How do I easily redo my kitchen cabinets?

JEANNETTE
by JEANNETTE
  9 answers
  • Gk Gk on Dec 04, 2018

    I don't think there is any easy way but some ways are easier than others! Painting your cabinets is easier than stripping and staining. Using a gel stain is easier than stripping and staining. Changing out your old hardware with new and cleaning your cabinets well is really easy. With the right paint and primer painting your cabinets requires very little prep work but it will take time to get it all done. you need to have some good drying time and at least 2 coats of paint after you have applied primer. Gel stain requires some sanding but you can make your cabinets darker if that is the look you are going for. Stripping and staining with new stain followed by a poly finish is the most labor intensive and something you would want to be able to work on outside--doors and drawers.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Dec 04, 2018

    Hi Jeanette,


    What are your kitchen cabinets made of, are they wood, particle board, plastic, laminate of a sort, covered with contact paper? Need a little more info to help you.

  • I used a simple kit from Rustoleum, Cabinet Transformations. It was generally pretty easy, and no sanding required. You can see what I did here: https://www.flippingtheflip.com/2015/09/kitchen-cabinets-black.html

  • DesertRose DesertRose on Dec 04, 2018

    The easiest way, in my opinion, is with chalk paint. Just wash them down and paint. No sanding or anything. Then a layer of polyurethane to protect it. I think it is by far the easiest way. You can make your own chalk paint if you like, the store bought ones are so expensive. Hope this helps, Jeannette.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Dec 04, 2018

    Hi Jeanette! My best advice is that no matter what method you choose, prep is the key. Kitchen cabinets tend to have grease and cooking oil residue, in addition to the normal fingerprints, dust, etc. you find on anything. One of the most important things is cleaning it all off. It's worth the time and trouble of getting your cabinets squeaky clean before attempting a new finish. If the finish is glossy, you are going to have to remove the shine before anything or the new finish won't stick. Paint is an option, as is gel stain. You can whitewash instead of applying an opaque finish. I like to strip off an old finish and sand before refinishing, but, not everyone does. I have painted cabinet doors while still on the cabinet, although it is often recommended to remove them. I would rather be finicky with my painting than fool around with rehanging doors, which I am not good at. Do remove all hardware before applying a new finish or you will be creating a problem if you ever want to change them. Fill any holes if you change the hardware and they don't lineup perfectly, before applying the finish. If you aren't dealing with solid wood, or you don't want to strip them to bare wood, use a good sealer before painting.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Dec 04, 2018

    Hello Jeannette,


    Changing handles is probably the easiest refurbish.

  • Natalie Natalie on Dec 05, 2018

    Unfortunately I don't think there is an easy way to refinish kitchen cabinets and do it right so the new finish lasts and is durable. If you're painting or restaining your cabinets, the most important thing is to make sure to prep. Remove all of the grime, and grease from your cabinets.

    IF you're looking for a simple thing to update them, changing out the hardware is the very easiest and can make a big difference.

  • Phaedra Kohler Phaedra Kohler on Dec 05, 2018

    I like Fusion Mineral Paint for doing kitchen and bathroom cabinets. As others state prep is key! Good cleaning and a light sanding then I like to use a good primer first especially if the cabinets are really old.. if they are fairly new then just the paint. 😊

  • Homeroad Homeroad on Dec 05, 2018

    I don't think there is a simple idea but you can use chalk paint which doesn't require as much prep work. I would use a heavy duty sealer over your paint when you are finish. Change out the handles and you will have a brand new kitchen!