Can I update my kitchen cabinets without spending a lot of money? Yes, you absolutely can update kitchen cabinets cheap! There are many great ways to give your old cabinets a fresh look without the huge cost of buying new ones. This guide will show you simple, effective methods for a budget kitchen cabinet makeover.
Why Not Replace? The Power of a Budget Kitchen Cabinet Makeover
Replacing kitchen cabinets is one of the biggest expenses in a remodel. It costs a lot of money and takes a lot of time. But, if your cabinet boxes are sturdy, you just need a new look. Focusing on surface updates can save you thousands. This approach is smart for your wallet and the environment too. We will explore several ways to refinish kitchen cabinets and transform your space.
Preparing for Your Cabinet Update Project
No matter which method you choose, good prep work is key. Skipping these steps leads to a poor finish. This preparation applies whether you plan to paint kitchen cabinets or try cabinet veneer installation.
Cleaning the Cabinets Thoroughly
Grease, grime, and old polish build up over years. This stops paint or adhesive from sticking well.
- Use a degreaser. Mix warm water with a strong cleaner, like TSP substitute or a good kitchen degreaser.
- Scrub every surface. Pay close attention to areas around handles and knobs.
- Rinse well. Use clean water to wipe away all soap residue.
- Let them dry completely. Moisture trapped underneath ruins the finish later.
Repairing and Sanding
Fix minor damage before anything else.
Small Fixes
- Use wood filler for deep scratches or gouges. Let the filler dry fully.
- Sand down the filled spots until they are smooth with the surrounding wood.
Sanding for Grip
Sanding creates a “tooth” for new finishes to grab onto. This is crucial for a long-lasting result.
- For painted or sealed wood, start with medium-grit sandpaper (around 120-grit). This removes the glossy top layer.
- Finish with fine-grit sandpaper (around 180-220 grit) for a smooth feel.
- Wipe away all sanding dust with a tack cloth or a slightly damp rag.
Top Ways to Update Kitchen Cabinets Cheap
Here are the best, proven methods for a dramatic kitchen cabinet transformation without buying new units.
Method 1: Paint Kitchen Cabinets for a Modern Look
Painting is the most popular and effective way to update kitchen cabinets cheap. A fresh coat of paint can make old cabinets look brand new.
Choosing the Right Paint
Do not use regular wall paint. Kitchen cabinets need durable, specialized paint.
- Oil-based (Alkyd) Paints: Offer a very hard, durable finish. They level out nicely, hiding brush strokes. They clean up with mineral spirits and have strong fumes.
- Water-based Acrylic or Alkyd Blends: These are easier to clean up (soap and water). Modern formulas offer durability close to oil paints while drying faster and having fewer fumes. They are great for a diy cabinet transformation.
Priming: The Essential Step
Primer is not optional when you paint kitchen cabinets. It seals the wood, blocks stains, and ensures the topcoat sticks well.
- For Wood Cabinets: Use a stain-blocking primer, especially if the wood is dark or has knots (like pine).
- For Laminate or Melamine: You must use a bonding primer formulated specifically for slick surfaces. This ensures your paint does not peel off.
Painting Techniques for a Professional Finish
How you apply the paint matters a lot.
Sprayed Finish
This gives the smoothest, most factory-like finish. You will need an HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) sprayer. It requires excellent ventilation and meticulous masking of everything you don’t want painted.
Brushed and Rolled Finish
This is easier for beginners but requires more careful technique.
- Use a High-Quality Brush: Use an angled brush (1.5 or 2 inches) for edges and corners.
- Use a Small Foam Roller: Use a high-density foam roller for flat panels. This helps minimize texture.
- Apply Thin Coats: Two or three thin coats are always better than one thick coat. Thick coats run, sag, and take forever to dry hard.
- Wait Between Coats: Follow the manufacturer’s drying times exactly. Lightly sand (scuff sand) with 320-grit paper between coats for the best adhesion.
Refinish Kitchen Cabinets with Color Trends
Choosing the right color transforms the whole room.
| Style Goal | Recommended Colors | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Bright & Airy | Whites, light grays, pale blues | Makes small kitchens look bigger. |
| Modern Farmhouse | Off-white, muted sage green, dusty blue | Warm, inviting, and classic. |
| Sleek & Contemporary | Charcoal gray, deep navy, matte black | High contrast, dramatic, sophisticated. |
Method 2: Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Upgrade
Sometimes, the simplest change yields the biggest visual return. A kitchen cabinet hardware upgrade is quick, inexpensive, and immediately updates the style.
Assessing Your Current Hardware
Look at your existing holes. Changing a knob to a pull might mean filling old holes and drilling new ones, which complicates things.
- Knobs to Knobs: Easiest swap. Just check the screw size.
- Pulls to Pulls: Check the “center-to-center” measurement (the distance between the two screw holes). If the new pull matches this measurement, it’s a simple switch.
