You want to make your kitchen cabinets look new. What is the best way to finish kitchen cabinets? The best way depends on the look you want. Painting, staining, or resurfacing are good choices. How long does it take? A full cabinet finishing job can take 3 to 7 days or even more. This depends on how many cabinets you have and the finish you pick. Can I finish old cabinets? Yes, you can finish old cabinets. Refinishing old cabinets is a big job, but it can make them look amazing. This guide will show you how to do it yourself, step by step.
Image Source: vevano.com
Getting Ready: The First Steps
Before you start, you need to get things ready. Good prep makes the final look much better. Do not skip these first parts. They save time and trouble later.
Plan Your Project
Think about the look you want. Do you want to paint your cabinets a new color? Or do you want to show off the wood with stain? Maybe you want a whole new look with resurfacing. Make these choices first. Pick the right finish for your kitchen style.
Gather Your Tools & Materials
Having all your items ready saves trips to the store. Here is a general list of things you might need:
- Screwdriver (for removing hardware)
- Cleaner (TSP or degreaser)
- Sanding blocks or orbital sander
- Sandpaper (different grits, like 120, 180, 220)
- Primer (if painting)
- Paint or stain
- Clear coat (polyurethane, lacquer, or varnish)
- Paint brushes, rollers, or paint sprayer
- Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
- Painter’s tape
- Rags or tack cloths
- Safety gear (gloves, mask, eye protection)
- Labeling system (masking tape, marker)
Prepare Your Work Area
This step is very important. It keeps your home clean and safe.
- Empty Cabinets: Take everything out of your cabinets and drawers.
- Remove Hardware: Take off all doors and drawer fronts. Remove hinges, knobs, and pulls. Put them in labeled bags. Write down where each piece goes. This helps you put them back later.
- Label Everything: Use masking tape to label each door and drawer. Write where it came from (e.g., “Upper Left 1,” “Lower Right 2”). This makes putting them back easy.
- Clean Up: Put down drop cloths or plastic sheets. Cover your floors, counters, and anything you do not want to get dusty or painted. Use painter’s tape to hold them down.
- Set Up a Work Space: Find a dust-free area for sanding and finishing. A garage or well-vented room works well. Use sawhorses or tables to hold doors and drawers flat. This helps you work on them.
Preparing Cabinets for a New Look
Good prep makes a huge difference. It helps your new finish stick well and last long. Do not rush this step.
Why Surface Prep Matters
The finish you put on needs a clean, smooth surface to stick to. If you do not clean and sand well, your new paint or stain might chip or peel fast. It will also look bumpy or uneven. Good prep gives you a smooth, strong finish.
Sanding Cabinets Before Painting or Staining
Sanding cabinets before painting or staining is a key part. It helps the new finish grab onto the wood. You need to do this step right.
- Clean First: Before you sand, clean all surfaces. Use a strong degreaser like TSP (trisodium phosphate) mixed with water. Kitchen cabinets often have grease buildup. This cleaner cuts through it. Rinse well with clean water. Let everything dry completely.
- Rough Sanding: Start with a medium-grit sandpaper, like 120-grit. Use a sanding block or an orbital sander. Sand all surfaces lightly. You do not need to remove all old finish. Just rough up the surface. This creates tiny scratches that help the new finish stick. For stained cabinets, you might need to sand more to remove the old finish.
- Smooth Sanding: Next, use a finer grit sandpaper, like 180 or 220-grit. This makes the surface smooth. Sand in the direction of the wood grain for wood cabinets. For painted cabinets, sand evenly over all areas.
- Clean Dust: After sanding, wipe off all dust. Use a vacuum cleaner first. Then, use a tack cloth or a damp cloth. Make sure no dust is left. Dust can make your finish bumpy.
| Sandpaper Grit | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 120-grit | Initial roughing, old finish removal | Good for starting, cuts faster |
| 180-grit | Smoothing after roughing | Removes sanding marks from 120-grit |
| 220-grit | Final smoothing before finishing | Best for very smooth results |
Option 1: Giving Cabinets a Fresh Paint Job
Painting cabinets is a popular choice. It can change the whole look of your kitchen fast.
