Cabinet Refinishing Sacramento is more cost-efficient than full renovations and can dramatically improve the aesthetic of your kitchen. It also reduces waste and minimizes environmental impact.
Often confused with cabinet refacing, the refinishing process transforms your existing cabinets by repainting or restaining them. The process is more comprehensive than refacing, but less extensive than a remodel.
Cabinet refinishing offers an affordable and effective way to update your kitchen, particularly if the cabinet structure is still structurally sound. The refinishing process involves cleaning and sanding the wooden surfaces of your cabinets before applying a new coat of paint or stain. This revitalizes the look of your cabinets while saving you time and money compared to a complete renovation.
While refinishing your cabinets, it is a good idea to update your cabinet hardware as well. This small change can make a big difference in the overall look of your kitchen and will help to pull your design together. Using a high-quality primer is important to ensure that the base coat of your paint will adhere properly. Once the primer is dry, sand the cabinets again with fine-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections and leave them smooth for painting. Masking areas that you don’t want to paint is also an important step. This will protect the surrounding surfaces from paint splatter and prevent accidental spillage.
During the refinishing process, it’s important to use a degreaser or a mixture of vinegar and water to remove any grease, dirt, or grime from your cabinets. Be careful to test any cleaning products on a small area before scrubbing the entire surface, as harsh chemicals can strip the finish and cause discoloration.
Before the refinishing begins, it’s also important to prepare the work site by removing any appliances from your kitchen and clearing the cabinet space. This will allow the refinishing team to easily access the cabinet structures, and it will make the installation process much smoother and less time-consuming. It’s also a good idea to label all of the screws and cabinet knobs before removing them. This will help you to reinstall them in the correct order later on and avoid any confusion when it’s time to put everything back together.
Sanding
When it comes to kitchen cabinet refinishing, sanding is one of the most important steps. It will help you achieve that smooth, blemish-free finish that will make all the difference in your finished product. It’s also a good idea to use a water-based primer before painting cabinets, as these are less toxic than oil-based ones.
Before you begin sanding, it’s a good idea to remove all the hardware from your cabinets, including knobs and handles. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally paint or stain them. Once you have removed the hardware, it’s a good idea to wipe down the surfaces of your cabinets with a cleaner formulated specifically for wood cabinets. This will get rid of any food splatter, grease buildup, or other grime that might have accumulated.
It’s also a good idea to remove any hardware that might be stuck on with glue, like hinges. Once again, this will prevent you from accidentally getting glue on your freshly sanded surfaces and can save you some time when it comes to reinstallation later. Be sure to keep track of each piece of hardware as you go and place it in a safe spot where it can be easily found when the time comes for reinstallation.
You’ll want to start sanding with a coarse grit, like 80 or 120. This will allow you to sand off any existing layers of paint or stain and help you achieve that super smooth finish that’s necessary for the best results. Once you’ve finished with the coarse grit, it’s time to move on to the finer sandpaper. This is what you’ll be using for the final sanding and is essential for getting those immaculate, professional-looking results.
Cleaning
Cabinets are work areas where grease, steam, food splatters and oil from hands can build up and discolor surfaces. Regularly wiping cabinet surfaces with a gentle cleaner formulated for wood is recommended, especially in heavily used areas like around knobs and handles.
Use a damp microfiber cloth and apply the cleaner to the cabinet surface, being sure to wipe both sides of the cabinets. Then, rinse thoroughly with a damp cloth, and dry the cabinet with a microfiber cloth.
It is important to only use cleaning products that are safe for cabinet surfaces. Harsh chemicals can strip the finish, causing it to dull or discolor over time. When choosing a cleaner, read the label and test a small area on your cabinet in an inconspicuous spot before applying it to the whole surface to ensure that it does not damage the wood or painted surface.
If your cabinets are stained solid wood, we recommend using a product like Magic brand cabinet and wood cleaner, available at Home Depot and other stores. If you have a particularly severe stuck-on mess, it is sometimes necessary to scrub a bit more with a delicate scrub pad, but always rinse and dry well afterward to prevent moisture damage.
If you are planning to re-stain your cabinets, we recommend using a trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner for the prepping process. After a thorough clean, the cabinets are ready to be sanded and prepped for the new finish. Be sure to mark and label any cabinet hardware that will need to be removed, as well as the cabinet doors, to make reinstalling easier later. Lastly, be sure to cover any other surfaces you want protected with drop cloths and a plastic sheeting.
Hardware
Cabinet hardware ties together the aesthetic of your space, so it’s important to choose pieces that complement your vision. Knobs, handles, pulls, and hinges can elevate the look of your kitchen with a variety of styles and materials that allow for customization.
Hardware should be of high-quality to ensure long-term durability and performance. The best hardware feels substantial in the hand and operates smoothly, without binding or rough spots. Additionally, the best hardware resists wear over time and doesn’t discolor or tarnish easily.
Refinishing is a great option for homeowners who want to refresh their cabinets without the cost and hassle of a complete renovation. Refinishing starts with a thorough cleansing and degreasing of your wooden cabinet surfaces. After that, craftsmen can restore or recolor your cabinets. Refinishing is also an environmentally friendly alternative to full cabinet replacement. Using the existing materials reduces waste and the need to produce new materials, which helps cut down on landfills and other environmental impacts.
In addition to color and finish, the tone of cabinet hardware can have a profound impact on the overall look of your space. Gold and silver hardware offer warm, inviting effects, while matte finishes have a cool, soothing effect. You can even add visual intrigue to your design with surface techniques like hammered, reeded, and distressed textures.
If you’re looking for a more dramatic change, NHance offers a service called “Cabinet Color Shift.” This process uses a combination of refinishing and painting to dramatically darken your cabinetry. To learn more about this option, visit our Cabinet Color Shift page.
Inspection
Cabinet refinishing is a more cost-effective option for updating your kitchen than replacing cabinets altogether. However, there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration when it comes to refinishing your cabinets. Regular inspections are an important part of this process. Inspecting your product can save you time and money. If you notice a defective cabinet door before it’s installed, you can have it replaced and avoid having to finish another piece or wait for a warranty replacement.
Start by checking the cabinet surfaces for dents and scratches, as well as the hardware such as handles and knobs. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the surfaces and apply gentle cleaners if necessary. Also check the hinges, drawer runners, and shelves for signs of damage or wear. Corrosive storage cabinets (Class 8) should have a vent bung secure to the store, and shelving is often perforated to allow free movement of air for corrosion protection. If any damage is found, it should be repaired promptly to prevent further deterioration of the sheet steel construction.