Refinishing Cabinets
Cabinets provide storage space so you can keep your countertops clear, and are an important selling point in a home. They tend to lose their finish over time due to frequent use, so refinishing a cabinet is a common household project.
- Screwdriver
- Sandpaper
- Detail sander
- Masking tape
- Cabinet finish
- Clean rag
- Clear coat
- Empty the cabinets of their contents and remove their drawers. Remove the screws from the hinges and other metal hardware on the cabinets with a screwdriver. Remove the doors and other attachments from the cabinets.
- Remove the old finish from the cabinets and its doors with sandpaper. Begin with 50-grit sandpaper and use progressively finer sandpaper. Finish sanding the cabinets with with 150-grit sandpaper until the entire cabinet surface is completely smooth. Access tight areas on the cabinet with a detail sander.
- Cover the areas of the cabinets and doors that you do not wish to refinish with masking tape. Ensure the edges of the masking tape are secure to prevent finish from getting under the tape.
- Apply cabinet finish to the surface of the cabinet according to the manufacturer's directions. This generally means applying a light, even coat of finish to the surface. Work quickly as this type of finish dries rapidly.
- Lay down a drop cloth on a flat surface and place the cabinet doors on top of the drop cloth. Apply the finish to the doors and allow the finish to dry according to the directions, usually about five minutes.
- Turn the cabinet doors over and apply the finish to the other side. Allow the finish to dry and remove the excess finish with a clean rag.
- Apply additional coats of finish to the cabinet surface as needed to achieve the results you desire. Allow the finish to dry thoroughly.
- Sand the finished cabinet surface with 220-grit sandpaper to obtain a smooth surface. Apply a clear coat to the cabinet surfaces and allow the clear coat to dry.
- Install the doors and replace the drawers on the cabinet. Remove the masking tape from the cabinet.