Deciding on the Right Paint
Choosing the best kitchen cabinet paint is important. You need paint that is strong, easy to clean, and looks good.
- Acrylic Latex Paint: This is common. It cleans up with water. It is easy to use. Many types are made for cabinets. Look for “cabinet paint” or “door and trim paint.” These are often stronger.
- Alkyd Paint (Oil-Based or Water-Based Alkyd): Old alkyd paints were oil-based. They were tough but smelled strong and were hard to clean up. Now, there are water-based alkyds. They act like oil paint but clean with water. They dry very hard and smooth. This is a top pick for cabinets.
- Lacquer: This finish dries very fast and smooth. It is often sprayed on. It is very durable. But it needs good airflow and proper gear to use safely. It is more for pros.
Primer: Always use a good primer. Primer helps the paint stick. It also blocks stains and helps paint look even. Use a primer that works with your paint type. For old, dark wood, a stain-blocking primer is best.
Cabinet Painting Steps: A Detailed Plan
Follow these cabinet painting steps for a great finish.
Step 1: Clean and Lightly Sand (Again, If Needed)
After your main sanding, clean everything one more time. Use a tack cloth. If you waited a few days, a very light sand with 220-grit paper might be good. Wipe off all dust.
Step 2: Prime for Good Sticking
Apply a thin, even coat of primer. Use a good brush, roller, or sprayer. Cover all parts of the cabinets and frames. Let the primer dry fully. Check the can for dry times. Some primers need light sanding before the next coat. If so, use 220-grit paper, then clean dust.
Step 3: Apply the First Paint Coat
Apply your chosen paint. Keep coats thin. This helps prevent drips and brush marks.
* For brushes/rollers: Work in small sections. Apply paint in even strokes. Do not press too hard.
* For doors/drawers: Paint the backs first. Let them dry fully. Then paint the fronts.
* Let Dry: Let the first coat dry completely. This can take hours or even overnight. Read the paint can for exact times.
Step 4: Light Sand, Then Second Coat
Once the first coat is dry, lightly sand the painted surface. Use a 220-grit sanding sponge. This removes any small bumps. It also helps the next coat stick better. Wipe away all dust. Then apply a second thin coat of paint. You might need a third coat for some colors. Let each coat dry fully.
Step 5: Add a Clear Coat for Protection
Adding a clear coat for cabinets makes them much stronger. This is very important for kitchens. It protects the paint from water, grease, and bumps.
- Polyurethane Cabinet Finish: This is a very common and strong clear coat. It comes in water-based and oil-based types. Water-based poly dries clear and fast. Oil-based poly can add a slight amber tint, but it is very durable.
- Other Clear Coats: Lacquer is also strong but needs special tools. Varnish is another choice, very durable.
Apply 1-3 coats of clear finish. Follow the product directions. Lightly sand between coats if needed (220-grit or finer). Let the final coat cure for several days before putting hardware back on or using cabinets fully.
How to Spray Paint for a Smooth Finish
For a truly smooth, factory-like look, spray finish kitchen cabinets. This takes some practice but gives great results.
- Get the Right Sprayer: You can use an HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) sprayer. These are good for home use. They give a fine mist.
- Thin Your Paint: Most paints need to be thinned for spraying. Read the paint can for how much thinner to use.
- Practice: Practice on cardboard or scrap wood first. Get a feel for how the sprayer works.
- Good Airflow: Spraying creates a lot of mist. Work in a well-aired area. Wear a good respirator mask.
- Apply Thin Coats: Spray in thin, even coats. Overlap each pass a little. Keep the sprayer moving. Do not stop in one spot, or you will get drips.
- Let Dry, Sand: Let each coat dry. Lightly sand with fine grit paper if needed.
- Clear Coat: Apply your clear coat the same way for best protection.
