How to Refinish Particle Board Cabinets

Kitchens need a face-lift sometimes. Adding a new finish or color to your cabinets can be a great way to add life to a room that needs energy and sees a lot of action. Particleboard cabinets can be a bit tricky to refinish, but with careful sanding, priming, paint and a free weekend in which to work, your cabinets can look brand new.

Things You'll Need

• 220-grit Sandpaper
• Latex or oil-based primer OR shellac
• Furniture paint (in your desired finish)
• Polyurethane varnish (optional)
• Clean rags
• Tack cloth
• Brayer
• Contact paper
• Measuring tape

Instructions

Using Contact Paper

1. Sand the furniture with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface of the cabinets and remove any sticky substances or finishes that might cause rippling or bubbling under the contact paper.

2. Wipe down the surface with a tack cloth to remove any loose particles from sanding.

3. Measure the pieces of particle board cabinets--all sides, doors and drawer fronts, and set these measurements aside.

4. Cut your pieces of contact paper (available in various colors and faux wood grain) according to the measurements you've taken.

5. Apply the contact paper slowly to the furniture starting at a corner, so that it lines up evenly with the cabinets. A rubber brayer will help with the prevention of bubbles under the contact paper.

Using Paint

1. Sand the furniture with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface of the furniture and remove any finishes that might interfere with the application of the shellac.

2. Wipe down the sanded cabinets with a clean tack cloth to remove all dust, dirt and other particles from its surface.

3. Apply one coat of shellac to the cabinets in long, even strokes with a 2-inch foam brush or a foam roller. The cabinets will be dry to the touch in a few hours, but the shellac will work best if left to sit overnight.

4. Apply paint (in your desired color/finish) in even strokes with a 2-inch foam brush or roller. Two coats of paint may be required depending on the original color of your cabinets. Let the paint dry overnight.

5. Thinly coat the painted cabinets with a wipe-on polyurethane varnish, such as Zar or Minwax. Apply it with a cloth for the easiest and most even application. Let dry for the time listed on your product.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave ample time for drying. The difference it makes in the final finish of the cabinets is important. Use a clear varnish that will not affect the color of your paint.

• Most paints and varnishes have very bad fumes. Be sure to apply them in well-ventilated areas.

References

• Living with Lindsay
• Washingon
• Unplgged