Popular Hardware Trends
- Matte Black: Sleek and modern. Works well with white, gray, or wood cabinets.
- Brushed Brass/Gold: Adds a touch of luxury and warmth. Great for traditional or transitional looks.
- Brushed Nickel/Stainless Steel: Classic and subtle. A safe bet that matches most appliances.
Tip: Order hardware samples first. See how the finish looks under your kitchen lighting before buying dozens of pieces.
Method 3: Cabinet Resurfacing Options Beyond Paint
If you love the look of wood grain but want a new color, or if painting seems too daunting, consider these cabinet resurfacing options.
Cabinet Veneer Installation
Cabinet veneer installation involves applying thin sheets of real wood or high-quality synthetic material over the existing cabinet doors and boxes.
- Pros: You get a new, consistent wood look without the cost of solid wood doors. It’s durable if applied correctly.
- Cons: This is a slightly more advanced DIY project. Doors must be perfectly flat before applying the adhesive-backed veneer. Mitered edges can be tricky to cover cleanly.
Laminate Cabinet Renewal
If you have laminate cabinets, you can often skip sanding entirely by using specialized adhesive films or paints designed for laminate.
- Vinyl Wrapping: This is where creative cabinet wrapping ideas shine. High-quality, durable vinyl films (the kind used on cars) adhere strongly to smooth laminate. You can choose wood grain looks, matte colors, or high-gloss finishes. This is a fantastic update kitchen cabinets cheap method because the material comes in large rolls and covers imperfections well.
Method 4: Updating the Doors and Drawer Fronts
If the cabinet boxes are fine, but the doors look dated, replacing just the doors is a great compromise between painting and full replacement.
Ordering New Doors
Many cabinet makers offer replacement doors that fit standard-sized boxes.
- Measure carefully! Measure the height and width of every door and drawer front.
- Decide on the style (Shaker, flat panel, raised panel). Shaker style is timeless and often the easiest to match.
DIY Cabinet Transformation with Inserts
For upper cabinets with solid doors, you can transform them easily.
- Remove the center panel of the door.
- Replace the solid wood panel with glass inserts (smoked, frosted, or clear).
- You can also insert decorative mesh or even wallpaper panels for a unique look.
This immediately opens up the space and feels like a major upgrade.
Method 5: The Power of Backsplash and Lighting
While not strictly about the cabinets themselves, changing the elements around the cabinets dramatically changes how the cabinets look. This is a core part of a budget kitchen cabinet makeover.
New Backsplash
A new backsplash draws the eye and can tie together old cabinets with new hardware.
- Peel-and-Stick Tiles: Modern peel-and-stick options look incredibly realistic (subway tile, mosaic). They are waterproof and easy to install yourself.
- Paint: If you have smooth drywall, a fresh coat of paint in a contrasting or complementary color can serve as a simple backsplash.
Improving Under-Cabinet Lighting
Dark kitchens make even newly painted cabinets look dull. Adding simple LED strip lighting underneath upper cabinets is cheap, easy to install (many are stick-on), and makes a huge difference. It highlights your countertop and provides functional task lighting, making the whole kitchen feel updated.
Detailed Steps for Refinish Kitchen Cabinets with Paint
Since painting is the most common route for a diy cabinet transformation, here is a deeper dive into achieving a professional result.
Step 1: Remove Doors and Drawers
Take everything off the boxes. This allows you to work on doors lying flat, which prevents drips.
- Use a marker or label maker to number the inside of each door and the corresponding cabinet frame. Doors rarely go back exactly where they came from, especially if they are slightly warped.
- Keep all screws organized. Put them in zip-top bags labeled by location.
Step 2: Prepare Hardware and Hinges
- If reusing hinges, remove them carefully.
- If you are buying new hardware, consider if your new pieces require different screw hole placements. If so, you must fill the old holes before painting. Use wood putty or dowels to fill holes, sand smooth, and then prime heavily over the repair spot.
Step 3: Priming for Longevity
A good primer adheres to the old finish and provides a perfect surface for the new paint.
- Apply one thin, even coat of your bonding or stain-blocking primer.
- Allow it to cure fully. Do not rush this. Check the can for recoat times—usually 2 to 4 hours.
Step 4: Applying the Topcoat
When you paint kitchen cabinets, patience is your best tool.
- First Topcoat: Apply the first thin coat. Don’t try to achieve full coverage. Focus on laying the paint down evenly.
- Dry Time: Wait for the paint to dry to the touch (usually 4–8 hours, depending on humidity and paint type).
- Scuff Sanding (Optional but Recommended): Lightly rub the entire surface with 320-grit sandpaper or a fine sanding sponge. This knocks down dust nibs and provides mechanical adhesion for the next coat. Wipe clean.
- Second Topcoat: Apply the second coat, aiming for better coverage.