Option 2: Bringing Out Wood’s Natural Beauty with Stain
Staining is a great choice if you like the look of wood. It makes the wood grain stand out.
Staining Kitchen Cabinets Guide: Your Path to Rich Color
This staining kitchen cabinets guide will help you get a beautiful wood finish.
- Full Sanding is Key: For staining, you must remove all old finish. Use an orbital sander. Start with 120-grit. Move to 180-grit, then 220-grit. For older, tougher finishes, you might start with 80-grit. Sand until the bare wood shows. Any old finish left will block the stain.
- Clean Wood: After sanding, vacuum all dust. Then, use a tack cloth. You want the wood very clean.
- Pre-Stain Conditioner (Optional but Recommended): Some woods (like pine or maple) can look splotchy when stained. A pre-stain conditioner helps the stain go on evenly. Apply it according to the directions.
- Apply the Stain:
- Mix the stain well.
- Use a brush, foam brush, or rag to apply stain.
- Apply stain in the direction of the wood grain.
- Work in small areas.
- Let the stain sit for a few minutes. The longer it sits, the darker the color.
- Wipe off excess stain with a clean, lint-free rag. Wipe evenly. If you leave too much stain, it can feel sticky and not dry well.
- Let the stain dry fully. This can take hours or even a full day. Check the product label.
Protecting Stained Wood
Stain gives color, but it does not protect the wood. You need a topcoat. A polyurethane cabinet finish is a great choice for stained cabinets.
- Choose Your Clear Coat:
- Polyurethane: Very strong. Comes in oil-based (adds amber tint) or water-based (clear).
- Varnish: Also very durable, often used for floors.
- Lacquer: Quick-drying, very hard. Needs spraying.
- Apply Clear Coat:
- Apply thin, even coats. Use a brush, roller, or sprayer.
- Always go in the direction of the wood grain.
- Let each coat dry fully.
- Lightly sand between coats with 220-grit or finer sandpaper. This helps the next coat stick. It also makes the surface super smooth.
- Wipe off all dust before the next coat.
- Apply 2-4 coats for good protection.
- Cure Time: Let the final coat cure for several days. This makes it fully hard and strong.
Option 3: Resurfacing for a Brand New Feel
Sometimes, you want a new look without replacing all cabinets. DIY cabinet resurfacing is a good middle ground.
DIY Cabinet Resurfacing: A Smart Update
DIY cabinet resurfacing, also called refacing, means you keep the cabinet boxes. But you replace the doors and drawer fronts. You also cover the cabinet boxes with new veneer. This makes old cabinets look brand new.
When to Choose Resurfacing:
* Your cabinet boxes are in good shape.
* You want a totally new style or wood type.
* You want to save money compared to full replacement.
* You want less mess than tearing out old cabinets.
Basic Steps for DIY Resurfacing:
- Remove Old Doors/Drawers: Take off all old doors, drawer fronts, and hardware.
- Clean Cabinet Boxes: Clean the cabinet boxes very well.
- Measure and Order: Carefully measure all cabinet openings. Order new doors, drawer fronts, and veneer panels. You can choose different wood types, styles, and finishes.
- Apply Veneer:
- Cut the veneer to fit the cabinet boxes.
- Peel-and-stick veneer is easy for DIY. Or use contact cement veneer.
- Start by covering the front frame of the cabinet boxes.
- Cover exposed sides with larger veneer pieces.
- Use a roller or J-roller to press the veneer down firmly. This stops air bubbles.
- Install New Doors & Drawer Fronts:
- Install your new doors and drawer fronts. They should be pre-drilled for hinges.
- Install new hinges, knobs, and pulls.
This method gives a fresh look, but it requires precise measuring and cutting. It is more complex than just painting or staining.
Ensuring Lasting Beauty: Durability and Care
You want your newly finished cabinets to stay beautiful for many years.
Choosing Durable Cabinet Finishes
The strength of your cabinet finish depends on the topcoat. Durability cabinet finishes can resist scratches, water, and daily wear.
