How to Redo Cabinet Door Fronts

Redoing existing cabinets gives a kitchen an update without a large financial investment. As long as the cabinet doors are structurally sound, various finishing methods can take them from outdated to renovated in a few days. The key is taking your time on the preparation tasks, particularly cleaning and sanding the wood in preparation for painting. The beginning stages of a cabinet makeover create a smooth surface so the doors look professionally finished.

Things You'll Need

• Grease-fighting dish-washing soap
• Rags
• 120-grit sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Oil-based primer
• Paint rollers
• Oil-based paint
• Decorative trim
• Cabinet door hardware

Instructions

1. Remove the cabinet doors from the base. Mark each door as you remove it so you can return it to its correct location.

2. Scrub the doors using warm water, grease-fighting dish-washing soap and a rag. Washing the doors cleans off the grease that tends to build up on kitchen cabinets; it also removes other debris and grime.

3. Sand the doors just enough to scuff their surface with 120-grit sandpaper. That will help primer and paint stick well. Wipe off the doors with a clean tack cloth to get rid of the dust from sanding.

4. Apply oil-based primer on all of the doors, using a thin layer for even coating. Use a paint roller to apply the primer. Allow the primer to dry.

5. Apply two or three thin layers of oil-based paint on the doors using a paint roller. Let the paint dry fully.

6. Attach decorative trim to flat doors to add interest. Add the trim to each door's outer edge, or use the trim to create a rectangular shape in the middle of each door.

7. Install new cabinet door hardware to give the cabinets a new appearance. Choose knobs with a style, finish and color that complement other items in the kitchen.

References

• This Old House: Kitchen Face-Lift