|
|
|
How to Reface Kitchen Cabinet Doors
Step-by-Step Instructions for Refacing Kitchen
Cabinet Doors
By: Mark J. Donovan
|
|
One low cost way to remodel your
kitchen is to reface the kitchen cabinet doors. Refacing kitchen cabinet doors
can be a do it yourself project, and is much less disruptive and expensive than
all out replacing the kitchen cabinets. When refacing kitchen cabinet doors it
is best to do one door at a time to minimize the mess and disruption to your
kitchen.
Tools and
Materials Required to Reface Kitchen Cabinet Doors
|
-
Rags
-
Paint or Stain Remover
-
Wide Blade Scraper
-
Wood Putty
-
Putty Knife
-
Replacement Hardware if desired
(Hinges, Knobs, handles)
-
Paint or Stain
-
Safety Glasses and Work gloves
|
 |
|
|
How to Reface
Kitchen Cabinet Doors
To begin the task of refacing kitchen
cabinet doors, start by using your screwdriver to remove a kitchen cabinet door
from a cabinet face.
After removing the kitchen cabinet
door, next remove all of the hardware attached to it. Save the hardware to
either reinstall it later or to find replacement hardware of the same size.
|
Next, in a well ventilated area apply
the paint or stain remover to the front surface of the kitchen cabinet door.
Make sure you follow the specific instructions on the paint/stain remover
container and always wear eye and hand protection when using these chemicals.
In general, however, after the
paint/stain remover begins to bubble you can begin to scrape it off of the
kitchen cabinet door with your wide blade scraper.
|
After removing all of the bubbled
paint/stain remover assess whether a second application of remover is necessary.
If so, repeat the process. If it looks good, then repeat the process on the
other side and edges of the kitchen cabinet door.
Once the kitchen cabinet door has
been stripped of the old paint or stain, you can now sand the door. Use your
power sander and a low numbered grit sandpaper, e.g. medium 80 grit, to begin
with. After sanding the kitchen cabinet door with the medium grit sandpaper move
up to a higher grit paper and repeat the process.
|
|
Finally, sand the kitchen cabinet
door with 180 grit fine sandpaper. Next, examine the bare wood kitchen
cabinet door for any holes or dings that need to be filled.
Use your wood putty and a putty knife
to seal the holes or dings. Finally, after the wood putty has dried, sand the
wood putty down to the surface of the kitchen cabinet door.
|
Once the kitchen cabinet door has
been sanded smooth, apply a coat of primer followed by a coat of paint. Let the
kitchen cabinet door fully dry and apply a second coat of paint to complete the
painting process.
Alternatively, you can stain the
kitchen cabinet door if you prefer. Use a rag to apply the stain, and then
another rag to wipe off the excess stain. Repeat this process until you achieve
the shade of color you desire. After the stain has fully dried, apply a couple
of coats of polyurethane to protect the kitchen cabinet door.
|
Photo by Mark Donovan |
Finally reattach the old or new
kitchen hardware and remount the kitchen cabinet door onto the kitchen cabinet
face.
Repeat this process for each door to
complete your kitchen cabinet door refacing project.
For help on your kitchen renovation project, see my
Kitchen Remodeling Bid Sheet. The Kitchen Remodeling Bid
Sheet provides a request for quote checklist section that you can provide to
prospective kitchen remodeling contractors. It also includes a comprehensive
kitchen remodeling cost breakdown table, in Microsoft Excel format, that allows
the contractor to include his projected remodeling costs for every phase of the
project.
How to Finance your Kitchen Renovation Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Related information on Kitchen Remodeling and Kitchen
Renovation Design Ideas
Additional Kitchen Remodeling Design Resources
Kitchen Faucets and Appliances from Amazon.com
Kitchen Remodeling Price Quotes For FREE,
No Obligation!
Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote
on kitchen remodeling from one of our prescreened and licensed kitchen
remodeling contractors. This process is free and there is no obligation to
continue once you receive your kitchen remodeling price estimate.
|
|
|
