If your kitchen cabinetry is looking old, outdated and worn out, you're probably dreaming of replacing your cabinetry.
However, this common kitchen remodeling project can come with a hefty price tag.
If you're considering resurfacing instead of replacing the cabinetry, choosing the right finish can make all the difference in the look of your kitchen.
Cabinet Refinishing Using Paint A crisp white set of cabinetry can make a kitchen look bright, fresh and new, but you're not limited to white paint.
No matter which color you choose, painting your cabinets can vastly improve the look of your kitchen.
The first step however, is to make sure your cabinetry can handle this type of project.
If the cupboards are old and sagging or full of nicks, it might be better to save up for replacement.
Before you can paint you need to start the refinishing process.
This includes removing the doors and sanding down the exterior of the structure, the doors and the drawers.
After everything is sanded down, it's time to start painting.
Experts disagree whether oil-based or latex paint is better, but each offers its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Oil-based paints typically dry into a harder, more durable surface and homeowners who use them can end up with a smoother finished surface.
Latex paints, on the other hand, dry more quickly and can be cleaned with water.
Cabinet Refinishing Using Stains If painted cabinetry isn't your style, you're still in luck.
Cabinet refinishing can also be done with stains.
The first few steps of this process are exactly the same as it would be if you were using paint.
After everything is sanded down, you can apply the stain.
The stain color works best if it's darker than the original one.
When staining, you can either use a brush or a soft cloth to apply the stain.
Before staining all the cabinets, test out the stain in an inconspicuous spot to make sure you like the color.
Cabinet Refacing The last type of cabinet resurfacing is refacing.
Here, you'll remove the doors and drawers and discard them (look for a recycling center instead of just throwing them in the dumpster).
A new veneer is applied to the existing structures, which means you don't need to worry about changing to a lighter color.
You'll also need to order new doors and drawers so match the base color so make sure to measure carefully to ensure you get doors and drawers that are the right size.
Once the veneer is applied and the new doors and drawers arrive, you can replace everything.
Cabinet refacing is a much shorter type of cabinet resurfacing because it doesn't require you to wait days upon days for paint or stain to dry.
Deciding which type of finish is best for your cabinetry depends on the look you're trying to achieve and the shape your cabinetry is in.
If you're leery about tackling this type of project yourself, call in a professional who can help you determine which type of resurfacing is right for you.