If your kitchen cabinets need updating and are basically in good condition, you could save thousands of dollars by cabinet refacing rather than purchasing brand new ones. This is a guide to help you determine which route you wish to take with cabinet refacing and provide you with the steps of stripping and refinishing, if you choose this route. Cabinet refacing is a great way to update your kitchen, especially for those on a budget.

Refacing cabinets can be as extensive as completely adding new doors, drawer fronts and hardware and veneer, or as simple as stripping and refinishing the cabinets. If you choose to completely replace your cabinet doors, drawer fronts and hardware, each door and drawer front must be customized to the existing opening.

Measurements MUST be precise. The tiniest mistake can cost you a lot of money. Therefore, be extremely precise or consider hiring a professional for this project. Be sure your new doors and drawer fronts will operate in conjunction with the new hardware and cabinet’s structure. Also, be sure you understand the process of veneering before you venture into this project, as veneer can buckle if not applied correctly.

If your idea of refacing cabinets is not this extensive, you can try stripping and refinishing your cabinets. This is much easier and can really make a significant difference in your kitchen.

Tips for preparing for cabinet refacing

• Clean your cabinets thoroughly. You must remove food residue, as well as heat and grease build up.
• Label your doors. Do not paint over or sand off these labels.
• Always use protective eyewear and rubber gloves.
• Protect floors, appliances and countertops with plastic.
• Read and follow instructions for the cleaner you use.
• Use a clean cloth when cleaning cabinets.
• Rinse cabinets with a cloth.
• Wooden cabinets must dry thoroughly before cabinet kitchen refacing.

Before refacing cabinets, you must determine the existing finish. There are five common finishes that are likely on your cabinets. Listed below are the most common finishes and how to test to determine which finish your cabinets have.

• Shellac: Apply a few drops of denatured alcohol. It is shellac if the finish dissolves instantly.
• Wax: Apply a small amount of turpentine. It is wax if the finish dissolves.
• Polyurethane or Varnish: Apply paint or varnish stripper to cabinets. If strips, finish is this.
• Paint: Determine if paint is oil or water based. Denatured alcohol on a clean cloth will take water based paint off. Important: Do not paint over water based paint with oil based. For cabinet refacing, you must strip and use primer.
• Formica or Vinyl: You need to hire a professional or purchase new cabinets if your cabinets have this type of finish.

Steps for stripping and refinishing for your cabinet-refacing project

1Remove cabinets.

2Use a semi-paste or gel stripper for the finish you have determined for your cabinets. This type will not drip as much.

3Patch holes, nicks and scratches with food filler. Allow filler to dry.

4Sand lightly and wipe dust with a lint free cloth.

5If you decide to refinish with paint, apply a primer.

6Replace hardware or soak your hardware in soap and water for at least an hour.

7Polish hardware.

Purchase molding to finish up your cabinet-refacing project. There are many different styles and stains available. Choose a molding that will compliment your kitchen décor. Enjoy the new look of your cabinet kitchen refacing.

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