For a quick cabinet transformation, opt for a fresh coat of paint. Whether you go for Scandinavian-inspired textures or European museum-esque botanicals, this simple upgrade delivers big impact.
Crown molding is another easy way to update cabinets, and it’s perfect for renters who can’t install permanent options. Esther Ellard of Effortless Designs likes to add warm white LED strips for optimal food prep lighting. Visit San Jose Cabinet Refinishing for more information.
Paint
Cabinet painting is a quick and easy way to transform your kitchen. It allows you to align your cabinets with your desired aesthetic, making it a versatile option that can be used in almost any style of kitchen. It’s also a much more affordable alternative to full cabinet replacement, with the added bonus of being less disruptive.
For a smooth finish, it’s essential to prep your cabinets before you paint them. You’ll need to remove all hardware and wipe down cabinet surfaces with a degreaser to ensure they’re clean and ready for primer. Primer is a must in cabinet refinishing because it helps prevent future chipping and peeling, especially in high-traffic areas of the home. You’ll want to use a quality primer that is designed for high-traffic spaces and can stand up to moisture.
Before you apply your final coat of paint, consider using a clear topcoat to protect your cabinets from stains and water damage. This technique will give you a glossy surface that’s extremely easy to maintain. It’s ideal for busy kitchens because messes can be easily wiped away.
Another popular trend in cabinet refinishing is two-tone cabinets. This technique uses different colors for upper and lower cabinets to create a dramatic effect. It can be used in any style of kitchen, from minimalist to traditional. You can also experiment with different door styles to achieve the look you desire. Try sleek flat-front doors for a modern feel, raised panel doors for a classic aesthetic, or beadboard for a cozy farmhouse feel.
Stencil
Stenciling offers a sophisticated, contemporary alternative to traditional painting techniques. It creates visual interest, elevates kitchen surfaces and adds an artistic touch to cabinetry. The technique is easy to execute with the right materials and practice. It can be used on walls, doors, cabinets, furniture and even floors.
A stencil is a piece of paper, plastic, wood or metal with letters or a design cut out of it. It is used to reproduce the letters or design on a surface placed under it by applying paint, ink, or another pigment through the holes in the stencil. Paint or ink is applied to the stencil through islands (sections of the material with holes that allow color to reach the surface underneath) connected by bridges (narrow sections of the stencil that keep the paint from reaching the stencil’s edges).
Choosing the right base paint and application technique significantly impacts a stencil design’s durability. Latex and acrylic options are best for interior kitchens because of their easy cleanup and low odor. Oil based paints deliver superior durability, but require specific application techniques.
To achieve a quality result, it is important to tape the stencil and prepare the painting surface before applying the image. Painter’s tape helps prevent accidental bleed under the stencil and allows for precise positioning of the template. It is also important to select a stencil brush with natural bristles that can be easily cleaned and maintained. After dipping the brush into the paint, blot it on a stack of paper towels and then “pounce” the brush across the stencil to apply an even coat without over-saturating the bristles. This process can take a bit of time, but it is well worth the effort to achieve a stunning design.
Distressing
A popular refinishing technique that can make your cabinets look brand-new again is distressing. Distressing is a process that creates small chips, dents, and scratches on a finished surface to mimic wear and tear. The idea is to give the impression that the cabinetry has been well used and loved over time. This technique can be applied to stained or painted cabinetry, but it is best suited for solid wood (not MDF, veneer, or other manmade materials).
Distressing can include a number of different techniques:
Worm Hole
The worm hole distressing technique creates the appearance of small holes in the wood that look like they’ve been caused by insects or even woodworms. This type of distressed finish is often found on antique furniture and is a great way to create a more weathered and worn look for your kitchen cabinetry.
Rough Sawn
The rough sawn distressing technique involves sanding down the cabinetry’s edges to reveal some of the natural wood grain underneath. This is a popular way to add an organic touch to your kitchen and can work especially well with lighter wood finishes such as maple or birch.
Scratching
The scratching technique is a good choice for those that want to take their cabinetry refinishing to the next level. This is done by hand with a scraper, and it can be very subtle or a bit more noticeable depending on your preferences.
Mouser cabinetry offers a selection of pre-made distressed finishes to help you achieve the look that you’re going for. Our Heirloom Distressing, Rustic Distressing, and Cobblestone Distressing packages are designed to mimic the appearance of wood furniture that’s been subjected to years of wear and changing atmospheric conditions. They also include a glaze that can be added to amplify the appearance of these elements.
Sand and Scrape
When you’re working with pre-existing cabinets, sanding them can be a pain. Not only does it take time, but it can also leave an uneven surface. To avoid this problem, Grant recommends using a product called “Peel Bond” by XIM which is an adhesive that goes on clear and bridges the edges of any old paint and prevents it from chipping. This product will save you a lot of sanding and is worth the investment for a smooth finish that’ll last.
Before you start sanding, apply a deglosser to the cabinets to help break down any grime that may be stuck to them. If the cabinets are stained, this step will not be necessary but if they’re painted you’ll need to strip them with a chemical deglosser in a well-ventilated area. After you strip the cabinets, wipe them down with tack cloth to remove any dust particles before sanding. To make the sanding process go faster and easier, use an orbital sander instead of a hand sander. Also keep sanding sponges and sandpaper sheets in various grits on hand to tackle any cabinet contours.
Once you’ve sanded the cabinets down to raw wood, switch to a medium grit to even out the surface and prep it for a fine sanding. Once you’re done sanding, a fine grit will help buff away any bumps between coats and will prepare the cabinets for painting or staining. For the best results, try to sand in the direction of the grain and work on small areas at a time.
Crackle
Adding a crackle finish to your cabinets can give them an antique appearance. It’s easy to accomplish and offers a unique look that is perfect for farmhouse and rustic styles. You can use Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint or shellac in a variety of colors and apply several coats, letting them dry in between. Then, apply a crackling glaze, which is available at most home improvement stores. The crackling will occur naturally as the paint dries, giving it a beautiful vintage charm.
Another way to update your cabinets is by refacing them with new veneers and doors. This option is less expensive than a full replacement, but it doesn’t offer the opportunity to make structural changes. You’ll also need to clean and sand the cabinet boxes before applying new materials. Once they’re ready, add new hardware to complete the look. This is an excellent choice if you want to change the style or color of your cabinets without changing their layout.