To refinish furniture is to apply a new finish to it. Refinishing is mostly done on cabinets in good condition but needs some changes. All the cabinet components, including doors and drawers, are kept intact except for the color change. This is a cost-effective process than replacing the cabinets.
Preparation, before the process begins, helps you to have an idea of the results. Do you want to do kitchen, bathroom cabinet refinishing, or both? You also need to consider an affordable contractor for the job if you’re planning to hire one. If you’re doing the refinishing yourself, have all the tools and equipment in place. Determine how long the project will take to be completed. Get a temporary kitchen to minimize project interference when the need arises.
1. Remove doors and drawers
The tools to use when removing the doors are a cordless drill and a driver bit. Fit the driver bit on the cordless drill to remove the screws on the door hinges. Get a safe bag and a marker to put the hinges—Mark the hinges and the screws as per their original location. If the drawers have any items, remove them, and then carefully remove the drawers. You can also consider removing all the cabinets from the wall. Although this is a dirty job which can damage your walls, it is a recommended option. As you pull the doors and the drawers, also remove the cabinet fixtures. These include handles and knobs.
2. Cabinet cleaning
Clean your cabinets thoroughly for long-lasting results. It could be this is your first time to clean the cabinets ever since you entered the house. For some years, the cabinets that have stayed without cleaning have grease, dirt, chemical residue, and soap residue. You want to ensure the surface is suitable for the paint to stick. Use a mixture of trisodium phosphate and warm water. Get a sponge and dip it in the mix and then clean up the cabinets. When cleaning, avoid soaking the cabinets to protect them from damage. Dry the cabinets completely before the refinishing project.
3. Surface sand down
To sand down, something is to make it smoother. Sand grit is one of the equipment to use when sanding down. Start with low number sandpaper and see how it does the work. If it’s not bringing out the results, raise the range to a higher number. You can also use a random orbital sander used on flat surfaces. It is used for smoothening and reducing workload. Foam sandpaper smoothens uneven surfaces and grooves where the thunder or the sandpaper grits cannot reach after the sanding process, clean the cabinets and allow them to dry.
4. Painting
Purchase quality paint or coating for your cabinet refinishing. Acrylic or enamel paints will get you the best results and last for a more extended period. These products are oil-based finishes and better than paint like latex, which is water-based products. After every paint or coating layer, smoothen the cabinets to get a professional look. Ensure your working space is clean to prevent dust and other particles from clinging to your wet cabinets.
5. Be patient
Do not just aim at refinishing cabinets but getting a professional look after the project is complete. Subdivide the work to complete daily until the whole process is over. Small goals can help you accomplish everyday tasks and motivate you to complete the job. Completing the projects give your house a new look that you will enjoy.
