You can redo kitchen cabinets through several methods, including painting, refinishing, resurfacing, or complete refacing. The best method depends on your budget, time, and the current condition of your cabinets.
Redoing kitchen cabinets is a fantastic way to change your kitchen’s look without a full remodel. It saves money and cuts down on construction mess. Whether you want a quick refresh or a major change, there are several options to explore. This guide walks you through the easiest steps for your kitchen cabinet makeover.
Choosing the Right Cabinet Update Method
Before you grab a paintbrush or a sander, you need to decide which approach fits your needs best. Not all cabinets benefit equally from the same treatment. Knowing the difference between refinish kitchen cabinets, repaint kitchen cabinets, and cabinet resurfacing is key.
| Method | Best For | Time Commitment | Cost Range (DIY) | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Painting | Drastic color change, good wood underneath. | High | Low to Medium | Total transformation. |
| Refinishing | Minor surface wear, keeping wood grain visible. | Medium | Low | Natural look preserved. |
| Resurfacing | Heavily damaged surfaces, quick update. | Medium | Medium | Covers flaws well. |
| Refacing | Good cabinet boxes, poor door/drawer fronts. | High | Medium to High | New look with minimal structure work. |
Option 1: Painting Your Cabinets for a New Look
Repaint kitchen cabinets is the most popular route for a big style change. It allows you to go from dark wood to crisp white, or vice versa. This section focuses on successful DIY cabinet painting.
Preparation is Everything for Painting
Poor prep leads to peeling paint. Take your time here. This is the most crucial step for any kitchen cabinet makeover.
Removing Hardware and Doors
First, take everything off.
- Remove all hinges, handles, and knobs. Keep screws in labeled bags.
- Take off all the cabinet doors and drawers. Store them flat on a protected surface. It is easier to paint doors horizontally than vertically.
- Label the back of each door and drawer so you know exactly where it goes back. This helps with reassembly later.
Cleaning Thoroughly
Grease and dirt prevent paint from sticking. You must clean deeply.
- Use a strong degreaser, like TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) substitute, or a heavy-duty kitchen cleaner.
- Wipe down every surface: frames, doors, and drawer fronts.
- Rinse well with clean water. Let everything dry completely.
Sanding the Surface
Sanding creates a “tooth” for the primer to grab onto. This step is vital for long-lasting paint jobs.
- Start with medium-grit sandpaper (100-120 grit) for lightly finished wood or laminate.
- For glossier or smoother surfaces, use 150-180 grit sandpaper.
- If you are dealing with heavily damaged finishes, you might need to go rougher initially, but always finish with a fine grit (220 grit).
- Wipe off all sanding dust with a tack cloth. Do not use a regular rag, as it spreads dust.
Priming: The Foundation of Your Paint Job
Primer seals the wood and blocks stains. Do not skip this step when you repaint kitchen cabinets.
- Use a high-quality bonding primer, especially if you are painting over laminate or shiny finishes. Oil-based or shellac primers work very well.
- Apply a thin, even coat. Let it dry fully according to the can’s directions.
- Lightly sand the primed surface with very fine sandpaper (220 grit or higher). Wipe off the dust again.
Painting Techniques
Use high-quality paint designed for cabinets (like a durable enamel or a cabinet-specific paint).
- Spraying: This gives the smoothest finish. It requires good ventilation and practice. Spray thin coats rather than one thick coat.
- Brushing/Rolling: If you brush, use a high-density foam roller for flat surfaces. Use a high-quality angled brush for edges and corners. Use slow, even strokes.
Apply two to three thin coats. Allow adequate drying time between coats. This process is central to successful DIY cabinet painting.
Option 2: Cabinet Refinishing for a Natural Look
When you want to refinish kitchen cabinets rather than cover the grain entirely, you are aiming to clean, repair, and reseal the existing wood finish. This works best when the existing finish is worn but the wood beneath is attractive.
When to Choose Refinishing Over Painting
Choose refinishing if:
- You love the look of your wood species (oak, maple, cherry).
- The damage is minor surface scratching, not deep gouges.
- You want a faster process than full repainting.
The Refinishing Process Steps
This often involves a bit of cabinet stripping and restaining if the current stain is patchy.
Light Cleaning and Degreasing
Just like painting, start with a clean slate. Use a wood-safe cleaner to remove kitchen grime.
