Crafts
Fact-checked

At HomeQuestionsAnswered, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Different Methods of Cabinet Refinishing?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

Cabinet refinishing, which can be a much less expensive alternative to an entire kitchen remodel, can be done in a number of ways. Wooden cabinets that have not been painted can be sanded and stained with a new color or can be changed entirely in their look with paint. Cabinets that have already been painted can be painted with a new color and can be given a fresh look by texturing the paint with a sponge or by rag rolling the paint. It is also possible to simply reface cabinets to give a kitchen a very updated look.

Using a new stain is a great method of cabinet refinishing that allows one to keep the natural look of wood in a kitchen. This kind of cabinet refinishing will not work on cabinets that are already treated with a dark stain. The color of the wood can only be changed in tone or darkness with a new stain; it can not be lightened in color. There are a number of methods and products to use a stain in cabinet refinishing, but most of them include early steps of cleaning and hand-sanding the wood. After these steps are completed, there may be one more step before applying the stain to the cabinets.

A kitchen with refinished cabinets.
A kitchen with refinished cabinets.

Painting wooden cabinets is a great way to quickly and easily give a kitchen a facelift. This may be the easiest cabinet refinishing method. Simply sand down the cabinets so that they have an even surface and are prepared for paint, prime them, and then paint them with a new color. For people who are looking to completely redecorate their kitchen on the cheap, it is good to choose a color of paint that will work well with other new accessories for the kitchen.

Good quality finish should be applied to kitchen cabinets and handles to avoid peeling.
Good quality finish should be applied to kitchen cabinets and handles to avoid peeling.

Refacing cabinets is a good kind of cabinet refinishing for people who need or want to put new doors on their cabinets but don't want to pay to have the cabinets entirely replaced. By using new doors and applying matching veneer to the visible exterior parts of the cabinet, the entire cabinet is given a new look. This is especially useful in cases where the original cabinets were not made of wood that could be altered with a new stain or coat of paint. This is also a cabinet-refinishing method that can be used to give a modern look to an older kitchen.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for HomeQuestionsAnswered, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

Learn more...
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for HomeQuestionsAnswered, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A kitchen with refinished cabinets.
      A kitchen with refinished cabinets.
    • Good quality finish should be applied to kitchen cabinets and handles to avoid peeling.
      By: ChmpagnDave
      Good quality finish should be applied to kitchen cabinets and handles to avoid peeling.
    • Veneer can be added to cabinets to give them a new look.
      By: Jovan Nikolic
      Veneer can be added to cabinets to give them a new look.