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Kitchen Cabinets: Don't Replace, Reface!
from: SelfHomeImprovement.comKitchen cabinets are an integral part of any kitchen and a big part of kitchen remodeling. If your cabinets are still in good condition but you would like to update the look of them, you might want to consider refacing your existing cabinets instead of spending the money and effort building or purchasing new cabinetry. Refacing can make old cabinets look new again and costs only a fraction of the cost of replacing your kitchen cabinets.
New Paint and Hardware
New paint and new hardware can breathe new life into your kitchen cabinets at a fraction of the cost of new ones or even new refacing materials. If your wood cabinets are still in good condition but have suffered from years of grease and grime, you can make them new again with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware. Preparing the cabinets for paint is a lot less work than completely refacing them too. You will want to remove the cabinet doors first and then thoroughly clean them with a mild detergent and a soft rag. Also, clean the facings. This would also be a good time to clean out the cabinets themselves and clean the interiors as well.
Before you prime and paint the cabinet doors and facings, you will need to sand them. Once sanded, apply the primer and wait for it to dry. Make sure that the room you are working in is well ventilated; open a window and use a fan if possible. Be patient when you are painting and allow the paint to thoroughly dry between coats. You will want to apply 2 or 3 very thin coats of paint for best results.
Once the paint is dried, you are ready to attach your new hardware. Most home improvement stores have a wide variety of attractive kitchen cabinet hardware to choose from. Now you have new cabinets you can be proud of and it took a fraction of the time and money.
New Faces
Suppose you don't want to paint or you need entirely new faces for your kitchen cabinets. You can either build the facings yourself or buy new doors and hardware. Then you'll have to decide on the finish you want as well, especially if you are building the new facings yourself. If you are purchasing new cabinet facings, you can get them finished or unfinished and then do the project yourself.
Refacing cabinets is a great way to update your kitchen and add value to your entire home. There are so many choices available to you when it comes to refacing options that you can make it as affordable and easy and you want by simply painting or applying new finish or you can opt for entirely new faces. Whatever option you choose, take your time to prepare your cabinets and faces before you begin so that you will have a smooth and clean finish.
Candace Olson Kitchen Design News