How to Reface Home Design Cabinets
- 1). Look at options to resurface old cabinets. Go over home design books to find cabinets and colors similar to yours. Plan to replace old doors with new ones, as one option. Look for ways to install a laminate of leather, copper or wood veneer to old doors as additional options. Choose paint colors for the cabinets that would look good in almost any home. Don't select a color that will become dated in a year or two.
- 2). Take doors off all the cabinets. Use an appropriate screwdriver to remove hinges and hardware. Put these metal pieces in a zipper-type bag or box so they won't be lost. Sand the cabinetry with medium-grade sandpaper to work off rough edges and prepare the surface to receive paint or stain. Sand gently in only one direction to prevent marks from showing up later.
- 3). Paint or stain the cabinets. Use a natural-bristle brush or sponge-type brush to apply three separate coats of paint or one-step stain that includes polyurethane. Buy paint that includes primer instead of adding individual layers of primer and paint. Choose a high-quality paint or stain recommended by a salesperson at the paint store. Never select a cheap or middle-grade product for cabinets; they will need a tough finish to hold up to wear and tear over the years.
- 4). Add new doors or refinish existing doors. Use techniques to add metal, leather and contrasting color to the cabinetry finish. Glue oak veneer to the recessed front of dark walnut doors, for example. Buy new hardware that is different than the knobs or pulls you removed. Do this to make the whole project look brand new. Choose all-glass pulls or knobs instead of bronze or white hardware instead of black.
- 5). Secure doors to the cabinets once everything is dry. Use a screwdriver to carefully reinstall all hinges and add new hardware. Avoid stripping any existing holes, as this can make the doors fail to hang properly. Place hinges in a new position if absolutely necessary. Take your time in aligning the doors to fit into their original grooves.
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