How to Refinish Painted Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets are the focal point of any kitchen. The cabinets can become dirty, dull and greasy over time from frequent use, which can take away from the focal point. Once the cabinets become dull, you can refinish them even if they are already painted.
How to Refinish Painted Kitchen Cabinets
Materials Needed
- Screwdriver
- Drop cloth
- Spray bottle
- Rubbing alcohol
- Chemical stripper
- Paintbrush
- Paint scraper
- Gloves
- Stripper
- Scrub brush
- Wood filler
- Putty knife
- Sponge
- Sander
- 220 grit sandpaper
- 80 grit sandpaper
- Paint
- Paint stirrer
- Remove the hinges from the cabinets using a screwdriver. Take off the hardware as well. Remove the doors and drawers from the cabinets.
- Place a drop cloth under the area you will be working in. Make sure the work area is well ventilated by opening the doors and windows.
- Fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol. Use a paintbrush to apply chemical stripper over the surface of the cabinets. Allow the stripper to absorb into the surface for 20 minutes. Keep the stripper wet by spraying the surface with alcohol during the 20 minutes.
- Use a paint scraper to remove the paint from the cabinets. Make sure you wear gloves. Use hot water to rinse the stripper from the cabinets. Scrub the surface with a scrub brush as you rinse the area. Allow the cabinets to dry.
- Apply wood filler to all cracks and scratches using a putty knife. Scrape away any excess wood filler. Allow the filler to dry.
- Apply 220 grit sandpaper to a sander and sand over the cabinets. Change to 80 grit sandpaper and sand the cabinets. Wipe the cabinets with a damp sponge and allow them to dry.
- Mix the paint with a paint stirrer. Apply the paint over the cabinets using a foam brush. Allow the paint to dry for three hours. Apply another coat of paint and allow the paint to dry for 48 hours. Reattach the hinges and hardware.