Give Your Kitchen a Fresh New Look with These Easy Cabinet Makeovers

Is your kitchen looking tired and dated? Drab cabinets with chipped paint and outdated hardware can make your kitchen seem dark and uninspired. While a full kitchen remodel may seem out of reach, refinishing your existing cabinets can give your kitchen a whole new look for a fraction of the cost.

Techniques like refacing, staining, painting, and resurfacing allow you to transform the style and color of your cabinets without replacing them completely. Keep reading to learn how these budget-friendly makeovers can revive your kitchen.

Refacing: A Simple Facelift for Cabinets

Refacing involves replacing the doors and hardware on your cabinets to give them a quick makeover. Keeping the existing cabinet boxes in place saves time and money compared to a full replacement.

The process is relatively simple - just remove the old doors and hardware, clean and sand the boxes, then install new doors, handles, knobs and hinges. With a wide variety of door styles to choose from, you can give your kitchen a whole new look in a matter of days.

The Pros and Cons of Refacing

The speed and affordability of refacing makes it a popular choice, but there are some downsides to consider:

• Pros:
  • Quickest and most affordable option
  • Wide range of replacement door styles
  • New look without removing cabinets
• Cons:
  • Limited color options
  • Existing cabinet boxes remain
  • Won't fix cabinet layout issues

Should You Reface Just Doors or Boxes Too?

For a more extensive transformation, you can choose to reface not only the doors but also the exterior of the cabinet boxes. Refinishing the boxes involves sanding, restaining, repainting or re-laminating the cabinet fronts and visible sides.

While pricier than doors alone, refacing boxes plus doors can make cabinets look like new again. It also allows you to change color and finish options beyond just the doors.

Staining: Enhancing Wood Grain and Color

Staining over your existing cabinet finish is a great way to darken or lighten color while accentuating the natural wood grain. The look of stained cabinets ranges from transparent tints to solid opaque colors.

Penetrating stains that impart subtle color change are easiest for DIYers. Opaque stains that completely hide wood grain require more prep work but allow for dramatic transformations.

How to Choose Between Staining, Painting, and Refacing

Deciding whether to stain, paint, or reface your cabinets depends on factors like your existing cabinet material, budget, comfort level with intensive prep work, and the finished look you have in mind.

• Staining works best on wood cabinets and adds rich, natural color while enhancing grain.
• Painting allows the widest range of color options from bright white to bold colors for a uniform appearance.
• Refacing is simplest for a quick upgrade when you want new doors without altering cabinet boxes.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Staining Cabinets

Ready to get started staining? Follow these steps:

1. Remove doors and clean cabinets thoroughly
2. Sand cabinets to rough up existing finish
3. Fill any holes or imperfections with wood filler and sand smooth
4. Apply wood primer, especially for opaque stains
5. Test stain colors on inconspicuous spot to ensure desired look
6. Apply stain in thin, even coats following manufacturer directions
7. Finish with protective polyurethane for added durability
8. Reinstall doors and hardware

The Magic of Painted Cabinets

Few projects can transform a kitchen as drastically as a new coat of paint. From classic white for a clean and bright look, to bold and colorful, painted cabinets open up a world of options.

Painted finishes stand up well to wear and tear and hide existing dings or defects. However, improperly prepped and finished paint may chip or scratch over time.

Painting vs. Staining vs. Refacing Your Cabinets

How do you choose between painting, staining, or refacing cabinets? Considerations include:

• Painting allows the widest range of colors from white to dark hues
• Painting conceals grain and defects while staining accentuates wood
• Staining enhances natural wood tones while painted finishes look more uniform
• Refacing swaps doors for a quicker update compared to painting boxes

Painting Cabinets in Six Simple Steps

Follow this process for foolproof painted cabinets:

1. Remove doors, drawers and hardware
2. Clean, sand and fill holes or defects
3. Apply high-bond primer
4. Paint with cabinet-grade latex, enamel or lacquer paint
5. Finish with a clear polyurethane for protection
6. Reinstall doors, hardware and light fixtures

Resurfacing Cabinets for a Seamless Update

Resurfacing cabinets involves applying new veneers or laminates over your existing cabinets for an ultra-smooth, modern finish. Think of it as applying custom contact paper to conceal flaws.

Thermofoil, plastic laminate, and wood veneers simply adhere over cabinet frames and doors. No stains or paints needed. While more expensive than painting or refacing, resurfacing provides a durable and seamless look.

Resurfacing vs. Refacing Your Cabinets

Here's how the two techniques compare:

• Resurfacing covers cabinet boxes and doors for a cohesive look
• Refacing only replaces the doors, keeping existing boxes
• Resurfacing costs more but obliterates flaws and damage
• Refacing is simplest and most budget friendly

Step-by-Step Cabinet Resurfacing

To resurface cabinets:

1. Remove doors, drawers and hardware
2. Clean boxes and sand surfaces
3. Measure cabinets and cut laminate to size
4. Apply contact cement to boxes and laminates
5. Once tacky, press laminates into place
6. Use caulking gun to adhere inside cabinet edges
7. Trim excess laminate with a router
8. Reinstall hardware

Finishing Touches for a Cohesive Look

Once your cabinets are refinished, it's time to pull together your new kitchen look. Add a fresh coat of paint to the walls in a coordinating color. Change out the backsplash and update kitchen lighting. Consider new fixtures, sinks, and faucets to match your cabinets' style.

Little details like cabinet knobs and pulls also make a big impact. Choose hardware that aligns with your new kitchen aesthetic, whether clean-lined and modern or traditional. For the final reveal, declutter counters, organize pantry items, and give everything a deep clean.

Hiring a Pro vs. DIY Refinishing

Is refinishing cabinets a DIY project or best left to professionals? Consider your skill level, budget and the scale of the project. Professionals complete refinishing quickly with access to specialized tools and materials. However, DIY provides cost savings if you have the time and handy skills.

For extensive projects like painting or resurfacing all cabinets, pros may be worth the investment. But simpler makeovers like refacing or restaining doors can certainly be DIYed by many homeowners.

Caring for Your Refinished Cabinets

To keep your refinished cabinets looking like new, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and care. Use soft cloths and mild cleaners instead of abrasive pads or sprays. Avoid excess moisture. Consider touch-up kits for small repairs to paint and stain.

The lifespan of refinished cabinets varies based on factors like material, preparation, and maintenance. With proper care, refinished cabinets typically last 5-10 years before needing another makeover.

Refinishing offers an affordable way to give your kitchen a fresh new look compared to a full remodel. Options like refacing, staining, painting and resurfacing allow you to transform the style, color, and finish of your existing cabinets.

With some planning and elbow grease, you can complete a DIY cabinet makeover in your kitchen. Or, hire a professional refinisher for speedier results. Whatever option you choose, one thing is sure - with refinished cabinets, you can fall in love with your kitchen all over again!