- Polyurethane: Very popular for its toughness. Water-based poly is clear and strong. Oil-based poly is even stronger but can yellow over time.
- Lacquer: Fast-drying and hard. Often used in factories. It is tough but can crack if hit hard.
- Varnish: Strong and water-resistant. Good for wood.
- Alkyd Paints: The new water-based alkyd paints dry to a very hard, durable surface. They are a great choice for painted cabinets.
No finish is truly “bulletproof.” But choosing a good quality clear coat or a tough paint makes a big difference.
| Finish Type | Pros | Cons | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyurethane | Very durable, water-resistant, clear option | Oil-based yellows, can be thick to apply | High-traffic areas, kitchens, bathrooms |
| Lacquer | Dries fast, very smooth, hard finish | Needs special spray equipment, strong fumes | Professional finishes, furniture |
| Alkyd Paint | Hard, durable finish, good flow | Longer dry time for oil-based, can yellow | Cabinets, trim, doors |
| Acrylic Paint | Easy cleanup, low odor, good color choice | Less durable than alkyd/oil paints | Low-traffic areas, walls, general painting |
Cleaning and Keeping Your Cabinets Nice
Once your cabinets are done, keep them looking good with simple care.
- Gentle Cleaning: Clean spills right away. Use a soft cloth with mild soap and water.
- Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Do not use abrasive cleaners, scour pads, or strong chemicals (like bleach or ammonia). These can damage your finish.
- Protect from Heat/Water: Use trivets under hot pans. Wipe up water from around the sink right away.
- Fix Small Marks: For small scratches, you might be able to touch them up with matching paint or stain pen. If the scratch goes through the clear coat, you might need to lightly sand and re-apply a clear coat to that spot.
What Finishing Kitchen Cabinets Costs
Knowing the refinishing kitchen cabinets cost helps you plan. DIY is much cheaper than hiring pros.
Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets Cost: What to Expect
The cost changes based on what you do and what you buy.
| Method | DIY Estimated Cost (Materials Only) | Professional Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Painting | $200 – $600 | $1,500 – $7,000+ |
| Staining | $250 – $700 | $2,000 – $8,000+ |
| Resurfacing | $1,000 – $3,000+ | $3,000 – $10,000+ |
Factors Affecting Cost:
- Cabinet Size: More cabinets mean more materials.
- Finish Type: High-end paints or stains cost more.
- Tools: If you need to buy a sprayer or sander, that adds to the cost.
- Hardware: New knobs and pulls can add a lot to the budget.
- Material Quality: Better quality primers, paints, and clear coats cost more but often last longer.
DIY saves a lot on labor. But it takes time and effort. Weigh your budget against your time and skill level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does cabinet paint last?
A: Good quality cabinet paint, applied well with a strong clear coat, can last 5-10 years or more. It depends on how much you use your kitchen.
Q: Can I paint laminate cabinets?
A: Yes, you can paint laminate cabinets. You need to clean them very well. Then, use a special bonding primer. This primer helps the paint stick to the smooth laminate surface. After priming, you can paint as normal.
Q: Do I need to remove all old finish?
A: If you are painting, you do not need to remove all old finish. Just rough up the surface with sanding. This helps the new primer stick. If you are staining, you must remove all old finish. Stain needs to soak into bare wood.
Q: What if my cabinets are wood, but I want them white?
A: You can paint wood cabinets white. Just sand them well, then use a good primer. A stain-blocking primer is best for dark wood. This stops the wood color from showing through the white paint.
Q: Is it better to brush or spray?
A: Spraying gives the smoothest finish, like a factory look. But it needs more skill and tools. It also needs more prep to protect your home from overspray. Brushing and rolling is easier for most DIYers. It can still give a great look with good paint and technique.
Finishing your kitchen cabinets yourself is a big project. But with good planning and care, you can create a beautiful, new kitchen you will love. Take your time, follow the steps, and enjoy the process!