What is the best way to update kitchen cabinets? The best way to update kitchen cabinets yourself is usually through refinishing kitchen cabinets or paint kitchen cabinets, as these methods offer significant visual impact without the high cost of full replacement.
A kitchen remodel can feel huge. Often, the cabinets look old before anything else. You do not need to spend a lot of money to make a big change. This guide shows you step-by-step how to tackle updating your kitchen cabinets yourself. We will cover everything from simple fixes to full overhauls, helping you achieve a fresh, new look on a budget. This is your complete DIY cabinet makeover guide.
Why Choose to Update Cabinets Instead of Replacing Them?
Replacing kitchen cabinets is costly and messy. Many homeowners look for ways of updating kitchen cabinets without replacing them entirely. The main reasons to choose an update are cost savings, speed, and customization.
Cost Benefits of Cabinet Updates
New cabinets cost thousands of dollars. Doing it yourself saves on labor costs, which are very high. Even when buying quality paint or new doors for cabinet door replacement, the savings are huge.
| Option | Estimated Cost Range (Mid-Range) | Time Commitment |
|---|---|---|
| Full Replacement | \$10,000 – \$30,000+ | Several Weeks |
| Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets | \$300 – \$1,000 | 1-2 Weekends (Active Time) |
| Paint Kitchen Cabinets | \$200 – \$800 | 1-3 Weekends (Active Time) |
Speed and Impact
A full replacement disrupts your home for weeks. Cabinet restoration or painting can often be done in just a few days of active work. You see big changes fast. This makes quick, high-impact projects very appealing.
Phase 1: Planning Your Kitchen Cabinet Refresh
Good planning is key to a successful DIY cabinet makeover. Skipping steps here leads to peeling paint or messy results later.
Assessing Your Current Cabinets
First, look closely at what you have. Are your cabinets solid wood? Are they laminate or thermofoil? The material dictates the best approach.
- Solid Wood or Veneer: These are great candidates for painting or staining. They handle sanding and priming well.
- Laminate or Thermofoil: These slick surfaces are harder to get paint to stick to. They need special primers or might be better suited for cabinet resurfacing with specialized products.
Choosing Your Style and Color
Decide on your look. Do you want bright white cabinets for a modern feel? Or a dark gray for a dramatic look? Look at current trends, but pick something you love.
- Color Selection: Dark colors hide wear better. Light colors make a small kitchen feel larger.
- Sheen: Use semi-gloss or satin finishes. They are durable and easy to clean, which is vital in a kitchen. A high gloss shows every small imperfection.
Essential Tools and Supplies List
Gathering everything before you start saves frustration. This list is vital for any painting or refinishing kitchen cabinets project.
- Cleaning: TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) or a strong degreaser.
- Sanding: Orbital sander, sanding sponges, various grits (80, 120, 220).
- Painting/Finishing: High-quality cabinet primer (oil-based or bonding primer recommended), high-quality cabinet paint (Urethane Alkyd Enamel is popular), good synthetic brushes, foam rollers.
- Hardware: Screwdrivers, drill for removing hinges and knobs.
- Other: Painter’s tape, plastic sheeting, tack cloth, wood filler.
Phase 2: Preparation – The Secret to Great Finishes
The prep work takes up most of the time in any cabinet finishing techniques project. Do not rush this part. Poor prep leads to failure.
Removing Doors and Hardware
Take everything off the cabinets. This includes doors, drawer fronts, and all kitchen cabinet hardware (knobs, pulls, hinges). Label everything clearly. Use plastic bags and tape to keep screws with their corresponding doors.
- Tip: Take pictures before you start disassembly. This helps you remember how everything goes back together.
Deep Cleaning
Kitchen cabinets are coated in grease and grime. Paint will not stick to grease. Use TSP or a strong degreaser. Scrub every surface thoroughly. Rinse well with clean water and let the cabinets dry completely.
Repairs and Filling Gaps
Check for dents, scratches, or holes from old hardware. Use wood filler for deep scratches on wood cabinets. Let the filler dry fully. Sand the filled areas smooth using 120-grit sandpaper.
