How to Reface Kitchen Cupboards

Kitchen cabinet refacing is a fast and powerful renovation for your kitchen.

Those kitchen cabinets don't have to be a source of irritation every time you enter the kitchen. Take the doors down and give them a face lift. Your kitchen will be transformed with the new look and you will take pride that you accomplished the job yourself. As long as you have some simple tools, a willingness to do a little work -- and a plan -- you can reface your kitchen cupboards in a couple of days.

Things You'll Need

• Drill
• Screw driver bit
• All purpose soap
• Rag
• Sandpaper
• Primer
• Paint
• Drop cloths
• Paint brush
• Painter's tape
• Hardware

Instructions

1. Remove all the contents from your kitchen cabinets, drawers and counters. This is a convenient time to sort out the old dry goods and chipped dishes that you don't need to save. Clean the counters of appliances like toasters, blenders or dish racks that will get in the way of your work.

2. Remove the cabinet doors and hardware, the knobs and the hinges. Stack the doors and save the hardware to give away or sell. Pull out the drawers and remove the drawer pulls, including them with the cabinet hardware.

3. Clean the cabinets and drawers inside and out using an all-purpose cleaning spray. Pay special attention to the top parts of the cabinets where greasy soot tends to accumulate over time. Remove all the greasy residue or the paint might not adhere properly. Scrub the floors of all the cabinets, getting into the corners with a toothbrush if necessary. Clean the doors and drawers.

4. Apply painter's masking tape to walls and ceiling where you do not want paint. Cover the counters with plastic or paper to keep clean. Use drop cloths on the floor in case paint drips spatter the area.

5. Caulk between the cabinets and between the cabinets and the walls for a smooth seamless finish. The caulk will keep dirt from getting into the areas. Smooth it out with a wet finger to get a clean and smooth finish and remove any excess. Allow it to dry long enough to form a surface skin before painting.

6. Prime the cabinets with a good quality primer. Use a roller on the flat surfaces and a paint brush on the smaller areas, starting from the top of the cabinets and working down to the floor. Allow to dry for at least two hours, depending on the drying time listed on the container.

7. Paint the cleaned, caulked and primed cabinets with the highest quality, scrubbable paint made for kitchens. Start on the inside, covering all the exposed surfaces carefully and then paint the outside. A roller will cover the cabinet panels in a smooth finish easier than a paint brush. Paint the doors and drawers also. Colored or dark cabinets may take two coats to cover.

8. Dry the paint for at least 24 hours, preferably 48 hours, before attaching the new hardware. If you rush this step, the paint will stick and possible pull away when the cabinet doors are opened. Pull off the tape and lift off the plastic and paper coverings. Remove the drop cloths from the floors and wipe down your counters.

9. Install the new hardware and reattach the doors and drawers. The cabinets are ready to be filled.

Tips & Warnings

• White is a popular refacing color for a modern-looking kitchen

References

• Kitchen Refacing: Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Instructions