Resurfacing Kitchen Cabinets: How to Reface Kitchen Cabinets with Veneer

By Kelly Richardson
RefacingCabinet.com Columnist

Common sense says that resurfacing kitchen cabinets is much more cost-effective than buying replacements. That said, one of the more affordable resurfacing materials is wood veneer. And it's a basic do-it-yourself (DIY) project that you can complete. Here's how:

Resurfacing Kitchen Cabinets: Project Supply List
Knowing how to reface kitchen cabinets means having the proper supplies on hand. eHow contributing writer Carolyn Micheli offers the following list of materials needed to complete the project:

  • Wood veneer. 2-inch by 4-inch board; about 1-foot long; sanded to a slightly rounded edge along one side
  • Veneer glue. Special adhesive with enhanced bonding power
  • Roller. To smooth veneer strips after application
  • Painter's tape. Use along cutting lines to reduce damage to strips
  • Razor knife. To make exact cuts along veneer strip
  • Clamps. To encourage permanent bonding after veneer application


How to Reface Kitchen Cabinets: Step-by-Step
Depending on your DIY experience, resurfacing kitchen cabinets is comparatively easy. C. Locke Wilde, National Sales Manager of Jacaranda, Inc., describes how to reface kitchen cabinets and the potential problem areas to avoid.

  1. Preparation. Ensure that both surfaces are clean and free of dust; denatured alcohol works well
  2. Adhesive. Contact cement is the easiest to use; cover the veneer sheet and the face of the substrate entirely
  3. Bonding. Use a wood scraper, roller or vacuum press to apply consistent pressure
  4. Setting. Allow the pieces to sit at least 4 to 6 hours before applying sealers or finishes
  5. Finishing. Apply the sealer in stages using a very fine mist


If the finish shows signs of cracking or blistering, you didn't use enough adhesive, you didn't apply enough pressure, or you applied the finish too soon.

Sources
Carolyn Micheli • How to Install Wood Veneer • Oct 13, 2009 • http://www.ehow.com • http://www.ehow.com/how_4842197_install-wood-veneer.html • eHow, Inc.,
Locke Wilde • Installing Sheet Veneer Correctly • Jan 22, 2001 • http://www.woodweb.com • http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Installing_Sheet_Veneer_Correctly.html • WOODWEB, Inc.

About The Author

Kelly C. Richardson, MEd is a freelance writer and manic do-it-yourselfer. He specializes in home improvement projects ranging from savvy landscaping to house repair and beyond. Find out more about him at kellyrichardsoncopywriting.com.

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