Do-it-Yourself Kitchen Cupboard Updates

Replacing Outdated Hardware

• 1

  Remove the cabinet's doorknobs or handles with a screwdriver. In most cases, the hardware secures to the cabinets via a screw located on the backside of the door or drawer front plate.

• 2

  Determine if you need to drill additional holes or fill holes. For example, if the original knobs mounted use a single screw and you replace the knobs with handles that require two mounting screws, you must fill the original hole and drill holes for the new mounting screws.

• 3

  Fill any unnecessary holes. Dab a small amount of wood filler onto toothpicks or small wooden dowel cut to size and press it into the original hole. Repeat for all of the holes you need to fill.

• 4

  Place a small amount of wood filler over the plugged holes. Wait 24 hours for the filler to dry and then lightly sand the filler flat with the surface of the cupboard with a piece of sandpaper.

• 5

  Stain or paint the plugged area with a wood stain or paint that matches the surface of the cupboard.

• 6

  Center the new handle or knob on the door or drawer front plate and mark the mounting holes.

• 7

  Drill holes through the wood that are large enough for the screws to fit through.

• 8

  Place the new hardware over the holes and secure the hardware with the supplied screws and a screwdriver.

Paint or Stain the Cupboard

• 9

  Remove the cabinet's hardware with a screwdriver and set the cabinet doors onto a workspace prepared with newspapers.

• 10

  Sand the surface of the cupboard, including the doors, with a sanding block to remove old paint or stain from the wood.

• 11

  Fill any imperfections in the wood with wood filler and allow the filler to dry. If you plan to stain the surface of the cupboard, use a stainable wood filler that matches the color tone of the cupboard. If you plan to paint the cupboard, use any wood filler that allows for sanding.

• 12

  Sand the wood filler flat with the surface of the wood with a sanding block.

• 13

  Wipe the surface of the cupboards down with a tack cloth to remove any wood dust and then lay down drop cloths. Tape off all areas of the cupboard you do not want to paint or stain.

• 14

  Apply one coat of latex primer to the cupboards, including doors, with a paint roller. Allow adequate time for drying and then scuff the primer with a sanding block. If you plan to stain, do not place a coat of latex primer on the cupboard.

• 15

  Apply one coat of latex paint to the cupboards, including doors, with a paint roller. Allow adequate drying time and then add a second coat if necessary. If applying stain, add two to three coats of stain. Rub off any excess stain with a clean cloth 30 minutes after each coat. Allow adequate drying time after the last coat.

• 16

  Reattach the hardware to the cupboard.