How to Refinish or Repaint Your Kitchen Cabinets

Replacing your old kitchen cabinets can be very expensive, especially in today's economy. Instead, why not refinish or repaint them yourself with these easy to follow instructions. If you can sand and paint, you can do this job.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• sponge sander
• fine sandpaper
• lacquer thinner
• Peel-bond primer (XIM)
• satin paint
• new ornate hardware(optional)

1. Remove all doors and drawer fronts and set aside, keeping hardware together.

2. Using the sponge sander, gently sand all cabinet surfaces lightly, including doors and drawer fronts.

3. Clean all surfaces 3 or more times with lacquer thinner to your satisfaction.

4. Paint all surfaces with XIM( a type of primer that bonds and fills the wood surface), using the appropriate size paint brush. Make sure the room is well ventilated. If possible leave the house for 8-10 hours. Paint your doors and drawer fronts outdoors, let dry for 48 hours.

5. Using satin paint, paint all cabinet surfaces with your choice of color. If you prefer, you can also stain and seal your cabinets instead of painting. Either way, let all dry thoroughly.

6. Put all doors and drawer fronts back on your cabinets. You can still use your old hardware, or if you prefer, add new hardware.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your time with each step, rushing will cause you to make mistakes
• One person can do this job, but two will make it easier
• Most supplies can be bought locally or online
• Use the appropriate tools for each step, (i.e. masks, gloves, goggles if needed).
• Keep paint thinners and sealers away from eyes and do not ingest
• Be very careful not to breathe in fumes

[jrockjams]

on 11/11/2009 great article. very imformative. Thanks for sharing;) 5* and recommendation