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How To Refinish Kitchen Cabinets Yourself in 7 Steps

By: Andrew Saladino | Clock. 7 min
October 25th, 2023

Kitchen

If you're looking to give your kitchen a major makeover while sticking to a budget, refinishing your kitchen cabinets yourself could be the best place to start. Depending on the wood species, this process could allow you to re-stain, paint, or simply give them a glossy new finish.

Unsure how to refinish kitchen cabinets? Don't fret - you're in the right place! From design inspiration to prepping before starting your project, this guide will make redoing your kitchen cabinets a breeze. We've also included a pros and cons list to help you determine whether this is the right renovation for you.

Step 1: Gather Supplies and Prep

Kitchen cabinets in the process of being refinished.

Unsure how to refinish kitchen cabinets? The first step is to gather the necessary supplies. Here are the basic materials you'll need to kick-start your kitchen renovation:

  • Rags
  • Screwdriver
  • Vacuum
  • Sanding blocks and paper
  • TSP cleaner
  • Sponges
  • Painter's tape
  • Drop cloth
  • Stripping gel
  • Paint scraper
  • Kitchen hardware
  • Primer
  • Paintbrushes
  • Wood filler

You'll also want to prep your home to ensure you're working in safe conditions. Refinishing kitchen cabinets involves dust particles and hazardous fumes, so keep a fan in your workspace and open any surrounding windows to ensure proper ventilation. It's also important to wear respiratory protection during the sanding process to avoid inhaling harmful substances.

TIP: Use proper protective gear during all phases of the project, including sturdy gloves, a dust mask, and goggles.

Step 2: Remove Doors and Hardware

Man is removing the doors and hardware of kitchen cabinets.

After gathering your materials and prepping your working area, begin by emptying all the cabinets. Once your cabinets are emptied, place drop cloths on any surfaces you want to protect, then remove all kitchen hardware and cabinet doors. If you'll be reusing the same hardware, soak it in warm soapy water to remove grease and stains and dry well.

TIP: Using painter's tape, label each cabinet with its matching door to make reinstalling easy. A simple mark with the same number or letter works well.

Step 3: Strip Off the Old Paint and Varnish

If you have painted or varnished cabinets, you will need to remove the old finish with a stripping gel or thinner. Not all cabinet finishes can be stripped to resurface their natural wood color, so make sure you use the proper method for your cabinets. We recommend using a darker stain or color if you notice any blotches.

Vinyl cabinets require a much more complex refinishing process, so it's best to leave them to a professional. With stained cabinets, you won't be able to change the color by much, unless you use a darker stain. Keep in mind that the new stain may differ based on the color already present in the wood. To drastically change the appearance of vinyl or stained cabinets on your own, painting them will be a better option.

TIP: When stripping cabinets, it's important to be in a well-ventilated area - preferably outdoors. Always wear a face mask when working with stripping agents and paint.

Step 4: Clean and Repair Kitchen Cabinets

Lady cleaning and repairing kitchen cabinets before refinishing them.

Be sure to thoroughly clean your cabinets and cabinet doors with a trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner. For tougher stains, a hard scrub will help remove them and get your cabinets ready for a new finish.

After cleaning your cabinets, it's time to fix any scratches, dings, dents, or holes. Use a wood filler to fix any blemishes.

TIP: If you're using new hardware, choose a style with the same drill holes to avoid making new ones. Otherwise, you'll need to fill in old holes and make a new drill pattern to install your kitchen hardware.

If your old kitchen cabinets are beyond repair, it may make more sense to replace them. Browse our selection of high-quality kitchen cabinets for the latest cabinet styles and finishes at the best price.

Step 5: Sand and Prime

Person sanding and priming kitchen cabinets.

Use sandpaper or sand blocks to create a smooth surface. You'll want to use a damp cloth and a vacuum to clean the dust from every surface. If you're planning on painting, follow this step with a thin but even coat of primer going with the grain of the wood.

TIP: For a truly professional look, lightly re-sand your cabinets after priming to allow the paint to go on smoothly.

Step 6: Add New Paint, Stain, or Finish, Then Seal It

Person painting and staining kitchen cabinets.

Once your cabinets are smooth and primed, you're ready to paint, re-stain, or add your desired finish. Be sure to use a high-quality brush and roller to ensure a streak-free finish. Once the finish is dry, add a protective polyurethane coating to seal your cabinets, which increases the durability of your cabinets.

TIP: For paint finishes, go for a semi-gloss or satin finish, as they're both easy to clean and great at hiding dings and dents.

Step 7: Reinstall Cabinets and Hardware

Person drilling and reinstalling kitchen cabinets.

