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Cabinet Refinisher Techniques: An Overview of Common Cabinet Refinishing Practices

Are you looking for a way to update the look of your cabinets? If so, refinishing may be the home improvement project for you. When homeowners refinish their cabinets, it costs less than purchasing new cabinets. Read this article to learn about the different steps to refinishing.

Cabinet refinishing is a popular home improvement project among homeowners because it's an affordable way to improve their cabinets. Like many other home improvement projects, there are many steps to cabinet refinishing. Before homeowners decide to refinish their cabinets, they should review the various steps involved. Here are some of the major steps in cabinet refinishing.

Inspecting

When considering refinishing as an option for cabinets, homeowners should inspect the structure of their cabinets. If the cabinets are in poor condition, they may have to be replaced instead of refinished. According to the writers at Better Homes and Gardens, www.bhg.com, here are some flaws to look for in cabinets:

  • Gaping Joints Between Cabinets
  • Separation Between the Wall and Cabinets
  • Misaligned Doors
  • Poorly Functioning Drawers

Sanding & Stripping

If the homeowners have decided to refinish their cabinets, they will have to first prep their cabinets. Prepping involves removing the old paint or finish. This step can be done by sanding away the existing layer or applying a liquid stripper. When using a liquid stripper, the professionals at Lowes, www.lowes.com, recommend using a gel or semi paste stripper because it can help reduce the mess. They say these types of liquid stripper won't drip as much. If sanding sounds like the better option, those at HGTV, www.hgtv.com, suggest using 100-grit, 60-grit or fine grit sandpaper.

Painting & Finishing

Whether homeowners use a paint or wood finish depends on the look that they want to achieve in their home. If homeowners want a more traditional look, it may be best to choose a wood finish. On the other hand, if homeowners want a more contemporary feel, they may choose to paint their cabinets. With paint, they can choose to experiment with faux finishes and other painting techniques.

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