How To Refinish Cabinet Doors?

Cabinets are a staple in any kitchen. Not only do they provide storage, but they also contribute to the overall design of the room. If your cabinets are looking a bit dated, or if you just want to change up the look, refinishing the doors is a great option. 

This guide and the Sucro painting will walk you through the steps necessary to refinish your cabinet doors successfully. Keep in mind that this process can be a bit time-consuming, but it’s well worth it in the end! So let’s get started.

What Does Refinishing A Cabinet Mean?

Cabinet refinishing is an entirely different process that costs much less than cabinet replacement or refacing. Cabinet refinishing involves restoring or replacing the existing finish on your cabinets. This can be done in several ways, but they largely revolve around the same general premise. The most common method is to strip the old finish off of the cabinets and then apply a new one. This can be done with paint, stain, or even a new veneer.

Other methods of refinishing cabinets include painting them or applying a new decorative finish. These are generally less labor-intensive than stripping and refinishing, but they may not produce the same results.

Steps To Refinishing Cabinet Doors

Cabinet door refinishing can be done by following the steps mentioned below.

Remove The Cabinet Doors

The first step is to remove the cabinet doors. This will make it easier to work on them and avoid damaging the rest of the cabinets.

Wash And Strip The Old Finish

Once the doors are removed, you can begin washing and stripping the old finish. This will help to prepare the surface for the new finish.

Fill Damaged Wood With Wood Filler

If there is any damage to the wood, you can fill it with wood filler. This will help to smooth out the surface for a new finish.

Scuff Sand

Once the wood filler is dry, you can scuff sand the surface. This will help to create a smooth surface for the new finish.

Apply The Wood Conditioner

Before you apply the new finish, you will need to apply a wood conditioner. This will help to protect the wood from the new finish.

Apply The Stain

Once the wood conditioner is dry, you can apply the stain. Make sure to follow the directions on the stain carefully.

Add a protective varnish to the cabinet’s

Once the stain is dry, you can add a protective varnish to the cabinets. This will help to protect them from wear and tear.

Supplies And Equipment Needed For Refinishing

Following equipment and supplies are needed to refinish cabinets doors and drawers,

  •  Sandpaper
  •  Paint stripper
  •  Chlorine bleach (if necessary)
  •  Wood filler
  •  Wood sealer
  •  Denatured alcohol
  •  Stain
  •  Varnish
  •  Respirator
  •  Rubber gloves
  •  Sanding block
  •  Scraper
  •  Putty knife
  •  Orbital sander
  •  Rags
  •  Paintbrush
  •  Steel wool
  •  Tack cloth

What Is the Difference between Refinishing, Refacing, and Resurfacing Kitchen Cabinets?

Reface, resurface, or refinish kitchen cabinets are more affordable substitutes if you are satisfied with the design of your kitchen as it is, rather than completely replacing them. 

Resurfacing

Resurfacing kitchen cabinets is a cost-effective way to give your kitchen an updated look. The process involves removing the old finish, sanding the cabinet frames, doors, and drawer fronts, and applying a new finish. There are a few things to keep in mind when resurfacing kitchen cabinets:

  • The type of finish you choose will determine the amount of prep work required.
  • It’s important to choose a durable finish that can withstand regular use. K
  • Make sure you have plenty of drop cloths or plastic sheeting on hand to protect your floors and countertops from paint or stain.

With a little elbow grease and some careful planning, resurfacing kitchen cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen a fresh new look.

Refacing

A cheaper and easier option is to reface your existing cabinets. This involves replacing the doors and hardware, and sometimes the sides of the cabinets as well. The end result is a kitchen that looks brand new – without the hassle or expense of a complete renovation.

For refacing your kitchen cabinets, keep in mind:

  • Refacing is not suitable for every type of cabinet. If your cabinets are damaged or poorly made, it may be better to replace them entirely. 
  • It’s important to choose a style that compliments the rest of your kitchen. You don’t want your new cabinets to look out of place. 
  • Make sure you measure carefully before ordering doors and hardware. It’s better to err on the side of caution, as it can be difficult to make adjustments later on.

Refinishing

By keeping all of the components of your current cabinets, you may simply change the color or finish. This is frequently done by hand sanding or chemically removing the old finish from the bare wood, followed by the application of fresh paint or stain.

