How To Refinish Old Cabinets
The time has come to refinish your old, lackluster cabinets with a dazzling and inspired finish. Instead of spending a fortune on a set of brand new cabinets, refinishing your current ones will give them a brand new look and won't cost an exorbitant fee. Even though the process is fairly involved, you can do it if you are willing to purchase the right material and equipment. Whether the cabinets are lining the upper walls of your bathroom and need an update, or the cabinets above the stove in your kitchen are uninspired and could use a touch-up, the process will be similar. Follow along with these steps and you will have your cabinets looking brand new.
Supplies
- Screwdriver
- Hinge pin removers
- Wood stain remover
- Wood putty
- Putty knife
- Finishing brush
- Old rags
- Rubbing alcohol
- Rough-grit sandpaper
- Desired wood stain or varnish
Remove Cabinet Hardware
If your cabinet has any hardware, such as handles or decorative attachments, you will want to remove it. After you have done that, it will be time to remove the doors. With a hinge pin remover, ease the hinge pins out of each hinge plate. Remove the hinge plates themselves, as well. You will want to remove the hinge plates from both the doors and the cabinet boxes.
Remove the Cabinet Boxes
You will want to remove all of your wall-mounted cabinet boxes from the wall. The mounting screws will probably be located towards the back of the cabinet boxes. If you cannot detach any floor cabinets, that is fine, but remember to still remove any doors, hardware and hinge plates they may have.
Remove the Old Finish
Start to remove the old finish by sandpapering all of the surfaces of the cabinets and doors. If you're having a tough time removing it, apply a couple of coats of wood stain remover or rubbing alcohol. It won't be necessary to remove all of the old finish, you'll just want most of it removed and a fairly rough surface so the new coat of finish will have an easier time adhering.
Apply the New Finish
Now you will begin to apply the new finish to your cabinets. With your finishing brush ready, carefully apply the stain to the surfaces of the cabinet. If you are fairly inexperienced at the process of refinishing cabinets, start by applying the stain to the less visible areas before you start working on the door faces. After you have finished all of the exterior faces, begin to coat the interior. Have an assistant hold up a flashlight for you if you are having trouble seeing inside.
Use Putty
Since the cabinets and doors are all removed and you have easy access to all areas on them, use this opportunity to fill any errant nail or screw holes with wood putty. Make sure to stain over the putty as well.
Finish the Job
After you have completed the stain procedure, you'll want to install the doors and re-hang the cabinets on the wall. Try to let them dry overnight before placing anything in them.