The final step in your refinishing project is to reassemble your cabinets and install the hardware. Use the labels previously applied to easily find each door's location. For the screws, use a manual screwdriver to avoid damaging your cabinets.

TIP: Further protect your newly renovated kitchen cabinets by adding shelf liners and felt door dampers.

Pros and Cons of Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

Two people in the process of refinishing kitchen cabinets.

Whether you're considering buying brand-new cabinets or want to know how to refinish kitchen cabinets, we've listed a few pros and cons below. Find out if refinishing your kitchen cabinets is the right choice for you.

Pros Cons
  • More cost-effective than replacing cabinets
  • Lots of customization options for colors, stains, and finishes
  • Quicker than replacing cabinets
  • Helps reduce waste by reusing existing materials
  • Maintains existing kitchen layout and avoids remodeling or reconfiguration
  • Unable to change the structure or layout of your cabinets
  • Not guaranteed to hide all imperfections
  • Not compatible with severely damaged kitchen cabinets or cabinets in poor condition
  • Requires touch-ups or replacement
  • Requires skill and careful attention to detail

Benefits of Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

  • Cost-effective: It's generally less expensive to refinish your cabinets than to replace them.
  • Customization: You can choose from a variety of colors, stains, and finishes, which allows for more creative freedom.
  • Time-saving: It's usually a lot faster to refinish your cabinets rather than going through a full cabinet replacement.
  • Eco-friendly: Refinishing kitchen cabinets helps reduce waste by reusing existing materials.
  • Maintains original layout: Keep your existing kitchen layout by avoiding extensive remodeling or reconfiguration.

Drawbacks of Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

  • Limited changes: While you can change the color and finish of your cabinets, you can't completely change the structure or layout.
  • May display imperfections: There's no guarantee that refinishing your kitchen cabinets will hide all imperfections - depending on the quality of the refinishing job, you may see brush strokes, color inconsistencies, or uneven finishes.
  • Incompatibility with damaged cabinets: If your kitchen cabinets are severely damaged or in poor condition, refinishing them may not be a suitable solution.
  • Temporary solution: Refinished cabinets won't last forever and will require touch-ups and eventual replacement.
  • Skill and time requirement: Knowing how to refinish kitchen cabinets is no easy task - this labor-intensive project requires skill and careful attention to detail.

Refinished Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

Now that you have a better idea of how to refinish kitchen cabinets, it's time to start the creative process. Here are a few refinished kitchen cabinet ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Eclectic kitchen with repainted green cabinets. Open concept kitchen with white repainted cabinets and white marble countertops. Shabby chic rustic kitchen with painted white cabinets. Refinished cabinets with dark teal paint and wooden countertops. Refinished gray cabinets in a rustic open concept kitchen.

Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets FAQs

Still unsure how to refinish kitchen cabinets? We’ve answered some frequently asked questions to help you feel more comfortable.

What is the average cost to refinish kitchen cabinets?

Refinishing your own kitchen cabinets can cost you as little as $200 for materials. However, it's important to keep in mind that it's a time-consuming process, and if you're new to home renovations, your kitchen may not be functional for quite some time.

What is the difference between refacing and refinishing cabinets?

Refinishing kitchen cabinets is an aesthetic project and consists of changing the finish or color of the material of your cabinets. Refacing kitchen cabinets entails adding new materials over the basic structure of your cabinetry, including frames, drawers, and doors.

Should I paint or stain my kitchen cabinets to refinish them?

Whether you want to paint or stain your kitchen cabinets is a personal preference. Staining is a great option if you're looking to highlight the wood's natural beauty, while painting your cabinets allows for more creativity with a wider range of colors to help create a custom look.

How can I refinish my kitchen cabinets without sanding?

Refinishing kitchen cabinets is possible without sanding, but the quality and durability of the final look may be compromised. If you decide to skip this step, we recommend at least a deep clean and thorough scrub of your cabinets before you add paint or a new finish.

Why are my wood cabinets blotchy after stripping?

Blotchy wood cabinets occur because of older stains that are ingrained in the wood. If you notice blotches, we recommend choosing a darker stain or paint to conceal it.

How do you make old cabinets look modern?

In addition to refinishing your cabinets, a great way to revamp your kitchen to create a modern look is by installing new, sleek kitchen hardware. Contrasting colors and textures in both your hardware and decor can liven up any outdated or old-looking cabinets.

Are you ready to take on a kitchen cabinet refinishing job? Our seven simple steps can help make the process go smoothly. If you find that your cabinets are too damaged to refinish, save time and effort with pre-assembled cabinets. You'll have the freedom to build a brand-new design and layout and have the peace of mind that your cabinets will last for decades to come.

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