Do you want to give your kitchen cabinets a fresh look with less expense than cabinet replacement? Refinishing is the answer. And you have several options to get that new look that you want. This article will discuss cabinet refinishing by comparing it with cabinet painting, the many ideas for kitchen cabinet refinishing, and other important considerations.
Differences Between Cabinet Painting and Refinishing
Cabinet painting and cabinet refinishing are used interchangeably. However, the two terms have some differences.
Cabinet Painting
Cabinet painting is revamping your kitchen cabinets by changing their color with paint. It involves cleaning the cabinets, applying a primer coat, and giving them multiple coats of paint. This will give your cabinets a fresh look at a relatively low cost.
If cabinet painting is what you want, consult Walker Painting Company, one of the Florida companies that paint kitchen cabinets. They are ready to provide you with professional advice.
Cabinet Refinishing
Cabinet refinishing involves more work than cabinet painting. It involves stripping away the old paint or stain, repairing any damage, and finishing it with multiple coats. It is a bit more expensive than cabinet painting but more affordable than cabinet replacement.
If you have questions about refinishing, Walker Painting Company, a cabinet refinishing Melbourne FL company, will be ready to give you answers.
Cabinet Refinishing Ideas
Here are 15 great and creative for refinishing your kitchen cabinets.
Stain and Varnish
Staining is one great idea that cannot be done with cabinet painting because it does not involve stripping. With refinishing, you strip away the old paint or stain, exposing the wood grain. The application of stain brings out the natural beauty and character of the wood grain, exuding a rich, warm appearance.
Stain comes in a variety of colors, from classic to non-traditional ones. The classic ones are natural, oak, honey, walnut, cherry, mahogany, and gray. Stain colors also come in red, yellow, blue, and green. These are the non-traditional colors.
One important consideration is that it should complement your kitchen decor. For protection, apply a varnish or polyurethane topcoat.
Painted Finishes
Applying a fresh coat of paint is also a good idea. Refinishing with paint offers a better look than in cabinet painting. The stripping procedure makes the difference.
For colors, you can choose from classic to contemporary ones. The classic ones are white and cream. Some examples of contemporary ones are navy blue, emerald green, and black.
Distressed or Antique Look
Try distressing the cabinet surfaces if you want a rustic, antique look. This is achieved by sanding edges and corners, exposing the underlying wood or paint layers. Then, apply paint by using a dry brush technique to give that a weathered, antique look.
Glazed Finish
The glazed finish adds depth, dimension, and a weathered look to the cabinet surface. To attain this, semi-transparent colored paint is applied over the base paint or stain to create the glazed finish. The paint is brushed and then removed with a rag. The glaze will fill the crevices and dents, creating an antique finish.
High Gloss Finish
A high gloss finish offers a shiny, contemporary look. Because of its mirror-like effect, it makes the kitchen appear larger. Two other benefits are its durability and ease of cleaning.
With a high gloss finish, painting imperfections are quite visible. Working on a perfectly smooth surface is a must. Fill holes and dents with a wood filler and then sand them.
Chalk Paint
Another way of making your kitchen cabinets look weathered is by using chalk paint. It can give your cabinets a gentle, matte finish with a vintage charm.
Chalk paint is easy to work with. It applies to any surface. There is no need for sanding. Simple cleaning will do. Generally, it does not need priming. For protection, seal with wax of a clear coat.
Faux Wood Grain
If your cabinet wood panel and rail do not have nice-looking grain, opt for faux wood grain refinishing. Faux wood grain finish imitates natural wood grain using a brush and a wood-graining tool. This procedure can provide your cabinets with the luxurious look of expensive wood at a more affordable price.
Open Shelving Conversion
One way to give your kitchen cabinets a fresh new look is by removing the doors and making them open shelves. Then, you paint or refinish the interior.
Shaker Style
If your kitchen cabinet doors are flat, enhance cabinet refinishing by converting them into Shaker-style by adding frames or rails. Use 1/4-inch plywood as rails. Attach them to the cabinet doors. Then, paint or stain the doors in colors that complement other furniture and decor in the kitchen.
Reface with Veneer or Laminate
Reface your cabinet with wood veneer or laminate.
Beadboard Panels
Using beadboard panels is one creative idea. Attach beadboard panels to cabinet doors to add charm and character to your kitchen cabinets.
Glass Inserts
Glass can be a good material for refinishing. Replace the center panels of some kitchen cabinets with glass inserts. You may opt for frosted, stained, or clear glass.
Fabric or Wallpaper Inserts
Instead of glass, use fabric or wallpaper. However, the fabric or wallpaper will not replace the center panels of cabinet doors but rather attach to them. To protect the fabric or wallpaper, spray with a clear top coat.
Metallic Accents
Apply metallic paint or foil to parts of the cabinets particularly the cabinet door edges or as an accent to the center panels. This will add glamour to the cabinets.
Complementary Measures
Consider the condition of your cabinets
One of the primary considerations in refinishing is the condition of the cabinets. Are they still in top shape? If not, how much repair is needed? If they are badly damaged, renovation may be the best option.
Choose the right finish
Enhance cabinet refinishing by ensuring that the type of finish you choose matches the wood of your cabinets.
Prepare the surface properly
Depending on the finish that you have chosen, consider the preparation. Some need time and money to prepare.
Take your time
Don’t rush the project especially if it is your first time.
If you are unsure of yourself, hire a professional refinisher.
If you are unsure of your time or skills, hire a professional refinisher. If you are in Brevard County, Florida, contact Walker Painting Company, one of the top-notch cabinet refinishing Melbourne FL company.
Although cabinet refinishing takes more time and investment than cabinet painting, the result is quite rewarding. You have several refinishing creative ideas for revamping your kitchen cabinets, from staining, and painting to inserts and accents. Your choice depends on your preferences and budget.
Refinishing can be a great DIY project. But if you lack the time or are unsure of your skills, hiring a professional cabinet refinisher is advisable. Melbourne, Florida has several companies that paint kitchen cabinets and are expert cabinet refinishers. One of them is the highly reliable Walker Painting Company.
