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A kitchen isn't just for cooking; it's the central hub of your home. Cooking meals, homework at the counter, and friend gatherings all take place in the kitchen. If you would like to update your kitchen, but don't want to spend the money to do a complete remodel, consider refinishing your cabinets. If your cabinets are structurally sound and you're happy with the basic style, a new finish will give them a new look and update the overall appearance of your kitchen. There are Atlanta cabinet refinishing companies, or experts in your area, that will come do the work, or you can save money by refinishing them yourself. Tips for Refinishing Your Kitchen Cabinets - Start your project by planning ahead and being prepared with the tools you need. Check your toolbox for screw drivers, scrapers, a hammer, and sanding blocks. Make sure you have rags, sponges, and painter's tape. You'll need protection for your countertops, appliances, and floors; newspaper, a drop cloth, or packing paper from a moving supply store are all viable options.
- Get a sprayer or paint brushes that are suitable for the finish you are planning to use. It's important to purchase the highest quality paint brush you can afford; a quality finish depends on quality brush strokes.
- Take time to empty your drawers and cupboards; not only will you protect the items inside, it will make the prep and finishing much easier.
- Remove the cabinet doors, shelves, and hardware. Some shelves easily lift off of their supports; others need to be unscrewed. Use your painter's tape and a permanent marker to label doors and shelves, to help you remember where they go.
- Cleaning the cabinets is a crucial step in successfully refinishing your cabinets. Kitchen cabinets often end up with a buildup of grease and dirt. Paint or stain won't adhere correctly to dirty, greasy surfaces. TSP, or tri-sodium phosphate, is a very effective cleaning product for removing grease deposits.
- After you have finished cleaning the cabinets, it's time to start sanding. Start by lightly sanding any rough areas or peeling paint, and then sand all the surfaces until they are smooth and even. In the end, it will be worth your time and effort to do a thorough sanding job. Remove all dust particles with a damp cloth.
- If you're keeping your hardware, give it a good cleaning. If you soak the hardware in a soap and warm water solution for 30 minutes, you should be able to remove any unwanted residue with a soft scrub brush. Let the parts dry then apply the appropriate polish.
- If your plan is to restore your cabinets to the original wood or stain previously painted cabinets, you will need to strip all the paint off of the cabinets using chemicals. Be sure to choose the correct type of stripping agent for your project. Keep in mind that this process adds considerable time to your refinishing project. Plan accordingly.
- Now comes the part where you get to transform the look of your kitchen. If you are painting, the first step is to prime the cabinets. Once the primer is dry, apply the paint color you have chosen; apply a second coat of paint, and finish with a polyurethane finish for protection. If you have chosen to use stain, brush it on with smooth, even strokes. It's important to avoid using too much stain, which may cause the stain to drip. For a more intense color, apply two coats of stain.
Refinishing your cabinets is an inexpensive way to give your kitchen a whole new look. If you prefer to have your cabinets refinished by a professional, contact an Atlanta cabinet refinishing company, or a cabinet specialist in your hometown.
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