How To Restore Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are a focal point in any home and can be the subject of much sentimental value. Unfortunately, they can become stained and scratched over time, needing restoration. If the damage is minor, then you can repair the cabinets yourself. However, if the damage is severe, you may need to hire a contractor to do the work for you. Here are a few tips that will help restore the beauty and luster of your kitchen cabinets.

Importance Of Restoring Kitchen Cabinets

Damaged kitchen cabinets can detract from the overall appeal of your kitchen and leave your home looking dated. If you want to give your kitchen a new look, you will need to restore your cabinets to make them look great again. The following tips will help you fix the beauty and luster of your kitchen cabinets so they will look as good as new.

Use Contact Paper

Using contact paper is a simple and cost-effective method for restoring your cabinets to their former glory. You cover the cabinet fronts with contact paper, instantly giving them a new look. It also makes them much easier to clean since they are completely smooth without grooves or cracks that can trap dirt.

The best contact paper is a UV-resistant variety designed to withstand outdoor use and won’t fade in the sun. There are several different colors and patterns available to choose from. You can mix and match different colors to create a unique look. It is easy to apply and remove and can conveniently be cut to fit any shape or size. Make sure you choose a contact paper that is safe to use around food.

Sand and Refinish the Kitchen Cabinets

If the cabinets are still structurally sound, you can sand them down and refinish them using wood stain or paint. This is a great way to save money and give your cabinets a brand-new look. However, it is essential to ensure that the cabinets are pretty close before you decide to do this.

Removing the kitchen cabinet doors and refinishing the inside of the cabinets may be a better option. However, restoring the cabinets involves a lot of work and can be expensive, so you will have to carefully consider whether or not it is worth your time and resources. It is best to consult with a contractor or other professional before attempting to do this yourself.

Replace the Doors and Drawer Fronts

Another option is to replace the doors and drawer fronts with new pieces made from high-quality solid wood. However, this is very expensive and may not be an option if you are on a limited budget. 

For the best results, you should hire a professional contractor to install the new pieces. This will also ensure that they are correctly installed and are not squeak or become misaligned when you open and close them. Replacing the cabinets and drawers is a complicated process that involves a lot of precision work and specialized tools. 

You can only do it independently if you have a lot of experience with this type of work. If you are determined to do it on your own, you should invest in some woodworking tools and some practice first to know what to expect before you start.

Conclusion

You can do many things to restain or repair your kitchen cabinets to make them look new again. These are a few of your best options.

You can update the cabinet hardware by replacing the existing handles and knobs with new ones that better match the kitchen style. You can replace all the hardware, handles, and knobs on the doors if you want to keep the existing drawer pulls.

Using contact paper or vinyl decals is a great way to change the look of the cabinets without spending a lot of money. There are a wide variety of patterns and colors to choose from, so you can find something that works with the existing decor in your kitchen.

If the finish on your cabinets has become dull or damaged, you can try refinishing them with paint to give them a new look and feel. Most hardware stores carry kits you can buy that contain the paint and the tools you need to do the job.