How to Redo Cabinet Frames

Mark the cabinets and doors with corresponding numbers or other identifying marks so you can get them back in the correct spot. Remove all the cabinet doors and hardware. Clean the cabinets with warm water and a grease-fighting cleaner like dish-washing liquid to remove all dirt, grime and grease from the surface.

Check the stability of the cabinet frames. Tighten screws that anchor the cabinets to the wall.

Use 150-grit sandpaper to make the surface of the cabinet frames slightly rough so the new facing can stick. Clean off the dust from sanding.

Measure each section of the exposed cabinet framing before cutting the veneer so you get the correct sizing. Add 1/2 inch to the width measurement for each section. Add 2 inches to the length of each veneer section. A utility knife works well for cutting the veneer. Use a straightedge to guide the cuts.

Peel the backing from the top edge of the first vertical piece of veneer. Press it to the top of the vertical section of cabinet framing so it slightly overhangs at the top, bottom and edges. Peel away the backing and press the veneer in place as you work down to the bottom.

Press down the veneer again from top to bottom using a wood block so the air bubbles are released and the veneer sticks completely. Trim the overhang even with the edges of the cabinetry on the top, bottom and sides to get a perfect fit.

Adhere and trim the veneer pieces on all of the vertical sections of the cabinet framing using the same process.

Adhere veneer on the horizontal sections of the cabinetry, cutting the pieces so they overhang on all edges. Use the same method of adhering and smoothing the veneer, followed by trimming along the top and bottom edges.

Hold a carpenter's square so one edge lines up with the edge of the opening of the cabinet. Line the other edge of the carpenter's square along the bottom edge of the cabinet to ensure you get a straight line. This creates a guide for cutting the veneer where the vertical and horizontal pieces meet. Cut a straight line vertically down through the layers of veneer so the cut lines up with the edge of the cabinet opening. Repeat on all cabinets where the vertical and horizontal sections of the frame meet.

Lift off the section of veneer you cut off. Lift the edge of the horizontal veneer piece far enough to expose the veneer piece cut off from the vertical sections. Pry it off with a razor blade and press the horizontal veneer back in place.

Replace the cabinet doors.