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Refresh Your Kitchen Cabinets with Removable Vinyl Wraps

Is your kitchen looking tired and dated, but you don't have the budget for a full renovation? Refreshing your existing cabinets with removable vinyl wraps offers an affordable and temporary solution to give your kitchen a fresh new look.

Vinyl wraps allow you to revitalize the look of your kitchen in a weekend and change it up again whenever you get the itch for a new style. Read on to learn how this budget-friendly DIY can help you fall in love with your kitchen again!

kitchen cabinet covers vinyl

An Introduction to Vinyl Cabinet Wraps

Vinyl wraps, also known as self-adhesive films or contact paper, are thin sheets of decorative vinyl with an adhesive backing. They can be easily applied to a variety of surfaces like walls, furniture, and cabinets to give them a new printed look or solid color.

For kitchen cabinets, vinyl wraps are attached directly onto the existing doors and face frames to disguise damaged or dated surfaces. Rather than demolishing your old cabinets, you can cover them with wood-patterned vinyl to achieve the look of brand new cabinets for a fraction of the price.

Benefits of Vinyl Wraps for Kitchen Cabinets

There are many advantages to using peel-and-stick vinyl rather than taking on a full kitchen remodel when your goal is to update your cabinets:

While vinyl wraps won't provide the flawless look of brand new cabinetry, they offer the ability to give your kitchen an updated style conveniently and affordably.

Factors to Consider

Vinyl wraps won't work well on every type of cabinetry. Here are a few things to take into account:

With proper prep and care, even cabinets with minor damage or wear can benefit from a vinyl wrap transformation. Focus wraps on the visible exterior surfaces for maximum impact.

Choosing a Vinyl Wrap Design for Your Kitchen

The options are nearly endless when it comes to picking a vinyl film style for your kitchen cabinets. Consider what will best complement your existing kitchen decor, or choose something totally different for a major change.

Take Measurements

The first step is carefully measuring each cabinet door, drawer front, and side panel that you plan to cover. Having precise measurements will allow you to purchase just the right amount of vinyl for the job. It's better to have a little extra than to come up short.

Select a Style That Inspires You

Browse vinyl wrap colors and patterns online or in stores. Some popular kitchen options include:

Order samples first if possible. Seeing a small swatch on an actual cabinet will help you visualize the finished look.

Purchase Cabinet Vinyl Wrap

Once you've selected your vinyl wrap style, purchase enough to cover all your cabinets allowing for potential mistakes. Many vinyl wrap brands sell cabinet door application kits for convenience.

Prepping Cabinets for Vinyl Installation

Preparing your cabinets thoroughly before applying vinyl wrap will ensure the film adheres smoothly and lasts long-term. Proper prep work makes a huge difference.

Clean Surfaces

Use a degreasing cleaner to remove any dirt, grease, or grime so the vinyl will stick well. Rinse thoroughly and let the cabinets dry completely.

Sand Down Rough Areas

Lightly sand any bumps, scratches, or uneven areas on cabinets so the vinyl film won't bubble. Fill small holes with wood filler and sand smooth.

Remove Doors and Hardware

Taking off cabinet doors and handles will make the vinyl wrapping process much easier. Number doors to keep them in order for reinstallation.

Apply Primer or Sealer if Needed

For damaged or very porous surfaces, an oil-based primer or sealer helps the vinyl adhere properly without sagging. Let primer fully cure before vinyl application.

Applying Vinyl Wraps to Cabinets

Once your cabinets are prepped, you're ready to transform them with your vinyl film of choice! Follow these key steps:

Cut Vinyl Pieces to Size

After measuring each surface, use a sharp utility knife on a cutting mat to cut your vinyl wrap into pieces sized for each door, drawer, and panel.

Remove Backing and Position Vinyl

Slowly peel away the adhesive backing, align the vinyl on the cabinet surface exactly where you want it, then press down gently.

Smooth Out Bubbles and Wrinkles

Use a plastic applicator tool to adhere the vinyl evenly, moving from the center outward. Remove any air bubbles and wrinkles as you go.

Trim Off Excess Vinyl

Use the utility knife to carefully trim away excess vinyl at corners, edges, and seams for a smooth finish.

Reinstall Doors and Hardware

Once the vinyl is installed, screw cabinet door hinges back on and reattach handles and knobs to finish off your "new" cabinets.

Caring for Your Vinyl Wrapped Cabinets

With proper care and maintenance, vinyl wrapped kitchen cabinets can look fabulous for years. Here are some vinyl wrap care tips:

The vinyl may wear faster in certain spots, like near the oven or sink. But overall it will provide a fresh update with minimal fuss and expense!

Removing and Replacing Vinyl Wraps

When it comes time for a change, removing vinyl wrap from cabinets is also doable as a DIY project. Here's how to do it safely:

And just like that, you can apply a brand new vinyl wrap design for another kitchen mini-makeover! Change up the look seasonally or whenever the mood strikes.

Vinyl cabinet wraps offer a budget-friendly shortcut to reviving your kitchen without the mess and expense of a remodel. In a fraction of the time and cost, you can give dated or damaged cabinets an eye-catching updated look and switch it out anytime.

With hundreds of vinyl wrap options to choose from, you can match your existing decor or go bold with a completely new style. Preparing surfaces properly and applying the vinyl methodically does take some work, but yields huge visual impact.

If your kitchen is looking tired but a renovation isn't feasible, removable vinyl cabinet wraps help you fall in love with your kitchen again! With some creativity and elbow grease, you can have stylish cabinets minus the headaches and huge price tag.