- Curing: Allow the paint to cure fully—often 24 to 72 hours—before handling the doors excessively or reinstalling the hardware. Even if the paint feels dry to the touch, it takes time to reach its maximum hardness.
Advanced Cabinet Resurfacing Options: Staining or Refacing
What if you have oak cabinets from the 90s and hate the grain texture, but you still want a wood look?
Gel Staining for a New Wood Tone
Gel stain is perfect for updating finishes because it sits on top of the existing finish rather than soaking in like traditional stain. This is excellent for covering those dated orange or yellow wood tones without stripping them completely.
- Clean and lightly sand the cabinet surface. You only need to dull the sheen.
- Wipe on the gel stain using a foam brush or cloth.
- Wipe off the excess following the grain direction.
- Once dry, you must seal it with a durable polyurethane topcoat. This is part of the refinish kitchen cabinets process to protect the color.
Faux Finishes for Texture
If you want a high-end look on a low budget, consider creative cabinet wrapping ideas or faux finishes that mimic expensive materials.
- Faux Concrete or Stone: Using specialized paints and texturing tools, you can make laminate doors look like industrial concrete slabs.
- Distressing: If painting white, lightly sanding edges and corners after the topcoat cures creates a rustic, distressed look popular in farmhouse decor.
Deciphering Cabinet Wrapping Ideas
Cabinet wrapping involves applying large sheets of vinyl film—often thicker and more durable than contact paper—to the cabinet faces.
| Material | Durability | Best For | Application Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Contact Paper | Low | Temporary fixes, very low-use cabinets | Easy |
| High-Quality Adhesive Vinyl Film | Medium to High | Laminate cabinet renewal, rentals | Medium (Requires heat gun and squeegee) |
| Rigid Thermofoil | High | Professional resurfacing (often done by specialists) | High |
For a true DIY cabinet transformation, high-quality adhesive vinyl film is the best bet for wrapping. Ensure you wrap the edges completely for the best seal against moisture and wear.
Final Touches: Making the Makeover Complete
Once the main surface treatment is done, the small details tie the whole budget kitchen cabinet makeover together.
Installing New Drawer Glides
Are your drawers sticky or saggy? This ruins the feel of even the prettiest cabinets. Replacing old metal drawer slides with modern, soft-close glides makes a massive difference in daily use. While this requires uninstalling the drawer boxes, the investment is worthwhile for smooth function.
Adding Under-Cabinet Moulding or Trim
If your cabinets go all the way to the ceiling, or if you have exposed side panels, adding simple trim moulding (often cheap pine) and painting it the same color as the cabinets can give them a built-in, custom look. This is a simple step in any update kitchen cabinets cheap plan.
Summary of Budget-Friendly Cabinet Updates
To recap, here are the top ways to achieve a significant change without replacing everything:
- Paint Kitchen Cabinets: Offers the biggest visual change for the cost of paint and primer.
- Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Upgrade: Instantly modernizes the look.
- Cabinet Resurfacing Options: Use gel stain or vinyl wrap to change the wood look or color without deep stripping.
- Cabinet Wrapping Ideas: Great for fast, uniform coverage on slick laminate surfaces.
- Refinish Kitchen Cabinets: Focus on the surface preparation for a professional result, whether painting or staining.
By focusing on these surface-level changes and leveraging affordable materials, you can execute a stunning diy cabinet transformation and enjoy a refreshed kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How long does painted cabinet finish last?
A: If prepped and painted correctly with high-quality cabinet paint, a well-cared-for painted finish can last 5 to 10 years or more before needing a touch-up, especially in lower-traffic areas. High-traffic areas (like near the stove) might show wear sooner.
Q: Can I just paint over existing glossy paint or laminate?
A: You can try, but it often fails. For glossy paint, you must thoroughly degloss it through sanding or use a specialized bonding primer. For laminate, you must use a primer explicitly labeled for use on slick, non-porous surfaces (like Zinsser B-I-N or KILZ Adhesion). If you skip primer on laminate, the paint will likely peel off in sheets.
Q: What is the cheapest way to update kitchen cabinets?
A: The cheapest way is usually a combination of a thorough cleaning, a budget kitchen cabinet makeover using paint on the existing doors, and a simple kitchen cabinet hardware upgrade. New knobs are often less than \$5 each.
Q: Is cabinet veneer installation hard to do?
A: It is moderately difficult. It requires patience and precision to avoid bubbles and wrinkles, especially around corners. If you are tackling an entire kitchen, practice on an old piece of wood first.
Q: Should I paint the inside of the cabinets too?
A: If the inside finish is chipped, stained, or you are changing the color dramatically (e.g., going from dark brown to white), yes, you should refinish kitchen cabinets inside and out. Use the same preparation steps but be mindful that the interior gets less abuse, so durability needs might be slightly lower.