How to Freshen Up Kitchen Cabinets

There are several inexpensive ways to freshen up the look of your kitchen cabinets.

Real estate agents often say that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, and what better way to improve the look of your kitchen than to freshen up your cabinets. Cabinet improvements can be far more economical than replacement and can provide a similar, positive impact on the overall appearance of your kitchen. There are several ways to refresh your kitchen cabinets including cabinet refacing, replacing cabinet hardware such as hinges and handles, painting older cabinets to create a new look and lining cabinet interiors to create a clean and unblemished storage space.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• All-purpose spray cleaner
• Paper towels
• Replacement cabinet doors and drawer fronts
• Self-stick cabinet veneer
• Utility knife
• Cabinet-door handles
• Hand saw
• Light-grit sandpaper
• Rag
• Wood filler
• Primer
• Two paint brushes
• Paint

Instructions

Cabinet Refacing

1. Remove the doors from your existing cabinets with a screwdriver. Clean the remaining surface well with all-purpose spray cleaner and paper towels.

2. Purchase replacement cabinet doors and drawer fronts cut to fit your existing cabinets and matching self-stick veneer. Replacement doors and drawers are available in a variety of standard sizes to fit most prefabricated cabinets. If your cabinets are not a standard size, replacement doors and drawers can be custom cut at higher cost. These items are available in most large home-improvement stores.

3. Cut the veneer to fit the cabinet sides, rails and styles using your utility knife. Peel off the veneer backing and adhere it to the cabinet surface. Cut away any excess veneer around the edges with your utility knife. Continue with this process until all exposed surfaces are covered.

4. Attach the new doors to your cabinet using your screwdriver. Screw the doors on but do not tighten all the way. Close the doors and check that they are sitting correctly. Make any necessary adjustments to the hinges and tighten.

5. Install the handles or knobs using your screwdriver. You may choose new hardware or use the handles from your old cabinets if they fit your needs.

6. Screw on your new drawer fronts from the rear. If your drawers consist of one piece without a front panel, use a hand saw to remove the protruding edges of the drawer front until it is the same height and width of the drawer. Turn the drawer around and reinstall the roller hardware in reverse. Attach the new drawer front to the back of the old drawer.

Repaint Wooden Cabinets

1. Remove all cabinet doors, drawer fronts and hardware with your screwdriver.

2. Use a light-grit sand paper and go over the painted surfaces of your cabinet doors, drawer fronts and remaining cabinet surfaces. Sand down any bumpy or damaged areas and create a slightly rough surface to which paint can easily adhere. Wipe all surfaces down with a damp rag.

3. Repair any dents or dings with wood filler. Sand down any residue so the surfaces are flush.

4. Apply one coat of primer to your cabinet doors, drawer fronts and remaining cabinet surfaces using a clean paint brush. This will conceal any imperfections and prevent the old color from bleeding through.

5. Apply your paint to the cabinet doors, drawer fronts and remaining cabinet surfaces using a clean paint brush. Apply your paint in thin and even layers so as not to cause drips or thick spots which may prevent cabinet doors from closing properly. Many people choose oil-based or semi-gloss paints for kitchen surfaces since they are easy to clean and do not hold dirt or stains. Apply a second coat if the layers underneath remain at visible.

6. All paint to completely dry. Reinstall your cabinet doors and drawer fronts with your screwdriver. Use your screwdriver to tighten hinges. Reinstall your handles or knobs or install new hardware to match the updated look of your kitchen.

Tips & Warnings

• Switching out cabinet handles and hinges can make for a quick and easy improvement to cabinets in otherwise good shape. New hinges can mend any crooked doors and ensure tight fits when closed. New handles or knobs can refresh cabinets by replacing previous hardware showing years of handling.

• Line the interior of your cabinets with shelf paper to brighten and refresh the view when doors are open. New interior lining can eliminate worn and soiled surfaces.

• Always wear protective eye wear when sanding or cutting.

References

• This Old House; How to Reface Kitchen Cabinets; Alexandra Bandon
• A Kitchen Decorating Idea: Change Your Kitchen Cabinet Hardware For a Whole New Look
• This Old House; Painting Kitchen Cabinets; Scott Gibson
• Real Estate Tidbits; Kitchens and Bathrooms Sell Homes; 2009
• Kitchen Refurbs: Replacement Cabinet Doors
• Kelly's Kitchen Sync: Why Semi-Gloss Paint is Used in Kitchens; Kelly Morisseau; 2009