- Refinishing the kitchen cabinets can be a do-it-yourself project.the kitchen. image by guiney from Fotolia.com
Give your kitchen cabinets a makeover instead of replacing them altogether with expensive new ones. Paint, glazes, crackle finishes and antique touches can provide new life, or refinish with a different stain and new hardware for a completely new look. No matter the size of the job, refinishing doesn’t have to be a daunting task. - Refer to magazines or websites, or consult a local designer to get a clear idea of how you want the finished cabinets to look. The cabinets should go well with the overall look of the room. Cabinet refinishing can be a lengthy procedure. You might need to create a makeshift kitchen elsewhere so that you can carry out the refinishing without disrupting other activities
- Gather all tools, paints, stains and other equipment before starting the project. Ensure that you have an adequate amount of paint or polish. This way, you will avoid stopping because something is missing or running out. If using a stain, stir it well before applying it to the cabinets. Unstirred or poorly stirred stain is light at the top of the can and dark at the bottom.
- Remove all screws, hinges and handles. Kitchen cabinets are prone to getting dirty, so thoroughly clean the surfaces of dirt and grime. While refinishing the drawer fronts and doors, make sure there are no sharp edges or objects. Drawer fronts can sometimes be removed by unscrewing them from the drawers. If not, you can still refinish the drawers with the fronts attached.
- Cleaning chemicals, paints, polishes and varnishes should be handled with care and kept out of reach of children. Wear appropriate clothing, such as gloves and eye protection. Follow the safety instructions for the products you are using. If you are allergic to a particular chemical, refrain from using it. Some cleaning and polishing chemicals require lung protection. In that case, wear a respiratory mask
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