Teach Yourself How to Reface Kitchen Cabinets

You might be new at DIY projects, but you've got to start somewhere, and a kitchen cabinet remodel is a good opportunity to try your hand. Here are some steps that explain the fundamentals of refacing kitchen cabinets.

If you are inexperienced with all forms of handyman-type work, it may be best to do a little research before getting started. Check the Internet and home improvement books for detailed tips. This basic outline should help familiarize you with some key concepts and primary procedures.

Step 1

Take everything out of your kitchen cabinets. Move it all into a safe location out of the room. Remove all impermanent appliances, as well, and carefully cover the remaining surfaces with some type of protection, like drop cloths.

Step 2

Disassemble your cabinets, removing the doors, drawers, and all hardware. Make sure to label the components so you know where they go.

Step 3

If you have any scratches, holes, or other signs of wear, you can sand it smooth or use a little putty to fill it in.

Step 4

Scrub the cabinets with hot water and cleaner, spending extra time on greasy spots to make sure you get every bit. Leaving any grime behind is a surefire way to end up with a poor finish. Rinse everything well.

Step 5

Sand all surfaces you plan to reface to create a coarse texture that is capable of holding new paint or finish. It's vital that you remove all dust left over from sanding - use a shop vac and plenty of clean rags or tack cloth.

Step 6

Apply the veneer, paint, or stain of your choice. This depends on what kind of look you're hoping to achieve, and the condition of the cabinets.

Step 7

Install your new or old hardware and put the drawers back together. Then, reassemble your cabinets and step back to examine your work. It's hard to find a more inexpensive and efficient way to completely renovate the look of your kitchen!