Old, worn-out cabinets can make your entire kitchen look drab and unattractive. Deep stains and other imperfections can bring down the whole room, and light colors show every food splatter and fingerprint. Replacing your cabinets can be expensive and time consuming, but refinishing or painting your existing cabinet doors can give you the fresh look you want at a fraction of the cost.
Choosing to refinish your cabinets instead of replacing them can also be a good way to add value to your home if you plan to sell it in the future, as prospective buyers will be impressed by a well-maintained, attractive kitchen. Choosing a neutral stain or paint color is typically the best option when it comes to refinishing your cabinet doors and drawer fronts, as this will appeal to the broadest range of potential buyers.
The first step in refinishing your cabinet doors and drawer faces is to remove any hardware. This can be done with a screwdriver or a drill, depending on how attached the old hardware is. Next, clean all surfaces thoroughly with a mild cleaner to remove dirt and grime. This will help the new finish adhere to the surface and ensure a smooth, even coat.
Once the cabinet and drawer faces are cleaned, they can be lightly sanded with medium grit sandpaper. This will prepare the surface for the new finish and remove any remaining oil or grease from the previous coating. If the cabinet or drawer face is damaged, use wood filler to repair any dents or scratches. Once the holes have been filled, sand again to smooth and prepare for painting.
Before hiring a company to refinish your kitchen cabinetry, ask about their methods and what products they will be using. Be sure to ask how they will protect your countertops and other surfaces in the kitchen, what their clean up process will be like, and how long they expect the refinishing to last. It is also a good idea to choose a company with extensive experience with cabinet refinishing, and ask them about their warranty.
When hiring a cabinet refinishing company, be sure to check their customer reviews online. A high rating shows that the company cares about their customers and stands behind their work.
Another important consideration when deciding whether to refinish or reface your cabinetry is the layout of your kitchen. If you plan to change the layout of your cabinetry, then refacing will be necessary, as changing the layout of your cabinets requires a lot more work than simply replacing the door and drawer fronts.
Refacing or refinishing can be an excellent choice for updating your cabinetry, but it is not the right solution if you plan to move in the near future. It is a good idea to keep in mind that potential buyers will be looking at your entire home, and the style of your kitchen cabinets will play an important role in their decision to purchase it.