How to Refinish Faux Cabinets

Faux finishes employ color and texture to create a realistic look.

Creating a faux finish on cabinetry is an excellent way to make a statement in a kitchen or bathroom. Faux (or "fake") finishing is a specialty paint job that can create the illusion of marble, stone or a distressed look with paint and other media. Although this look can be attractive, if it can look dated and even cheap if done incorrectly. Fortunately, if a faux finish mishap occurs on cabinetry, it is a very easy fix. Use simple materials to completely refinish a badly faux-finished cabinet.

Things You'll Need

• Scraper
• Sandpaper
• Tackcloth
• Primer
• Paintbrush
• Paint

Instructions

1. Remove any texture from a faux finish with a scraper or sandpaper. Some faux finishes are created by mixing sand, pebbles, glass beads or plaster to the paint to create a textured effect. This must be removed before refinishing the cabinet.

2. Sand the entire area once the texture has been removed. This will create a smooth surface to work on. Clean off the sanding dust with a tackcloth.

3. Apply one or two coats of primer to the cabinet surface. This will ready the surface for painting. Let dry in between coats, then let dry completely before applying paint.

4. Brush on the new finish. Faux finishes can be created by simply sponging a couple of shades all over the surface. The designer can also mix other faux finish materials such as sand and pebbles to the paint for a textured effect. Paint can also be thinned with water or gel medium and layered with other color glazes. Once the faux finish is applied, let dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Mix some water-based paint-thinning medium or a bit of water to the paint. Then, brush it over the faux finish. This will create a "haze" over the faux finish to lighten or darken the colors. This is useful for making small adjustments to faux-finished cabinets.

References

• Painting Contractor: Glossary of Painting Terms and Definitions
• The Painter Lady: How Can I Fix My Faux Finish?