Reface or Replace Kitchen Cabinets ?

Need to modernize and add beauty to your kitchen cabinets? You don't have to set aside a week of remodeling to reclaim your kitchen. You can entirely renew your existing cabinets with the right tools and the right ideas. The amount of time needed is a free weekend and the main tool you need is the right planning.

Here are the steps to refinishing your kitchen cabinets:

Plan before you refinish. Make sure you have every tool you need before beginning. Being right in the middle of a cabinet refinish is not a good time to have to head to the store. You'll need things like masking tape, newspapers, drop cloth, hand tools like paint brushes and scrapers, and the right tool to create the finish you need. If you are priming, painting, or adding varnish, make sure you have all you need for that step as well. Consult your local hardware store if you're not decided on using paint or varnish.

Do a thorough cleaning. Clean out your cabinets thoroughly before doing any refinishing. You might be surprised how much better they look after a good scrubbing! You can even take off the cabinet doors to do a thorough cleaning. Be sure to label the cabinet parts if removing them so you don't get mixed up.

Remove old finish and prime. This is optional, and it's a choice you can take if you have varnish that is really starting to chip or look dull. Sand and use strong chemicals if removing the old varnish; and be prepared to spend a while on this project if you're going to take this step.

Fill dents and chips with wood putty. Preserve the life of your kitchen cabinets by putting wood putty into the areas that may have nicked or chipped down through the years. You can sand it smooth once it is dry to complete the job.

Use the Rustoleum Cabinet Transformation Finish. To complete the job, the easiest way to go is to use the revolutionary cabinet transformation finish kit by Rustoleum. It's a completely DIY product that creates a premium finish resembling the work of a master contractor. You can have a great look right in your kitchen at a fraction of the professional costs. Rustoleum is making it easy with their kit. Included are the complete tools and instructions you need for applying the finish and making your cabinets look great.