Cabinets account for the majority of the cost in any kitchen remodeling project. Replacing them can easily set you back more than $5,000 for a 10-by-12-foot kitchen. Upgrading cabinets through skillful refinishing is a way to refresh your space without blowing your budget.
Refinishing cabinets is not only a budget-friendly alternative to replacing cabinet doors and drawer fronts but it also increases your home’s value. It is an especially effective approach to remodeling your kitchen if you plan on selling your house in the future because buyers will often view a kitchen with updated cabinetry as a major plus.
The process of refacing your kitchen cabinets involves replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts as well as applying a matching finish to the existing cabinet’s body that is visible to the user. Refacing can take up to four days and typically costs 50 percent less than a custom cabinet replacement project.
If you are a DIYer and choose to reface your cabinets, it’s important that you are accurate in your measurements when ordering cabinet doors. This will ensure that your new cabinet doors fit properly and are a seamless addition to the existing frame of your kitchen. Once your cabinet door sets arrive, you’ll need to remove the old cabinet doors and reattach hinges and hardware. Once that is complete, you can apply a coat of stain or paint to your new cabinet doors and then reattach them to the frame of your cabinets.
A key to success for any refacing or painting project is cleaning thoroughly. Before you begin, spray or wipe down the cabinets with a degreaser. This cleaner will remove all grease and oils from the surface of your cabinets, allowing you to apply a smooth layer of paint. Be sure to wear a mask when working with chemicals like trisodium phosphate (TSP).
Before you can refinish or paint your cabinets, you’ll need the proper tools and materials. A screwdriver and drill are essential, as are sandpaper and wood filler. You can purchase these items at any local hardware store or online.
To sand your cabinets, use a foam sanding block to scuff the surface of your existing cabinets. Be careful not to go down to the bare wood, but just enough to rough up the surface. Once the sanding is done, vacuum or use a tack cloth to remove all of the sanding dust from your cabinet frames and surfaces before you start your project.
When it comes to the paint, it is essential that you select a high-quality, durable paint. Most professional cabinet painters recommend Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore. It is also a good idea to prime your cabinets before you begin painting. Primer helps to create a smooth, even surface for the application of multiple coats of paint and will save you time and money in the long run.
If you aren’t confident in your ability to do a cabinet painting project yourself, you can always hire a Tampa cabinet refinishing professional. They have the experience and the right equipment to deliver quality results in a timely manner. Look for a team with a solid reputation, attention to detail, and a customer-centric approach when making your decision.