How to Refinish Cupboards

It's Time for a New Look

Anytime there is talk of refinishing any type of woodwork, doing research concerning the process will help keep frustrations to a minimum. The main thing to remember is to let the stripper do the work. Read the container carefully for length of time to leave the product on the wood and for safety issues as well. Also, protect the area around the cupboards to prevent damage to other kitchen items.

Things You'll Need

• Variable speed drill Philips head screw tip Stripper Narrow paintbrush Wide paintbrush Putty knife Coffee can (metal not plastic) Steel wool Soft, clean cloth

Instructions

1. Remove the contents from the drawers and the cabinets. Place the drawers on a protective barrier such as visqueen. Remove the cupboard doors and then remove the hardware from the doors.

2. Apply the stripper to the surface with the appropriate paintbrush. (A stripper works best on level surfaces.) Allow it to work for the time frame indicated on the container. Before applying the stripper to vertical surfaces, read the label to be certain that it can be used in this fashion.

3. Remove the used stripper with a putty knife. Put used stripper in a metal container, as it will burn through a plastic container. Apply more stripper if needed. See "Kitchen Cabinet Re-facing Is Easy!!" in the Reference section below for more pointers on the application of stripper.

4. Remove stripper from tiny grooves with a toothpick. It may take a few more applications to remove paint from grooves. Remember to leave the stripper alone the amount of time the manufacturer suggests.

5. Rub the flat surfaces with steel wool that was dipped in the stripper. If the grain of the wood is high, use straight strokes. If not, a circular motion should be used. Clean the wood between coats with a damp clean cloth. This will speed the process along as the new coat won't have to cut through any used stripper. Repeat this process for the drawer fronts. If the inside of the drawers were painted, you may want to strip them as well.

6. Clean all the stripped surfaces with a damp clean cloth and let them dry before applying the new finish. Apply the new stain or varnish in several thin layers allowing each to dry thoroughly. You can also sand between coats of varnish with a fine steel wool to make certain tiny bubbles didn't form during the drying process.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the product chosen to be certain it can be used on vertical surfaces. Depending on the stripper used, you may have to apply a coat for each layer of paint that is being removed. Let the stripper do the work. If it is removed too soon, the project can become frustrating.

• Do not use an ice pick or similar metal object to remove the stripper from grooves as they can damage the wood. Do not allow the stripper to touch any other surface than that which is being stripped. Do not use a stripper in an unventilated area.

References

• Kitchen Cabinet Re-facing Is Easy!!

Resources

• Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets