Cabinet refacing is an economical way to update the look of your kitchen cabinetry and make them look like new. This process includes removing your existing cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and moldings and replacing them with new materials such as wood veneers, solid wood replacing, laminates, and thermofoil.
The cabinet boxes are typically still intact and reused, but the frame may also be replaced with new materials if desired. Your countertops and cabinets may be resurfaced to mimic the new refacing and match the look of your newly-faced cabinets.
Cabinet refacing also includes new hinges and drawer pulls to give your kitchen a complete makeover. Finally, a clear coat or topcoat is applied for protection, helping your cabinets look their best for years to come.
What’s the difference between a full kitchen remodel and a cabinet makeover?
A full kitchen remodel typically involves replacing or upgrading the cabinets, countertops, backsplash, appliances, and flooring. It can also encompass other elements such as changing the layout of the kitchen or replacing lighting fixtures.
A cabinet makeover usually involves repainting or refinishing existing cabinets, replacing hardware (such as knobs and handles), and sometimes replacing countertops and/or flooring. Cabinet makeovers can be more limited in scope, the cost can be lower, and the timeline involved can be shorter than a full kitchen remodel.
Is cabinet refacing worth the money?
Yes, cabinet refacing can be a great option for those looking to improve the look of their kitchen on a budget. Refacing is a cost-effective way to give your cabinets an upgrade, as it can cost significantly less than the average price of a full kitchen remodel.
It is also considerably less disruptive and time-consuming than a full remodel, as all of your existing cabinets will remain in place. With cabinet refacing, you can choose from a variety of new door styles, materials, finishes, and hardware for a fresh and unique look.
The process typically includes covering the existing cabinet body with a thin wood veneer and replacing the cabinet doors and hardware. Additionally, if you are looking to make your kitchen a more efficient, organized space, refacing will provide you with a great opportunity to do so.
For instance, you can add a lazy susan to fill the corner of your cabinet, you can replace your existing drawer pulls to give your kitchen a more modern look, and you can incorporate organizers inside pull-out drawers to make space for a multitude of kitchen items.
All these features can be included in a cabinet refacing project, making it a great way to increase function and value without a major kitchen renovation.
What is involved in refinishing kitchen cabinets?
Refinishing kitchen cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen a fresh, new look without the expense of a full renovation. The process involves completely stripping the cabinetry down, sanding it, and refinishing it with either a painted, stained, or lacquered look.
When stripping the cabinet doors and drawers, it is important to use a chemical stripper that is specifically designed for kitchen cabinetry. For the sanding process, start with a fine-grit sandpaper and gradually move up to a medium-grit and then a fine-grit sandpaper.
This process should be done with a handheld orbital sander. After the sanding is complete, wipe down the doors and drawers with a clean cloth to remove any residue before painting or staining.
Painting involves priming the cabinets, then applying two coats of paint. This is usually done with a brush and roller. For stained cabinets, the wood grain must be cleaned with a damp rag before stain is applied.
This must be done carefully to ensure a consistent finish.
Finally, a top coat of lacquer can be applied for a glossy finish. Lacquer protects the paint or stain from the wear and tear of everyday use.
The entire refinishing process can take several days, depending on the size of the project. It is important to follow all steps exactly as suggested to ensure the best results.
Is it cheaper to get new cabinets or refinish?
It depends on a few factors, including the condition of your existing cabinets, the product you choose for refinishing, and the design and size of the cabinets. In terms of cost, if you choose to refinish existing cabinets, the cost is generally lower than purchasing new cabinets because you’re not paying for removal and installation.
Refinishing is also often the look that people want for their cabinets, and refinishing keeps the original structure in place.
However, refinishing can be labor-intensive and time-consuming, and there are some cases where it’s not possible to refinish existing cabinets. If your cabinets are too damaged, new cabinets might be the better option.
Additionally, if you want a completely different look or style than what you already have, you’ll need to install new cabinets.
Overall, cost-wise, it’s usually cheaper to refinish existing cabinets. However, if the condition of your existing cabinets is too worn and you’re looking for a complete remodel with a new style, purchasing new cabinets will make the most sense.
Can you just paint over cabinets?
Yes, it is possible to paint over cabinets, although there are a few key factors to consider first. Depending on the type of cabinets, you may need to prepare the surface prior to painting. Many cabinets are covered with a laminate, which needs to be lightly sanded prior to painting.
You may also need to use a special bonding primer designed to adhere to the laminate. If you are going to be using a brush or roller to apply the paint, make sure you use a high-quality brush and even coats of paint.
For a longer-lasting result, you may want to consider spray painting your cabinets. This will give you a smoother and professional finish.
Is it cheaper to paint or stain cabinets?
The cost of painting or staining cabinets depends on the size of your cabinets and the condition of the surface you will be working with. Paint costs more up front but can last longer, up to 10 years, which can mean lower long-term costs.
On the other hand, stain can be cheaper up front, but you’ll need to refinish or touch up more regularly, meaning higher long-term costs. In terms of labor, both painting and staining require the same level of preparation and it is generally easier to apply stain than paint.
So, the final decision depends on before-mentioned factors, such as how often you plan on refinishing, how much you’re willing to spend up front, and the type of look you’re trying to achieve.
What happens if you don’t sand cabinets before painting?
If you don’t sand cabinets before painting, you will likely be left with an unsatisfactory finish. Sanding is important to ensure the paint adheres to the cabinets properly and creates a smooth, even finish.
Without sanding, the paint can end up looking patchy and uneven, and could even flake off or start to bubble over time. Sanding also helps to remove any dirt or oils that may be present on the cabinets, so if this isn’t done you could find the paint doesn’t bond properly and risks staining or getting damaged in the future.
Additionally, sanding will help to smooth out any imperfections or splinters in the cabinet wood. If ignored, these could create bumps and ridges in the paint surface which won’t look aesthetically pleasing.
Hence, in order to obtain the best results when painting cabinets, sanding is essential.
How can I update my cabinets without replacing them?
Updating your cabinets without replacing them is an affordable and creative way to boost the look of your space. Depending on the existing style, a few simple steps can create a new and unique look. Start by cleaning off any built-up dirt and grime.
Next, sand the surface to create a smooth finish and then apply a layer of primer. Choose a color to paint over the surface, keeping in mind that a warm, neutral palette will be more timeless than a trend-focused style.
Once the paint has dried, purchase new hardware to replace the existing handles. Look for pieces that coordinate with your other decor and design choices. Finally, include decorative touches, like a distressed finish or decorative molding, to add depth and interest to your cabinets.
By following these steps, you can easily and affordably update your cabinets without replacing them.
Can stained cabinets be restained?
Yes, stained cabinets can be restained. The process requires some preparation, sanding, and masking, but if done properly will yield beautiful results. To begin, you will need to make sure that your cabinet is free of any grease, dirt, and residue.
Then, use a sandpaper to lightly abrade the surface. Once this is done, it is important to be sure to use protective covering or masks over areas that you don’t want covered in the staining process. To ensure maximum success, it is recommended to use a stainable wood conditioner before beginning the process.
This gives the stain a better foundation to work from. Once you have prepped the cabinets, you will select the type of stain you want. You can choose from oil-based or water-based stains for this application, but oil-based tends to create a richer finish and deeper color.
Once you have chosen a stain, use a brush to lightly spread the stain in the direction of the woodgrain. To avoid blotchiness, do not over-stain one area or saturate the surface. Let the stain cool, then buff the cabinet with fine-grade steel wool to give it a smooth appearance and start to lighten the color.
Finally, apply a protective finish like polyurethane or shellac to seal the color and protect your finish. Following these steps will help you create a beautiful and lasting finish on your cabinets.
How much does it cost to sand and refinish cabinets?
The cost of sanding and refinishing cabinets will vary depending on the size and shape of the cabinets, the type of wood, and the amount of work required. Generally, materials such as sandpaper, stain, sealer, and lacquer, will cost between $150 and $300 depending on the size and complexity of the project.
Labor costs can vary widely depending on the complexity of the job, but they may range from $500 to $1500 or more. Prices may also depend on the quality and availability of a contractor as well. For an accurate estimate of the cost of your project, it is best to contact local professional services for more detailed estimates and quotes.
How much does staining kitchen cabinets cost?
The cost of staining kitchen cabinets will vary depending on the type of cabinets, the size of the project, and the type of finish used. Generally, for a small kitchen, the cost of materials and labor could range from $200 to $500, while for an entire kitchen, the cost could be $500 to $2000.
The average cost of sanding, stripping, and staining kitchen cabinets is around $700 to $1300. The cost may be higher if you are using a high-gloss finish, which may require more coats of a pre-stain wood conditioner, sealer, primer, and paint.
If you are considering the cost of staining kitchen cabinets, you should also take into account the time it takes to achieve the desired result. It could take anywhere from one to five hours per cabinet door and drawer, depending on the size and type of cabinet.
In addition, you should factor in the cost of materials such as paint, primer, sandpaper, putty, and other tools.
What do professional painters use to paint kitchen cabinets?
Professional painters typically use high-quality oil- or water-based paints when painting kitchen cabinets. Oil-based paints are usually more durable and offer better coverage, while water-based paints tend to be easier to work with and are less smelly and easier to clean up after.
Regardless of the type of paint you use, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper mixing, thinning, and application to ensure the desired results. Additionally, professional painters will use higher quality brushes and rollers that provide a smoother, more uniform finish.
Along with the paint, they will also typically prime the cabinets prior to painting to create an even surface and better adhesion of the paint. They will also sand the surface before, between, and after applying coats in order to create a smooth, uniform finish.
Finally, the painter will likely glaze or top coat the cabinets for added protection and to ensure the longevity of the painted kitchen cabinets.
How long do professionally painted cabinets last?
Professionally painted cabinets can last 15-20 years or more if they’re properly maintained and cared for. This includes taking the time to clean cabinets frequently and when needed, them lamination or re-staining them to ensure they are still looking in pristine condition.
Cabinets that have been professionally painted have usually been primed, sanded and then finished with a top coat, making them highly durable and prolonging their life. It is also important to check for any cracks or chips in the paint and using the correct products when cleaning.
If a deeper clean is needed, such as to remove many years of build-up, you may need to get in touch with a professional to conduct the job, as using the wrong chemical or cleaning techniques can damage cabinets.
Does refacing cabinets save money?
Yes, refacing cabinets does save money. Refacing is a process that involves updating the exterior of your cabinets without replacing them entirely. It leaves them looking like new and involves replacing the faces of the cabinets with new, prefinished wood or plastic laminate.
This is often more cost-effective than replacing your cabinets entirely, as it does not involve tearing out the existing fixtures and potentially having to do additional work to reinforce them or fit the new cabinets in.
Additionally, refacing the cabinets may involve refinishing the cabinet doors or replacing the hardware, which can further reduce the overall labor costs. All told, this process can be a more economical alternative to replacing cabinets outright, and can be much more convenient as well.
When should you replace your kitchen cabinets?
When it comes to replacing kitchen cabinets, it is often a good idea to assess the existing cabinets in your kitchen and determine if they are in need of revamping or if they should be fully replaced.
Signs that your kitchen cabinets may be in need of replacing can include discolored or cracked doors, drawers that don’t open and close properly, hardware that is broken or rusted and damages that have been caused by pests or water damage.
If your kitchen cabinets are not functioning properly or the aesthetic appeal of your cabinets is not pleasing, then it may be time to replace them. Additionally, another factor to consider is if your kitchen cabinets are not from a trusted manufacturer, then you may want to consider replacing them as they may not be suitable or safe for storing food.
If you would like a complete renovation of your kitchen, then replacing cabinets can be an important first step in giving your kitchen a new and improved look.