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If you want to make your old cabinets look new without staining, there are several steps you can follow:
1. Clean the cabinets thoroughly: Remove any dust, grease, or grime from the cabinets using a mild cleaner and a soft cloth. This will create a clean surface for the next steps.
2. Remove the cabinet hardware: Take off the handles, knobs, and hinges from the cabinets. This will allow you to work on the cabinets more easily and give them a fresh look.
3. Sand the cabinets: Use sandpaper to lightly sand the surface of the cabinets. This will help remove any rough patches or imperfections and create a smooth surface for painting.
4. Apply a primer: Use a high-quality primer specifically designed for cabinets. Apply a thin, even coat of primer to the cabinets and let it dry completely. This will ensure better adhesion of the paint and give a professional finish.
5. Paint the cabinets: Choose a paint color that matches your desired look. Use a brush or roller to apply a thin, even coat of paint to the cabinets. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next one. Multiple thin coats will give a smoother finish than one thick coat.
6. Seal the cabinets: Once the paint has dried completely, apply a clear sealant or topcoat to protect the cabinets from scratches and moisture. This will also give a polished look to the cabinets.
7. Reinstall the hardware: After the cabinets have dried and the sealant has cured, reinstall the hardware. This will complete the transformation and give your old cabinets a fresh, new appearance.
By following these steps, you can make your old cabinets look new without staining.
If you want to give your kitchen cabinets a new look without spending a lot of money, there are several options to consider. Rather than replacing the cabinets, which can be expensive, you can change the hardware, paint them a new color, or add decorative trim and crown moldings.
Replace or Paint the Hardware
Sometimes, simply replacing or painting the hardware can give your cabinets a completely new and contemporary appearance. Look for hardware that complements the finish and style of your kitchen appliances. For a modern kitchen with stainless steel, black, or white appliances, sleek silver-toned hardware looks great. Silver hardware also works well with any cabinet finish color. Measure the distance between screw holes on drawer pulls and the length and diameter of the screws before purchasing new hardware.
If you’re on a budget, painting the hardware instead of replacing it can save you a lot of money. This works best when the shape and style of the hardware still suit your kitchen, but the finish is worn or outdated. Make sure to thoroughly clean the hardware before painting it, and don’t forget to paint the screw heads as well.
Redo Kitchen Cabinets with Paint
Painting your old kitchen cabinets can give them a completely different look, regardless of the material or previous finish. However, it’s important to properly clean the cabinets before painting to ensure the paint adheres properly and doesn’t peel off. Use a cleaning product like trisodium phosphate (TSP) to remove greasy buildup, especially near the stove. Remove the cabinet hardware and doors, clean them, and keep track of which doors go with which cabinets for easier reassembly. After cleaning, sand the cabinets, remove the dust, and apply a stain-blocking or acrylic urethane primer. Finish with an acrylic urethane cabinet paint for a durable finish.
A Touch of Trim
Add trim or crown molding to give your basic cabinets a custom-crafted look. A starter or riser molding can increase the height of the crown molding, creating a more elaborate appearance. Light-rail molding is also a convenient option for adding and hiding light fixtures for ambient and task lighting.
Another way to change the appearance of door fronts is by incorporating decorative trim. To achieve the Shaker door cabinet door style, you can attach flat wood strips around the edges of each flat door, similar to a basic picture frame.