Here’s what you need to know about refinishing kitchen cabinets:

  • Start by removing the doors and hardware. Then, lightly sand down the surfaces to create a smooth base for the new paint or stain.
  • Next, apply a primer and allow it to dry completely. Once the primer is dry, you can begin painting or staining your cabinets. For best results, use a brush or roller specifically designed for cabinets.
  • If you’re painting your cabinets, apply two coats of paint and allow them to dry. After the second coat is dry move to the next step. For most paints, this will take about 24 hours.
  • Once the paint or stain is dry, reattach the cabinet doors and hardware. You may need to adjust the hinges to ensure that the doors fit properly.

Benefits Of Refinishing Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Refinishing your kitchen cabinet doors is a great way to update your kitchen without spending a lot of money. There are many benefits of refinishing your kitchen cabinets, including that it is economical, simple and convenient, environment-friendly, and adds value to your home. 

Refinishing Is Economical

You are essentially just updating the look of your kitchen by painting or staining the cabinet boxes, rather than buying all new cabinets. Refinishing your kitchen cabinets is also less disruptive to your daily routine than a full kitchen renovation.

Simple And Convenient

Refinishing your cabinet doors is a relatively simple and straightforward process, especially if you hire a professional to do it for you. It is also a convenient way to update your kitchen since you don’t have to tear out your old cabinets and install new ones.

Environment-Friendly

When you refinish your kitchen cabinets rather than replace them, you are being environmentally friendly by not sending your old cabinets to the landfill. Green environment-friendly practices are becoming increasingly important to home buyers, so this is a great way to add value to your home.

Adds Value To Your Home

It is a relatively inexpensive way to update your kitchen and make it look new again, which potential buyers will appreciate.

Different Options Available

that there are many different ways to refinish your kitchen cabinets, depending on your preferences and budget. You can paint them, stain them, or even add new hardware. No matter what option you choose, refinishing your kitchen cabinets is a great way to update your kitchen without spending a lot of money.

If you’re thinking about refinishing your kitchen cabinets, you can hire Sucro painting professionals for economical cabinet refinishing services. It’s a great way to update your kitchen without spending a lot of money or disrupting your daily routine.

Cost of cabinet refinishing

Cabinet refinishing is an affordable way to give your kitchen a fresh new look. Here are some average costs for common cabinet refinishing projects:

  • Refinishing cabinets: $1,500-$3,000
  • Painting cabinets: $1,000-$2,500
  • Replacing cabinet doors: $500-$1,500
  • Installing new hardware: $100-$250

Furthermore, there are many factors that can affect the cost of cabinet refinishing. Here are a few things to keep in mind when budgeting for a cabinet refinishing project:

Type Of Finish

A high-gloss finish will be more expensive than a low-gloss finish. If you’re looking for a durable finish, choose a urethane-based product. If you’re looking for an inexpensive option, latex paint is a good choice.

Condition Of The Cabinets

If the cabinets are in good condition, refinishing will be less expensive than if the cabinets are in poor condition. If the cabinets need to be repaired or replaced, this will add to the cost.

Size Of The Project

The number of cabinets to be refinished will affect the cost. If you’re only refinishing a few doors, the cost will be less than if you’re refinishing an entire kitchen.

Hiring A Professional Or Diy Cabinet Door Refinishing

When it comes to updating your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, you have two main options: hiring a professional or doing it yourself. There are pros and cons to both choices, so it’s important to weigh your options carefully before making a decision.

Hiring A Professional

If you hire a professional to refinish your cabinets, you can expect high-quality results. Cabinet refinishing is a complex job, and it takes a lot of skill and experience to do it properly. A professional will also have access to better quality materials and equipment than the average DIYer. However, hiring a professional can be expensive, and you may have to wait several weeks or even months for the job to be completed.

Doing It Yourself

If you decide to refinish your cabinets yourself, you’ll save money on labor costs. You’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you did the job yourself. However, there are some drawbacks to DIY cabinet refinishing. It’s a time-consuming process, brush marks may remain, and it can be difficult to get good results if you don’t have much experience. You also won’t have access to the same high-quality materials and equipment that a professional would use.

So, which option is right for you? If you want high-quality results and are willing to pay for them, hiring a professional is the way to go. If you’re on a budget or just like the challenge of doing things yourself, DIY cabinet refinishing may be the better choice. Whichever option you choose, make sure you do your research and take your time to get the best possible results.

Conclusion

Conclusion paragraph: So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about refinishing your kitchen cabinet doors. Whether you decide to tackle the project yourself or hire a professional, remember that taking care of your cabinets can add life and value to your home. And if you’re looking for a fresh look without completely overhauling your kitchen, consider refinishing your cabinet doors—you may be surprised at the difference it makes. Have any questions? Feel free to reach out to Sucro painting. We would be happy to help!