Sanding for Adhesion
Sanding creates a “tooth.” This rough texture helps the primer stick. You are not trying to remove all the old finish, just scuffing it up.
- Wood Cabinets: Start with 120-grit paper, then move to 180 or 220-grit for a smoother feel.
- Laminate/Melamine: You need aggressive sanding, sometimes using 80-grit, followed by a bonding primer.
Wipe down all surfaces after sanding to remove all dust. Use a tack cloth for the best results. Dust ruins paint jobs.
Phase 3: Painting Kitchen Cabinets – The Main Event
Painting is the most common method for refinishing kitchen cabinets. It requires patience but yields dramatic results.
Priming: Establishing the Foundation
Primer is non-negotiable. It seals the surface, blocks stains, and ensures the topcoat adheres properly. If you skip primer, the paint will chip quickly.
- Choose the Right Primer: For wood, use a stain-blocking primer. For slick surfaces like laminate, use a specialized bonding primer designed for difficult surfaces.
- Application: Apply a thin, even coat. Use a brush for corners and crevices. Use a foam roller for flat door surfaces.
- Drying and Second Coat: Let the first coat dry completely, usually 4-6 hours, based on the product instructions. Lightly sand with 220-grit paper between coats of primer. Wipe off the dust. Apply a second coat if needed, especially if the old color was very dark.
Applying the Topcoat Color
This is where the paint kitchen cabinets dream comes to life. Thin coats are always better than one thick coat. Thick coats drip and take forever to dry hard.
- Brushing Technique: Use high-quality synthetic brushes. Apply paint in smooth, even strokes, working quickly but carefully. Avoid going back over areas too much once the paint starts setting up.
- Rolling Technique: Use a small, high-density foam roller designed for smooth finishes. Load the roller lightly. Roll in one direction. Do not press too hard, or you will leave roller marks.
- Drying Time: Allow ample time between coats—often 12 to 24 hours for oil-based or high-quality acrylic enamel paints. Check your specific product requirements.
- Multiple Coats: Most projects require two, sometimes three, coats of topcoat for a deep, durable color. Sand lightly (220-grit) between each color coat for maximum smoothness.
Curing Time
Paint can feel dry to the touch in hours, but it takes weeks to fully “cure” (harden completely). Be gentle with cabinets for the first few weeks. Avoid scrubbing or slamming doors.
Phase 4: Alternative Update Methods
If painting seems too daunting, or if your cabinets are not wood, other options exist for cabinet resurfacing and updating.
Staining for Wood Cabinets
If you have good quality, natural wood cabinets but dislike the color, refinishing kitchen cabinets with stain can restore their beauty.
- Stripping: You must completely remove the old finish using a chemical stripper or heavy sanding.
- Pre-Stain Conditioner: Apply this product to blotchy woods like pine. It helps the stain absorb evenly.
- Staining: Apply the stain with a rag or brush, wiping off the excess according to directions.
- Sealing: Top the stain with a durable polyurethane topcoat for protection.
Veneer or Contact Paper: The Quick Fix
For rental properties or very short-term updates, adhesive materials can work. This is a good option for updating laminate cabinets that resist paint well.
- Cabinet Liners: These self-adhesive films come in wood grain or solid colors. They offer a smooth, modern look quickly.
- Durability Check: Be careful with heat and moisture around sinks, as water can lift the edges over time.
Door Replacement for a New Look
If the boxes of your cabinets are in great shape but the doors are dated (e.g., raised panels when you want shaker style), consider cabinet door replacement.
- Measure Precisely: Measure the height and width of every existing door and drawer front.
- Order New Doors: Many online suppliers sell ready-to-paint or pre-finished doors sized to fit standard cabinet boxes.
- Hinge Compatibility: Make sure the new doors work with your existing hinges, or budget for new hinges. This is a form of updating kitchen cabinets without replacing the whole structure.
Phase 5: Reassembly and Final Touches
Once all doors and drawer fronts are fully cured, it is time to put everything back together and add the sparkle.