Light Sanding or Stripping
- For Minor Wear: Use fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit) lightly over the entire surface to scuff it up for new stain or sealer adhesion. Wipe clean.
- For Heavy Wear/Old Finish: You will need to use a chemical stripper. Apply the stripper, let it work, and carefully scrape off the old finish. This is messy and requires great care and protective gear. After stripping, neutralize the wood as directed by the stripper manufacturer.
Repairing Wood Imperfections
Use wood putty or stainable filler for any nicks or scratches you find after stripping.
- Apply the filler, let it dry, and sand it smooth until it blends perfectly with the surrounding wood.
Applying Stain (If Necessary)
If you stripped the cabinet entirely, or if you want a slightly different shade:
- Apply wood conditioner first, especially on soft woods like pine. This helps the stain go on evenly.
- Apply the stain using a clean rag or brush, wiping off excess immediately for a lighter color, or letting it soak longer for a deeper tone.
- Ensure you test the stain on an inconspicuous area first.
Sealing the Finish
This step protects your hard work.
- Apply several coats of a high-quality clear coat, such as polyurethane or lacquer. Lightly sand between coats for the smoothest result.
Option 3: Cabinet Resurfacing for Quick Flaw Coverage
Cabinet resurfacing is a great middle ground. It often involves applying a durable, factory-like coating or specialized adhesive film directly over the existing cabinet faces. This method hides imperfections better than simple painting or staining.
Resurfacing Techniques
There are two main ways professionals often handle cabinet resurfacing:
- Durable Coatings: High-quality equipment sprays a specialized, hard-wearing coating (often two-part epoxy or specialized lacquer) directly onto the cabinet fronts. This is usually best left to professional cabinet refinishing services for a factory look.
- Thermofoil or Laminate Wraps: A thin vinyl or laminate sheet is heated and applied over the existing doors and drawer fronts. This instantly changes the color and texture and covers scratches well.
This technique can quickly update kitchen cabinets without the long curing times associated with heavy paint applications.
Option 4: Kitchen Cabinet Refacing – A Major Transformation
If your cabinet boxes are structurally sound but the doors and drawer fronts look dated or damaged, kitchen cabinet refacing is the solution. Refacing means you keep the existing cabinet boxes but replace all the visible external parts—the doors, drawer fronts, and often the side panels (or ‘end panels’) visible next to the cabinets.
Steps in Refacing
- Removal: All old doors and drawer fronts are removed. Drawer boxes are usually kept intact.
- Preparation: The exposed sides of the existing boxes are cleaned and prepared for the new veneer or paneling.
- New Components: New doors, drawer fronts, and sometimes new hinges are installed. These are often pre-finished.
- Finishing Visible Boxes: New veneer panels (often matching the new door color) are carefully applied to the sides of the existing cabinets.
Refacing offers a look that is often indistinguishable from a full replacement, but it is faster and typically less expensive than tearing out everything. It’s a significant step up from simple cabinet restoration tasks.
Hardware Upgrade: The Finishing Touch to Update Kitchen Cabinets
No matter which method you choose to update kitchen cabinets, changing the hardware makes a huge difference. This small step completes the kitchen cabinet makeover.
Selecting New Hardware
Think about the style you are aiming for:
- Modern: Sleek bar pulls in matte black or brushed nickel.
- Traditional: Oil-rubbed bronze knobs or cup pulls.
- Transitional: Simple, clean handles mixing metal finishes.
Installation Tip
If you are using new hardware in the same place as the old, installation is easy. If you are moving the location (e.g., going from a knob to a long pull), you will need to drill new holes. Remember to patch and prime the old holes if you choose to change the hardware location significantly on painted or refinished surfaces.
Tools and Materials Checklist for Cabinet Work
Having the right gear makes the job much smoother, whether you are aiming to refinish kitchen cabinets or paint them.
| Task | Essential Tools | Notes for Readability |
|---|---|---|
| Prep & Cleaning | Degreaser, sponges, tack cloths, buckets. | Use simple cleaners. Wipe everything down well. |
| Sanding | Orbital sander (optional but helpful), sanding blocks, various grits (100, 150, 220). | Sand lightly between coats for smoothness. |
| Painting/Staining | High-quality brushes (angled sash), foam rollers, paint sprayer (best for smooth finish). | Use thin coats for the best result. |
| Hardware | Drill/driver, screwdriver set, measuring tape. | Measure carefully when drilling new holes. |
| Safety | Respirator or good quality dust masks, safety glasses, chemical gloves (if stripping). | Always wear protection, especially when sanding dust is high. |
Considering Professional Cabinet Refinishing Services
While DIY is rewarding, sometimes hiring experts is better. When should you call for professional cabinet refinishing?
