Refinishing your kitchen cabinetry is a very cost-effective process and can transform your cooking space at a minimal cost. In fact, refinishing kitchen cabinets on your own might be one of the greatest DIY projects you might ever do at home. Of course, if you're a first-timer but driven with so much inspiration, you will need a step by step guide to finish your DIY project successfully. To help and guide you in your DIY project, we outlined a simple guide on how to refinish kitchen cabinets like a pro for you. That way, you will save yourself from the risk of refinishing again in case you mess up.

1. Plan ahead.

Before starting with your project, plan and organize all the materials and tools needed, including paint brushes or sprayers, stain or paint, screwdrivers, and sandpapers. Prepping needed stuff ahead of time will increase your productivity.

2. Empty cabinets and drawers.

Emptying your cabinets and drawers makes it much easier to work on them. You can paint or stain all surfaces without any loose stuff getting in the way.

3. Label each cabinet faces and drawer.

Before you officially start working on your project, make a diagram of your kitchen layout and label every cabinet's faces and drawers before you remove them. This may seem unnecessary, but it will help you put back everything in the right place. Plus, it saves your time from remembering all the right places for each piece.

4. Remove cabinet doors and drawers.

Carefully remove every door and drawer to ensure you don't damage them. Also, remove the hinges and hardware, and make sure to store them in a secure container.

5. Clean everything.

After labelling and removing everything, grab a sponge and a dry cloth and give them a good clean. Make sure to remove any grease or unwanted marks.

6. Sand every surface.

Once everything is cleaned, sand every surface of your cabinets to give them a high-quality finished look. This way, you can avoid any rough surface or raised parts when painting.

7. Wipeout dust.

As sanding always leaves dust, make sure you wipe out dirt and clean the surfaces before painting or staining. The better you clean them, the better the finished product will look.

8. Prime each surface.

If you plan to refinish your cabinets using paint, you need to prime them first. Primer seals the wood and covers any blemishes, stains, knots, or any colour that might bleed into the final paint coat.

9. Apply the first coat.

After the primer has dried and the cabinets are cleaned, it is now time to apply your first coat. You'll probably need a few coats to achieve a good result, so you don't have to get the job done in one layer. Let the paint dry thoroughly.

10. Sand each coat.

Sand the first coat before going to the next ones to avoid any air bubbles, rough surfaces, or any blemishes. Of course, remember to wipe the dust after sanding before applying the next coat.

11. Wait for the paint to dry.

After applying your final paint coat, wait for the paint to cure before putting back your cabinet doors and drawers to where they belong. This way, you can avoid smudging the paint, as it is smooth and susceptible to damage until it is completely dry.

12. Carefully re-attach each piece.

Once everything is thoroughly dry, carefully re-attach every piece to where they belong following the diagram you made in the first step. Take your time in re-installing each piece to ensure you don't damage them; otherwise, you will need to repeat the steps.

Refinishing kitchen cabinets on your own can be arduous, but it helps you save money. It is a cost-effective way of transforming your kitchen into something new, providing a new and fresh vibe.

Remember to take your time when working on a job like this. Make sure not to skip steps, as it could turn a cheap job into an expensive one. If you ever need help in refinishing your cabinets, PaintCore Finishes is an expert in providing professional and satisfactory service to clients. We do repainting, respraying, and refinishing services for your kitchen cabinets and other kitchen furniture. We aim to give what clients wish to have for their home in Mississauga!