Installing New Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
Swapping out old knobs and pulls is the fastest way to modernize your look. This small change provides a huge visual lift.
- Placement: If you are using new pulls that are a different size than the old knobs, you will need to fill the old holes and drill new ones. Measure carefully!
- Finishes: Choose hardware finishes that complement your appliances (e.g., matte black, brushed gold, or stainless steel).
Reinstalling Doors and Adjustments
Hang the doors back onto the cabinet frames. This step often requires adjustment. Modern European-style hinges are adjustable in three directions (up/down, in/out, side-to-side).
- Goal: Ensure all doors line up perfectly. The gaps (reveals) between doors should be even. Tighten or loosen the screws on the hinges until everything is straight.
Considering Interior Updates
Since you have the doors off, this is the perfect time for interior updates.
- Cabinet Liners: Apply fresh, attractive cabinet liners to the bottom of drawers and shelves. This protects the wood and adds a hidden layer of style.
- Shelf Treatment: If your shelves are damaged, consider painting the interior shelves a contrasting color or covering them with a laminate or contact paper. This falls under light cabinet restoration.
Advanced Techniques: Specialized Cabinet Resurfacing
For cabinets that are very damaged or made of materials that resist traditional paint, cabinet resurfacing techniques offer a durable alternative to painting.
Laminate Cabinet Resurfacing
Laminate surfaces are smooth and hard to bond with standard paint. Specialized products can solve this.
- Heavy Scuffing: Use coarse sandpaper (like 80-grit) to significantly dull the surface texture.
- Epoxy or Urethane Kits: Use two-part epoxy paint systems specifically made for cabinets. These kits dry extremely hard and chemically bond to plastic laminates.
- Application: These kits often require careful mixing and rapid application. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter.
Refacing Cabinets
Refacing is a step between painting and replacement. You keep the existing cabinet boxes but adhere new, thin wood veneers or laminate panels over the boxes and attach brand-new doors. This is more involved than refinishing kitchen cabinets but cheaper than a full tear-out. It requires precision cutting and gluing.
Maintaining Your Updated Cabinets
Proper care ensures your hard work lasts. The durability of your finish depends heavily on how well you treat it post-application.
- Cleaning Routine: Use only mild, non-abrasive cleaners. A soft cloth dampened with water and a tiny bit of dish soap is usually best.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use ammonia, bleach, or abrasive scrub pads on freshly painted or finished cabinets. These break down the protective topcoats.
- Touch-Ups: Keep a small amount of leftover paint for small chips. Dab small spots gently rather than trying to brush over a large area, especially in the first six months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I paint kitchen cabinets without removing the doors?
A: While technically possible, painting cabinet doors while they are attached is highly discouraged. You will get drips on the frame, miss the tops and bottoms of the doors, and the finish will look uneven. It is always better to remove the doors and lay them flat for painting.
Q: How long does it take to paint kitchen cabinets?
A: For an average-sized kitchen (15–20 doors and drawer fronts), active painting time might take 2–3 full days across a week. However, factoring in drying and curing times between primer, coats, and the final topcoat, the entire project usually spans 5 to 10 days.
Q: What is the best paint for cabinets?
A: High-quality cabinet-specific enamel paints are best. Look for urethane alkyd hybrids or 100% acrylic enamels. These dry hard and resist chipping better than standard wall paints. Oil-based paints offer great durability but require mineral spirits for cleanup and have strong odors.
Q: What should I do if my cabinets are Thermofoil?
A: Thermofoil (a vinyl layer heat-sealed onto MDF) is notoriously difficult. Paint often peels off quickly. The best approach is specialized chemical adhesion primer followed by an epoxy topcoat. If the foil is already lifting, you may need cabinet door replacement or cabinet resurfacing using heavy veneers.
Q: Do I need to sand laminate cabinets?
A: Yes, sanding is absolutely necessary. You must “scuff” the slick surface so the primer has something to grip onto. Use a medium-grit sandpaper (100–120 grit) to remove the shine entirely, then clean thoroughly before applying bonding primer.