The Complete DIY Guide to Refinishing Your Outdated Kitchen Cabinets

If your kitchen cabinets are outdated and worn, refinishing them can make a dramatic difference without the high cost of full replacement. Refinishing involves sanding down cabinets and applying new paint for a fresh, updated look. With some time and elbow grease, you can refinish cabinets yourself and save thousands over the cost of hiring out.

Refinishing can breathe new life into kitchen cabinets that are structurally sound but looking dingy or dated. The process allows you to change the color and finish of cabinet boxes and doors, providing a cosmetic facelift. Refinishing is budget-friendly compared to a full remodel, making it ideal for homeowners looking to update their kitchen on a budget.

Assessing Your Existing Cabinets

Check Condition of Cabinets

Before deciding to refinish your cabinets, carefully inspect them for damage, excessive wear and any issues with structure or integrity. Check for peeling laminate, missing veneer, separated joints, warped doors or drawers that won't open properly. Test doors and drawers to make sure they are still sturdy and functional.

Refinishing can only go so far if cabinets are structurally unsound, so it's important to address repairs needed to ensure cabinets will hold up after being refinished. Minor issues can be addressed as part of the refinishing process.

Evaluate Layout and Storage

Assess your current cabinet layout and storage to determine if changes would be beneficial. Refinishing provides a good opportunity to reconfigure cabinet layouts, adjust shelf placement, and switch to more functional hardware if needed.

Check inside cabinets for wasted space or inefficient storage areas. Adding rollouts, pull out shelves or other storage solutions can dramatically improve functionality.

Choose Refinishing Over Refacing or Replacement

Refinishing makes the most sense for kitchens with cabinet boxes in good shape that just need a facelift. Refacing replaces cabinet doors and drawer fronts while keeping the existing boxes intact. This also provides a facelift but is more costly than refinishing.

Full cabinet replacement makes sense when cabinets are damaged, layout changes are needed or if you want a more modern, customized look. Refinishing offers cosmetic improvements at a fraction of the cost of new custom cabinetry.

Preparing Cabinets for Refinishing

Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware

Remove all doors, drawers, shelves and hardware from cabinets prior to refinishing. Take doors off hinges and remove drawer faces. Number pieces and tape hardware to the corresponding cabinet so everything can be put back properly later.

Set doors upright, supported against a wall rather than stacking flat, to prevent damage. Store any shelving inside cabinets so it is protected during the refinishing process.

Clean Surfaces

Thoroughly clean all cabinet surfaces, interiors and exteriors using a degreasing cleaner or TSP substitute. Scrub away built up grime, oils and grease that have accumulated over the years. Rinse everything clean then let dry fully.

Proper cleaning is crucial to help new primer and paint properly adhere. Greasy residue will cause peeling or chipping down the road.

Repair Damage and Fill Holes

Inspect for any splits, gouges or damage in the cabinet wood and make repairs as needed with wood filler. Sand rough areas smooth. Fill any old screw or nail holes from previous hardware installations.

Making repairs and filling holes now means you won’t see imperfections after freshly painted cabinets are rehung. Take time to thoroughly inspect and address issues.

Sand Cabinets Smooth

Sand all cabinet surfaces thoroughly with 120-150 grit sandpaper to remove existing finish and any laminate or veneer. Sand until you reach bare wood over the entire interior and exterior of cabinet boxes and doors.

Continue sanding with progressively finer grit sandpaper, up to 220, for an ultra smooth finish. This prep work is tedious but essential for beautiful final results.

Priming and Painting Cabinets

Choose Cabinet Paint

For the most durable finish, choose an oil-based enamel paint formulated especially for kitchen cabinets. Alternatively, a high quality latex or acrylic paint will also work well.

Opt for a satin or semi-gloss sheen. The subtle sheen is easy to clean and glosses provide the hardest, most durable finishes.

Apply Primer

Use a bonding primer formulated for laminate or slick surfaces to ensure the best adhesion on your newly sanded cabinets. Oil-based primers build extra durability. Apply with a brush or roller in thin, even coats.

Lightly sand between coats of primer with fine sandpaper. Thoroughly clean and remove dust before applying cabinet paint.

Paint Cabinets

Carefully apply two to three thin coats of cabinet paint, allowing proper drying time between coats. Use a smooth roller and angled trim brush to paint the cabinet boxes.

Use spray paint formulated for cabinets on drawer fronts and doors for the most flawless, professional looking finish. Let paint cure fully - about 30 days for oil-based paints.

Finishing Touches

Reinstall Doors, Drawers and Hardware

Once fully cured, reattach the doors, drawers and hardware using your labels or numbering system. Replace hinges, pulls and knobs to complete the refreshed new look.

Seal Countertop Edges

Use caulk to seal any gaps between countertops and newly painted cabinets. This keeps spills and crumbs from working their way under countertops causing stains.

Add Decorative Trim (Optional)

For extra flair, add crown molding, beadboard panels or other decorative trim pieces. Use paintable trim and finish to match your cabinets for a cohesive, built-in look.

Put your freshly refinished cabinets to work! Enjoy the renewed style and optimized storage. Keep cabinets looking their best by promptly wiping up spills and grease splatters.

For touch ups, use the original paint to quickly fix any nicks or scratches. Take time every few years to clean cabinets thoroughly and add a fresh coat of paint to keep them looking revitalized.