How to Remodel Solid Slab Cabinet Doors

Consider painting the cabinets if their finish is outdated. Use semi-gloss enamel paint with primer mixed in the formula. Use a small roller to paint the cabinets and doors separately after removing doors and hardware. Buy sponge rollers, which will be very densely constructed, that are recommended for this type of painting at your home improvement store. Roll the paint on sparingly in several layers -- and allow them to dry thoroughly between coats -- versus painting on thicker layers. Paint any decorative hardware on the door panels with copper or bronze metallic paint.

Replace some solid panels with glass-front doors or frosted glass-front doors. Use these alternative types of doors on every third door opening, for example. Store containers of spices or special dishes inside clear or frosted glass doors.

Enhance an old finish using both paint and stain. Paint cabinets and solid doors with cherry-colored semi-gloss paint, for example. Allow to drive thoroughly and then brush on a couple of coats of cherry stain in a slightly darker shade. Use this technique to make the doors look like real wood, if they are constructed of man-made materials.

Glue some decorative wood cut-outs, which are available in home improvement stores, to the door fronts. Buy wood designs that are one-eighth to one-quarter inch thick, for example. Be sure to paint or stain the wooden pieces before you glue them onto the doors. Add these wooden pieces to soffit areas as well. Paint decorative wooden designs black, for example, before gluing them to all-white cabinets.

Use metal or ceramic tiles to decorate solid cabinet doors. Enhance the doors appropriately with sections of pressed tin tiles or ceramic tile pieces that complement a backsplash area with identical materials, for example. Use the metal or other materials to tie in cabinets with a brand new backslash area that includes bright or unusual colors to spruce up a lackluster kitchen. Add these colors or materials to the cabinets, so they will not look outdated or old next to the new backsplash.