How to Restore Old Cabinets in Five Steps

If you are looking for a way to renovate your kitchens, you’ll likely focus on the cabinets at some point. The cabinets are a focal point of the kitchen and some of the most used elements of your kitchen. Replacing them could change the entire look of the kitchen; however, that can be expensive. Another option would be to restore them. Restoring them involves fixing damage and changing the colors. This Is most easily done with solid wooden cabinets.

 

Step I: Decide On A Vision

 The first thing you need to do is decide how you would like the finished cabinets to look. That will guide what you’ll need to buy to make your restoration happen.

 

Step II: Buy Your Supplies

 Once you’ve decided how you would like your cabinets to look, you need to buy supplies to make that a reality. You need to buy paint stripper if your cabinets have been sealed with polyurethane and/or been painted. You’ll need sandpaper ranging from coarse grit to fine grit. You’ll need paintbrushes, drop cloths, and painters’ tape. Finally, you need the paint you’re going to use. Alternately, you’ll need the wood stain and the wood finish that you’re going to use.

 

Step III: Strip the Cabinets

 Once you’ve got the cabinets off the wall, you need to strip the old paint or stain from the cabinets. If it’s paint, follow the directions on the paint stripper. If it’s stain, you might have to sand off the top layer of wood to get to wood below the stain. Once you’ve got it down to the bare wood, you’re ready to sand.

 

Step IV: Sand the Cabinets

 If your cabinets have sustained damage such as scratches, chips, or cracks, you need to fix those. To fix the shallow scratches, just sand them away with a medium grit sandpaper. To fix deeper scratches, chips, and cracks, you’ll need to use some wood filler. Wood filler is a putty that hardens when it is applied. Make sure the type you choose is sandable. Fill in all the chips, cracks,and scratches. Then, sand them with a medium grit sandpaper. Follow that up with a fine sandpaper until the cabinets are smooth.

 

Step V: Paint or Stain the Cabinets

 Lastly, you’re ready to paint or stain the cabinets. If you’re painting the cabinets, use two or three thin coats of paint. If you’re staining them, follow the directions on the stain to get even coats and rich color. Finish them with a coat of polyurethane.

Once they’re dry, reinstall your like-new cabinets.