- Time Constraint: If you need the job done quickly and perfectly.
- High-End Materials: Professionals often have access to commercial-grade lacquers and spraying equipment that yields a factory-smooth, super-durable finish.
- Complex Wood Types: Dealing with difficult woods or very dark finishes that require heavy chemical stripping is safer and more effective with pros.
Professionals can offer true cabinet restoration for older, valuable pieces or the high-durability coating that results from professional cabinet resurfacing.
Focusing on Durability: Making Your Redo Last
The kitchen is a high-traffic, high-moisture zone. Your new cabinet finish needs to stand up to daily life.
Curing Times Matter
Paint and stain need time to cure, not just dry.
- Drying: The surface feels dry to the touch.
- Curing: The finish reaches its maximum hardness and chemical resistance.
Never clean cabinets heavily during the first week or two after finishing, even if they feel hard. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for curing times—this is vital for longevity, whether you chose to repaint kitchen cabinets or use a staining process for cabinet restoration.
Choosing the Right Topcoat
If you are painting, the topcoat is your main defense.
- Oil-Based Enamels: Very hard, durable, good leveling properties.
- Water-Based Acrylic Enamels (specifically for cabinets): Low odor, fast dry time, and very tough when formulated correctly. Avoid standard interior wall paint.
Addressing Cabinet Stripping and Restaining Challenges
If your goal involves cabinet stripping and restaining, be aware of potential issues with older cabinets.
Dealing with Veneer
Many modern cabinets use a thin layer of real wood (veneer) over a composite core (MDF or particleboard).
- Veneer is very thin. Aggressive sanding or harsh chemical strippers can easily go right through the veneer, exposing the core material underneath.
- If you find a thin wood layer, stick to gentle abrasive cleaning or use chemical strippers very carefully. If the veneer is damaged, cabinet resurfacing or painting might be the only viable option, as restaining damaged veneer looks terrible.
Stain Blotching
Stain soaks into raw wood unevenly. Softwoods (like pine) absorb much more stain than hardwoods (like maple).
- The Fix: Use a pre-stain wood conditioner. This seals the wood slightly, allowing the stain to penetrate more evenly. Always wipe off excess stain quickly.
Final Thoughts on Your Kitchen Cabinet Makeover
Redoing cabinets is a big project, but the rewards are huge. You get a refreshed, personalized kitchen space. Whether you choose the total color shift of painting, the natural beauty of refinish kitchen cabinets, the swift update of resurfacing, or the structural replacement of refacing, careful planning prevents costly mistakes. Taking your time with prep work ensures that your finished cabinets look professional and last for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Redoing Cabinets
Q: Can I paint over existing laminate cabinets?
A: Yes, you can, but it requires very specific preparation. You must use a specialized bonding primer designed to stick to slick surfaces like laminate. Failure to use the right primer will result in the paint peeling off quickly.
Q: Is cabinet refacing cheaper than buying new cabinets?
A: Generally, yes. Kitchen cabinet refacing is significantly less expensive than purchasing an entirely new set of cabinets, especially if your existing cabinet boxes are in good shape. It can save you 40% to 60% compared to replacement costs.
Q: How long does DIY cabinet painting usually take?
A: For a typical kitchen (15–20 doors and drawers), expect the project to take anywhere from one to three weeks. This accounts for drying times between primer, paint coats, and reassembly, which you cannot rush.
Q: What is the difference between refinishing and repainting?
A: Refinishing involves removing or lightly sanding the old top coat to clean and refresh the wood, then applying a new stain or clear sealer, keeping the wood grain visible. Repainting involves fully covering the wood grain with an opaque layer of paint.
Q: Should I remove the cabinet doors before painting?
A: Absolutely. Removing the doors allows you to lay them flat, which prevents drips and runs. It also lets you paint the inside frames and the back of the doors thoroughly, leading to a much more professional look. This is essential for successful DIY cabinet painting.