Ideas for Refinishing Cabinet Doors

Paint and Stain

• A simple coat of paint or stain can transform the look of your cabinets. Before you apply a new layer of paint, it is essential that you first prepare the surface. Remove the doors from the cabinets and reserve any screws. Lay the door on a flat surface to work. Sand to remove old paint and imperfections. If the previous layers of paint or stain are stubborn, use paint stripper to remove the existing coat. After the surface is prepared, use the new paint or stain on the cabinet doors. When the doors are dry, follow with a polyurethane coat. Once the sealant coat is dry, place the doors back on the cabinets.

Trim Pieces

• If your cabinets are flat and dull, adding decorative trim can make them look custom-made and new. For example, nail pieces of wood around the cabinet doors like a picture frame. Create the angles for the corners by cutting the trim with a miter box. Follow with paint or stain to make the door look cohesive. If you are skilled with a router, create a recessed design in the cabinet doors that coordinates with the style of your home and decor.

Glass Panels

• A popular trend in kitchen cabinets is glass panels. These provide see-through storage to show off some of your beautiful glassware and dishes. To retrofit your cabinet doors with glass panels, simply cut out the center of the panel in the shape or size that you like. Use brackets to hold a piece of clear or opaque glass on the interior side of the cabinet door. Consider etching a design into the glass to further customize the look.

Veneer Options

• If you want the look of real wood, but you only have fiberboard or plastic, consider refinishing the cabinet doors with a peel-and-stick vinyl veneer. Simply cut the veneer pieces to fit the size of your cabinet doors. Remove the adhesive backing and press the veneer pieces into place over the front of your cabinets. Use a roller to smooth the veneer down and remove any air bubbles from the surface. This will also help the adhesive set. Place weight over the doors overnight to hold the veneer in place.