Custom Kitchen Designs: Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets Restores New Life
By Kelly RichardsonRefacingCabinet.com Columnist
The case for refinishing kitchen cabinets is an easy one if you're working under a tight budget. While a custom kitchen design can easily reach into thousands of dollars, HGTV reports that the typical refinishing job can be done for under $200.
And it gets better. Not only can you get away with a small total cost, the work can be done by you over the course of a weekend, in most cases. Anyone whose kitchen has ever been left in the lurch for weeks on end waiting for a contractor to finish the work will love that aspect of refinishing kitchen cabinets. Money saved? Check. Time saved? Check.
Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets Made Easy
HGTV also demonstrates the no-fuss route for the project. Thirteen common tools and materials that you can get at any home and garden center plus a three-step process is all it takes to breathe life back into an aging kitchen.
- Remove the Old Finish. Remove the cabinets and hardware; take a random-orbit sander with 100-grit paper and remove the old finish; use wood putty to fill in any chips in the cabinet faces
- Paint the Cabinets. Use a high-grade, oil-based primer and paint for best results; latex has a tendency to be sticky after application
- Reattach Cabinets and Hardware. Proper measurement and subtle drilling is key here
Custom Kitchen Design Spotlight: Shellac
If you'd like to go the super-thrifty route, consider shellac coverings. For about $20, depending upon the number of cabinets you have, you can add a coat of shellac for a glossy shine. Use a standard bristle brush with quick, light strokes. You can add another coat after about a 10-minute dry period for an intense glow.
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.
