continuing with the refinishing process.
Once your cabinetry is deemed safe for refinishing, you can begin the project by preparing your work area. This includes covering countertops, appliances, and floors with plastic sheeting or building paper (a more eco-friendly option) to protect them from dust and sanding. It is also recommended that you place drop cloths over furniture and any other surfaces you do not want to get stained. Finally, you should use a degreaser or TSP cleaner to remove any dirt and grime from the surface of your cabinetry.
When the wood is dry, you can begin applying the stain. Make sure that you follow the directions on the product to achieve a smooth and even finish. Depending on the desired color, you may need to apply a second coat. After the stain dries, you can protect your newly-refinished cabinets by applying a polyurethane varnish. It is important to note that varnish should be applied with a clean rag to avoid any spots and smudges.
Once your varnish dries, you can reassemble your cabinetry and enjoy their fresh new look! You can also consider replacing the hardware to complement your cabinets’ new color or style. Don’t forget to properly store and label all of your cabinet hardware before reassembling them.