The Complete Guide to Updating 80's Kitchen Cabinets
If you're like most homeowners, you've probably looked at your outdated 80's kitchen cabinets and cringed. Honey oak finishes, heavy ornate details, and brass hardware likely dominate the space. While these elements brought plenty of charm a few decades ago, they now date the room. Thankfully, you don't need a full kitchen remodel to bring this part of your home into the current era.
With some strategic upgrades, you can give those tired cabinets a modern facelift.
Assessing Your Current Cabinetry
Before making any changes, start by carefully evaluating your existing cabinets. Check all surfaces and doors for cracks, chips, peeling laminate, or other damage. Open and close them to test functionality. If the boxes and fronts remain structurally sound, move ahead with aesthetic upgrades like painting or re-facing.
However, if moisture damage or other issues compromise integrity, you may need full cabinet replacement. Replacing just the doors offers a midpoint option to salvage sturdy boxes.
Signs You Need New Cabinets
- Visible water damage or rotting wood
- Warping surfaces or poor door alignment
- Missing hinges, broken joints, failing drawers
- Heavy surface damage that can't be repaired
If any of these apply, the boxes likely need replacing. Consult a kitchen remodeling pro to explore your options.
Prep Work for Painting Cabinets
Painting worn oak or laminate cabinets white or a trendy color quickly modernizes them. But careful prep work ensures the new paint adheres smoothly and evenly.
Cleaning
Start by cleaning cabinet surfaces with a degreasing agent like TSP substitute to eliminate grime and oils. Pay special attention to areas around pulls and knobs where hands touch. Rinse thoroughly and let dry 24 hours.
Sanding and Patching
Next, lightly sand surfaces to rough up the finish so paint can grip better. Target any bumps or flaws with extra sanding to smooth them. Fill divots and gouges with wood filler, let dry, then sand smooth.
Priming
Once prepped, apply a high-bonding primer like Bulls Eye 1-2-3 from Zinsser. This locks down existing finishes and provides extra adhesion for the new paint. Allow the primer to fully cure for at least 24 hours before painting.
Choosing Cabinet Paint
For the best results, opt for cabinet paint instead of standard wall paint. Brands like General Finishes, Benjamin Moore Advance, and Sherwin-Williams ProClassic offer paint built to withstand kitchen conditions.
Consider sheen carefully. Matte or flat finishes show more flaws. Eggshell or satin sheens better disguise sanding marks and imperfections for a smooth look.
Color Considerations
Today's cabinet trends lean neutral. Warm antique whites, greiges, and lighter stains update oak nicely without going too trendy. Navy blue offers a bold but versatile alternative. Remember to pick a hue that complements your sink fixtures and countertops rather than competing.
Paint Application Tips
When ready to paint, follow these tips for getting cabinet paint on smoothly:
- Lightly sand glossy areas so paint adheres better
- Brush paint on in thin, even coats using high-quality brushes
- Maintain a "wet edge" as you paint to prevent lap marks
- Allow proper drying time between coats as advised on the label
- Finish with three total coats for complete coverage and durability
Take your time, allowing each coat to fully cure, for results free of drips, bubbles, or brush marks.
Choosing New Hardware
Once your freshly painted cabinets dry, swap outdated brass or bronze hardware for sleek modern touches.
Matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, and chrome finishes feel current. Glass crystal and acrylic knobs also lend contemporary style. Go for simple streamlined shapes over ornate options.
Make sure new hardware fits your existing cabinet holes. If not, fill holes with wood putty before installing the new pieces using a drill.
How to Measure for New Hardware
- Note your existing hardware sizes
- Mark the distance from the top of doors to knob holes
- Mark the distance between pairs of holes
- Compare to sizing of any potential new hardware
Getting the sizing right ensures everything aligns properly on your newly painted doors.
Replacing Cabinet Doors
If your boxes remain in good shape but old doors look too damaged to salvage, replacing the doors offers a cost-effective update. Local cabinet companies can recreate new doors identical to your existing size specifications so they slide right into place.
Customize with New Door Styles
Instead of copying your doors exactly, you can also customize with new door styles. Shaker-style doors with recessed rectangular center panels maintain a timeless, versatile look in keeping with today's trends.
Or opt for sleek slab doors minus any detailing for minimalist appeal. Choosing a style that complements your kitchen's overall aesthetic pulls everything together.
How to Remove and Install New Doors
Changing cabinet doors involves just a few simple steps:
- Remove old doors and hinges
- Attach new hinges to replacement doors
- Mount doors onto cabinet boxes
- Test opening and closing
- Make any adjustments to alignments
Ensure you have help lifting heavy doors during the removal and installation process.
Countertop Considerations
Along with dated doors, worn laminate countertops can make a kitchen feel stuck in the past. Luckily, more affordable countertop materials offer easy upgrade options.
Popular Budget-Friendly Countertop Alternatives
- Butcher block
- Quartz
- Recycled glass
- Concrete
- Tile
Rich Butcher block adds natural warmth. Durable concrete and quartz rival the look of pricey stone. Measure carefully and have a countertop pro cut and install for you.
Update Lighting and Fixtures
A few contemporary lighting updates can make even well-worn cabinets feel fresh. Sleek overhead fixtures set today's mood. Under-cabinet lighting illuminates task areas. For maximum brightness, incorporate both options.
Recommended Modern Lighting
- LED flush mount ceiling lights
- Linear hanging pendants
- Hardwired under-cabinet lighting
- Plug-in strip lighting
Don't forget the sink area! A wall-mount faucet frees up counter space for an airier look. Add a contemporary sink basin to complement.
Once your transformations complete, keep your refreshed kitchen looking its best by:
- Gently cleaning painted cabinets
- Sealing surfaces annually to protect paint
- Using cutting boards to prevent butcher block stains
- Cleaning quartz counters with non-abrasive spray
- Replacing hardware, sinks, and lighting fixtures over time
With the right care, your kitchen can stay looking updated for years before additional upgrades become necessary.
Give your out-of-date oak or laminate cabinets an affordable facelift with these simple yet transformative updates. With some strategic tweaks, you can bring both your kitchen and home into the 21st century without breaking the bank.