Your cabinets have started wearing off and spending bucks on revamping them is the last thing you would want to do. But, you love your kitchen and itâs where your heart is. It is almost like a little castle which you are proud of. You cannot let it ruin. And unsurprisingly, you are in a fix! But, just like every other problem, this one too has a solution. A one word solution called ârefacingâ. You can follow some simple DIY tips to reface and lift the appearance of your kitchen. But, first of all, we need to know what exactly âRefacingâ means.
Refacing means to replace the hardware, drawer fronts and doors; covering the framework and sides with glued on plywood or stick on veneer. After refacing, the result is astonishing and that too just at about half the cost. You are also spared with the mess and headache of completely removing and replacing the cabinets. So, If you think this is what exactly you were looking for, let us guide you step by step:
Difficulty level: Moderate
Time required: 2 hours
Resources required
- Wood filler
- Mold
- Painterâs paper
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Wood finish
- Hinges
- Sander
Instructions
1. Clean the cabinets
Your first step is to clean the cabinets. If any type of food item or liquid had ever leaked into your cabinet, it needs to be cleaned out to ensure a perfect finish. After the cabinets are well cleaned, rinse them thoroughly to completely devoid them of any material or liquid. This is very important for a faultless reface. Allow them to dry.
2. Check the cabinets
Look if the cabinet hardware is in proper shape. Check if the handles, hinges or any other thing is damaged and needs repairing. If repair is not possible, buy the new parts from a hardware shop. If the hardware is alright, clean it well so that it looks as good as new.
3. Strip and refinish the cabinets
If possible, detach the cabinets from the wall for refinishing so that you are able to easily work your way around. If that is not possible, put the âpainterâs paperâ under your cabinet and over the appliances that are placed directly under the cabinets.
4. Start refacing
After you are all done with the preparation part, you can start refacing. Your first job is to analyze the wood and look for any kind of dents and holes. If you find any, fill them in with wood filler. Sand carefully and lightly for a finished look. Even out the parts with the wood filling.
5. Mold the door
The final step will be to mold the doors in the style you want. Molding can be bought at a local store and brought home to finish it yourself. You can further sand down the doors to achieve the desired look.
Quick tips
1. While using the cleaners for cabinets, wear eye protection and rubber gloves so as not to hurt yourself.
2. Before you set out to the hardware shop, take a picture of your kitchen along so that you can decide what you exactly want and how it is going to look like.
Things to watch out for
- After you have washed your cabinets, remember to dry it completely. If water is left, refacing agents wonât work properly.
- If you have not detached your cabinets, do remember to cover the appliances which are below the cabinets. If you do not take necessary precautions, you may end ruining your kitchen appliances.
