Cabinets are the focal point of any kitchen, so if your cabinets are looking tired and worn, they can have a negative impact on the rest of the space. Refacing or replacing them is expensive and time-consuming, but there’s an alternative: cabinet refinishing. This cost-effective approach allows you to update your cabinets with a custom color or stain while leaving the existing cabinet boxes in place.
To do this, you need to prepare the surface of the cabinet boxes for painting by sanding and priming. You can do this yourself, but it’s a bigger project than simply repainting and will require some skill and time. If you’d prefer to avoid this step, you can have a professional do it for you.
First, sand down the cabinet boxes using medium-grit sanding sponges or 180-grit sandpaper on a random orbital sander. This scuffing will help the new finish adhere to the surface, and will also remove any imperfections. Once you’re done sanding, use a shop vac and tack cloth to remove dust particles from the surfaces.
Then, prime the cabinet boxes with an oil-based primer. This is a good opportunity to caulk any cracks or joints, which will protect them from moisture and help them stay weather-resistant. Once the primer is dry, sand again with the SVT process—sand, vacuum, tack—to prepare the surface for refinishing.
After the primer is dry, sand again to scuff the surface and promote adhesion of the topcoat. Again, make sure the sanding is done carefully and in a well-ventilated area. You don’t want to sand down to bare wood, but you do need to roughen up the existing finish so it’s ready for a new coat of paint or stain.
Refinishing your cabinets is the quickest way to give them a fresh look, and it’s less costly than buying all-new cabinets. However, if your cabinets are old and in poor condition, it may be more worthwhile to reface them rather than refinish them. Refacing also eliminates the environmental impact of wasting and transporting old cabinet materials.
These simple, yet effective cabinet refinishing ideas will transform the look of your kitchen and enhance the value of your home. If you have any questions or need assistance with your project, be sure to contact a professional Tampa kitchen cabinet refinishing company. A cabinet refinishing contractor in Tampa will be able to provide you with a high-quality result that will elevate the beauty and value of your kitchen.