Dinged, water damaged kitchen cabinets can be made new again
Time and use can make your kitchen cabinets look awful….but proper refinishing makes them like new!
Refinishing cabinets is a step by step process….do not skip any if you want nice results
First you must clean all cabinet surfaces free of contaminants such as oil and grease BEFORE sanding!
Remove cabinet doors and drawers and mark so that you are sure to put them back in the same opening
If you remove hinges, be sure to number them and mark cabinet body where removed so that you do not have to readjust fit upon reinstallation
Protect cabinet body interiors and drawer interiors, if necessary, from overspray….often interiors do not need finishing as they are veneered with melamine plastic
Next step is for you to sand all surfaces to de-gloss and remove all failed coatings….this is a critical step to insure proper adhesion
If you want a solid color finish then apply a bonding primer or lacquer primer surfacer followed by sanding when dry
If you are replacing old hardware, now is the time to fill and old holes, damage and sand/spot prime these repairs
Caulk any open seams
Apply two coats of lacquer or paint by spray, brush or roller
If you want a stained finish…
then after cleaning/deglossing, apply your preferred stain followed by two coats of clear acrylic or lacquer
Most folks choose to have a professional do it….but with patience and time…you can do it!
