How to Strip and Refinish Kitchen Cabinets: Not Just to Create that Ugly Outdated Look
First of all realize that the designs have changed. Look in a few magazines and you will easily see that certain “quaint” looks are so not in good taste anymore. While one may design their kitchen in this manner; it is dating it, and dramatically so. Try selling the “country french” look to a hip home buyer and you will end up with nothing in sales. That’s not good in today’s market. It’s difficult enough out there without adding to the mix. So, really consider before you go for something that may be cute to you that another person may not like should you need to sell for financial reasons suddenly. Above all, it has to be something that you really like. Balance the choice that way.
Second, go do some research. Check out design magazines at your local bookstore. You can look at them completely free. That’s a good start to save money that can be invested in your kitchen. Choose the look that both matches your likes and the most popular trends in the last 5 years. That’s the look you are going for.
Third, go to the local Walmart or Home-Depot store and get some great supplies to help your job go easier. You want to buy Citistrip, (this is a paint remover and preparation solution for the wood). You also need to buy a Liberon repair kit. This kit is brilliant for helping you get rid of all of those things that “goop”-up over the years. It rids you of white rings on the wood, sticky grime and grease and repairs nails damage as well. Well worth the expense as it is cheap and great in the end result of the piece you are finishing. You also need to use a respirator while using these toxic chemicals. Don’t forget that. Also take note of things that you may already have from prior projects of this sort to use. If you no longer have those things then you will need to get more. Things like rags, painter’s tape, brushes, hardware tools for removing drawer pulls and that sort of thing. and other finishing gizmos. Then you will need the choice of finish or paint that you desire to use to give the end result in refinish. Choose carefully remember.
Then you are off to begin the project. Before you begin remove all hardware that is on the piece. You want to first wash the piece completely. Remember to put on your respirator prior to using any chemicals. Then use the stripping product carefully ensuring to remove all of the prior paint or finish. Then you want to wash it yet again to ensure that the surface is ready. After that, check for holes and scratches and prepare the wood using the handy kitchen Liberon repair kit. Make sure that every part of the surface is just right. Then wash it all once again. This three step process may seem too much at first; but after finding something that was overlooked once while refinishing my old kitchen cabinets; I realized that checking it thrice was really best.
Now you are ready for the finish. Carefully read everything and follow those directions for that particular finish, stain or paint prior to starting the project. Generally it will require opening the jar or can and stirring and allowing the product to air a bit before use. You want to start at the top of the kitchen cabinets and then work your way down. Generally speaking you also want to paint with the grain of the wood. I can’t even get the courage up to show you a picture of how dreadful my first painting project looked after not following this advice. I painted it alright; but it was ugly. I mean ugly. So, be sure to remember that advice. I am very pleased with the results that carefully painting or staining with the direction of the grain of the wood. Also, be very sure to paint one layer at a time and make sure not to “slop” it on. Don’t forget to allow each layer to dry before adding another. Basic perhaps; but it is extremely important. That’s really crucial to a professional job when stripping and refinishing kitchen cabinets.
Once done allow them to dry and do whatever finish you choose for your “look”. Then consider new hardware. If applicable install new pulls or whatever to match the look and give it that finish that makes it just right. Congrats are now in order once completed. You have striped and refinished your own kitchen cabinets.
