How to Refinish Kitchen Cabinets with Primer

This is the year you planned to do a kitchen makeover, but unfortunately, your budget says "no" to new cabinets. That doesn't mean you can't give them a fresh look. Refinishing your kitchen cabinets will cost, on average, about $200, much less than custom-made cabinets. It's an easy do-it-yourself project for any weekend. If you choose to paint your cabinets, the first step is priming. Painting is just one option available, but it is a good way to add some color to your kitchen. Priming is easy to do and will increase the life span of your paint.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Sandpaper
• Random-orbit sander
• Tarp
• Tape
• Wood putty
• Cloth
• Oil-based primer/sealer
• Two paintbrushes
• Oil-based paint

Instructions

1. Remove the doors and all the hardware, including hinges, knobs, and handles.

2. Sand the doors and then the frames of the cabinets. You can do this by hand, but a faster solution is to use a random-orbit sander. For tight areas, use a sanding block. You might want to hang a tarp across the doorway of your kitchen. This will keep sawdust from going all over the house.

3. Fill in any imperfections, including dents, scratches, and nicks, in the surface of your cabinets. Use wood putty, and allow it to dry completely before continuing. Sand the dry putty so that it is flush with the surface. Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

4. Use an oil-based primer/sealer for your cabinets and doors. Primer prevents wood from soaking up too much paint. The sealer protects your new look by not allowing old stains to show.

5. Apply an oil-based paint. Use long, even strokes.

Tips & Warnings

• Oil-based primer/paint is preferred over latex for kitchen cabinets. It dries harder and doesn't stick to other surfaces, such as dishes.

• Paint the back of the cabinets first. This is the area you see when you look into the cabinets. This way you won't end up with paint all over your arms.

• You are saving money by not buying new cabinets. With that in mind, don't skimp on quality paint and supplies. Purchasing cheap paint will only lead to doing this again next year. Spend the money for good quality paint and primer.

• If you are refinishing anyway, this is a good time to put on some new hardware. When you buy supplies, make sure to look for new knobs and hinges.

References

• HGTV