Are your kitchen cabinets looking worn and dated? You’re not alone. The average kitchen gets a makeover every 10-15 years. But replacing all your cabinetry can cost thousands of dollars. The good news? With some simple upgrades and elbow grease, you can refresh your existing cabinets on a budget.
A fresh coat of paint and new hardware can instantly modernize dreary cabinets. Follow these pro tips to revitalize your kitchen for just a few hundred dollars.
Why Refinish Old Kitchen Cabinets?
Refinishing your cabinets costs a fraction of full replacement. Even if your cabinets are cheap or builder-grade, you can transform them with paint and finishes.
It’s an affordable way to update their look from dated oak to crisp white for a light and bright aesthetic. Refinishing also allows you to change the color palette of your kitchen. Going from dark to light cabinets can make the whole room appear more spacious.
Finally, refinishing cabinets is a relatively easy DIY project compared to installing brand new cabinetry. With some simple tools and paint, you can refresh your kitchen over a weekend without hiring a contractor.
Supplies You’ll Need
Gather these supplies before starting your cabinet refinishing project:
- Paint – enamels, acrylics, and urethanes work well
- Primer
- Paint brushes and rollers
- Sandpaper
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloths
- Filler and wood putty
- New cabinet hardware
Optional finishing products like glaze, gel stain, or polyurethane can create custom distressed or textured effects.
Prep Your Cabinets for Painting
Proper prep is crucial for good paint adhesion. Follow these steps:
- Remove doors, drawers, and hardware
- Clean cabinet boxes, doors, and hardware
- Sand surfaces lightly to degloss
- Fill dents, gouges, or imperfections
- Tape off walls, countertops and backsplash
- Apply primer to bare wood
This process opens up the wood grain so paint can properly adhere. Be patient – rushing leads to peeling or chipping down the road.
Painting Techniques for a Flawless Finish
Use a combination of brush work and rolling when painting cabinets. Here are some tips:
- Cut in edges and details with an angled sash brush
- Roll larger flat areas for an even coat
- Work systematically from top to bottom
- Apply multiple thin coats for best coverage
- Sand lightly between coats for a smooth finish
- Allow proper dry time between coats
Semi-gloss enamel paints provide a durable and wipeable finish that’s perfect for high-traffic kitchens. Consider finishing options like glaze or gel stain for more custom effects.
Update Hardware for a Modern Look
Replacing tired old knobs and pulls with updated hardware is one of the easiest ways to instantly change the look of your kitchen. Try sleek bar pulls or industrial-inspired piping for a more modern style.
When choosing hardware finishes, match your faucet and appliances for a cohesive look. Black, brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, and matte white finishes give a fresh modern feel.
Replacing Cabinet Hardware
While repainting your cabinets can make a big difference, sometimes all you need is a fresh set of hardware to update your kitchen. Swapping out outdated knobs and pulls for sleek, modern options can give your cabinets a whole new look.
When choosing new hardware, consider the overall style of your kitchen. Do you have traditional cabinets with ornate details? If so, opt for classic, ornate knobs and pulls. For a more modern look, go for minimalist options with clean lines.
Cabinet Refacing
If your cabinets are in good shape but you’re tired of their outdated style, consider refacing them instead of repainting them. Refacing involves replacing the doors and drawers of your cabinets with new ones, while keeping the frame intact. This can save you time and money, as you won’t have to repaint or replace the entire cabinet structure.
When choosing new doors and drawers, consider the style of your kitchen and the overall aesthetic you’re going for. Do you want to go for a classic, traditional look, or a more modern, minimalist vibe? Choose doors and hardware that align with your vision.
Maintain Your Fresh Finish
Your painted cabinets will look pristine for years with proper care and cleaning. Allow the paint at least 2 weeks to fully cure before regular use.
Clean painted cabinets with a soft microfiber cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Dry immediately after wiping to prevent water marks. Re-apply protective topcoats annually.
Treat your refinished kitchen cabinets with care. Avoid setting hot pans directly on the paint. Use cutting boards and coasters to prevent dents and scratches.
Seeing stunning cabinet transformations can provide inspiration for your own DIY refinishing project. Notice how small changes like new hardware, updated paint color, and glazed finishes revitalize the entire kitchen.
The results are gorgeous, custom-looking cabinets at only a fraction of the cost of new cabinet installation. With some effort, you can have the fresh, modern kitchen of your dreams without breaking the bank!
