How to Add New Life to Kitchen Cupboards (if you can't afford to replace them)

In tough times, it may be impossible to consider replacing kitchen cabinets that have worn out their appeal. Still, you can inexpensively give a new look to those tired cabinets, inexpensively.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a roller for painting
• paint brush
• wall paint (eggshell finish is what I use)
• stencil brush
• a stencil or several co-ordinating stencils

1. Cover cupboards with primer.

2. If you plan on keeping the same wall papered or painted walls, choose a cupboard color that will match or contrast well. The paint can be rolled, if you tape around hardware and use a drop cloth to protect counter from drips.

3. When primer is dry, roll out the paint(I use eggshell finish) , top to bottom of cupboard. When cupboards are covered, leave overnight to dry.

4. 
    
   all over rolled stencil

   Next,
   option 1
   Apply chosen stencil, and apply. Since you're stenciling in the kitchen, you would probably choose a stencil of fruit, a blueberry branch,or something related to food, or a country look, like chickens or roosters, etc.
   option2
   Use an all-over stencil, which is really a pattern that you can apply with a smallish roller, cover the entire cabinet--or just a well-chosen stripe.
   (Don't be afraid of messing up--I call it creative license!)

Tips & Warnings

• Take a few days, studying stencil websites, to see what pattern might look right.
• Practice stenciling your pattern on a piece of paper, to get a feel for the paint and design.
• After you have succeeded in accomplishing the look you want, brush clear polyurethane over stenciled area, as cupboards get a lot of traffic, and the stenciled area, needs protection from chipping.

[Limowreck]

on 8/6/2008 This is great advice. Home improvement and kitchen renovation is so expensive. This is a great way to save money and update. Thanks!*****