How to Refinish Oak Cabinet Doors
The oak cabinet doors you love are faded and scratched. They make the entire kitchen seem tired and dull. Something has to change, but replacing the cabinets means hiring a contractor and obtaining permits. The kitchen will be unusable for days and the cost is prohibitive. You decide to refinish the doors yourself. The job isn't difficult and in only a weekend your kitchen can have a fresh look. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Soap and water
- Wood putty
- Putty knife
- Safety glasses or goggles
- 150-grit sanding block
- Tack cloth
- Painter's tape
- Oil base wood stain or enamel paint
- Paint brushes
- Rag
- Glaze or varnish
- Replacement knobs or handles
Instructions
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1
Use the screwdriver to remove the hardware from the cabinet and wash the doors thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Allow the oak to dry completely.
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2
Fill any holes and deep scratches or gouges with wood putty and smooth with the putty knife. Let the putty set for two to four hours to ensure it is thoroughly dry.
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3
Sand the oak cabinet doors lightly with a 150-grit sanding block to smooth the putty repairs and eliminate any minor scratches. Wipe them down with tack cloth to remove the residue left by sanding.
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4
Protect the surrounding areas from being marred by stain or paint with painter's tape. Apply a coat of stain or paint to the cabinet doors with a paint brush; use a rag to remove any excess stain from the oak. If you're using enamel paint, allow it to dry and then add an additional coat of paint. Let it dry overnight.
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5
Lightly sand the cabinet door edges before you apply a coat of glaze or varnish. Use a clean brush and paint in one direction using long even strokes.
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6
Attach the new knobs or handles when the varnish or glaze is dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear safety glasses or goggles when sanding wood to avoid eye injury from flying splinters.
