What is the easiest way to refinish cabinets?

Author: Murphy Bartoletti  |  Last update: Saturday, July 12, 2025

How to Refinish Kitchen Cabinets in 9 Steps
  1. Prepare and clean your cabinets. ...
  2. Smooth the cabinet surfaces. ...
  3. Label and remove the cabinet doors. ...
  4. Put down protective drop cloths. ...
  5. Start with a primer. ...
  6. Paint the frames and cabinetry. ...
  7. Add a second coat. ...
  8. Seal with varnish.

What is the cheapest way to resurface cabinets?

The cheapest method would be simply painting the cabinets. Next level would be painting and replacing all the hardware. After that would be installing plastic laminate on stiles (the vertical and horizontal parts of the cabinet face) and exposed sides with new door and drawer fronts.

Can you refinish cabinets without sanding?

You can paint cabinets without sanding and even use discount paint, as long as it is gloss or semigloss. You can paint cabinets without sanding and even use discount paint, as long as it is gloss or semigloss.

Is it better to spray paint or brush paint kitchen cabinets?

Generally, spraying will provide a smoother, more even finish, and the best cabinet finishes require spray application.

How to easily refinish kitchen cabinets?

Instructions
  • Prep the cabinets. Remove doors and drawers.
  • Prime the cabinets using two coats, lightly sanding in between to knock down the wood grain.
  • Paint by first cutting in with a brush then rolling the rest.
  • Once the paint is dry and cured go ahead and attach the doors and drawer fronts

Refinish Kitchen Cabinets Without Stripping

What do professionals use to refinish kitchen cabinets?

We recommend using one of two products: Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel or Benjamin Moore's Advance. Both of these products will give your cabinets a much longer paint lifespan because they're specifically designed for painting cabinets and trim.

Can you stain over cabinets without sanding?

There are a lot of good reasons to gel stain cabinets when you want to refresh the color of wood cabinetry. It's an easy way to give your kitchen or bathroom a new look without sanding or stripping. Yes, you read that correctly. You'll also be able to use your cabinets while you're working on this project.

How long do spray painted cabinets last?

How Long Will Painted Cabinets Last? With proper care of professionally painted kitchen cabinets, you can expect your newly painted cabinets to last 8-10 years! While new cabinets will last you much longer, they will also cost thousands more, which can be an unnecessary expense in some cases.

Are foam rollers good for painting cabinets?

DIY enthusiasts and professionals have grown fond of using high-density foam rollers. This makes them a great choice is their ability to provide a flawless, smooth surface, making them ideal for use on cabinets and furniture. The dense foam ensures even coverage, eliminating the problem of brush marks or uneven layers.

What is the best method of painting cabinets?

What is the best method for painting kitchen cabinets? You'll likely want to use both a roller and brush for painting your kitchen cabinets. In general, Soloff says rollers are great for larger, flat areas, “ensuring a smooth, streak-free finish.” Rollers also likely help to make the project go a bit faster.

What happens if you don't sand before painting cabinets?

Proper cleaning, deglossing, and using good-quality cabinet paint are key to painting cabinets without sanding. What happens if you don't sand cabinets before painting? If you don't sand cabinets before painting, at worst the paint will chip or peel. At best, the paint will remain solid and durable for years.

Do deglossers really work?

Liquid sandpaper, a.k.a. deglosser, is a chemical that can be used to rough up existing paint on walls and other surfaces by removing the gloss, making it possible to paint over what's left on the wall after use. This is good for hard to reach places or an object that you may feel would be awkward to sand.

Does Beyond paint really work?

This paint is amazing! I didn't sand or prime, and the old oak cabinets look beautiful. This is a lot thicker than regular paint. I used it on a 1950ish cedar dresser that had old varnish on it and I didn't want to sand it all.

How to cheaply redo kitchen cabinets?

If your goal is to update the look of your existing cabinets, the cheapest route is to simply reface them. This process involves either stripping the stain or paint from the existing cabinets and adding new stain, varnish or paint; in some cases, you might even want to refinish the cabinets with a stick-on veneer.

How to reface cabinets yourself?

In A Nutshell
  1. Remove the doors and drawers of each cabinet.
  2. Cover the front edges of the cabinets with peel and stick wood veneer.
  3. Hang the new cabinet doors with easy-to-install cup hinges.
  4. Attach the new drawer fronts to the existing drawers.
  5. Replace molding where needed.
  6. Add new hardware to all cabinets.

What is the price to refinish cabinets?

The average cost to refinish cabinets ranges from $1,990 to $4,498, with a national average of $3,114. Costs depend on the number and size of your cabinets. If your cabinets need a makeover, the cost to refinish cabinets is $3,114 on average, ranging from $1,990 to $4,498.

Is it better to roll or brush paint cabinets?

Using a brush for cabinet painting ensures that you will get a smooth, even finish on your cabinets. A brush can also help get into all the nooks and crannies of your cabinets, which a roller might miss.

What type of roller gives the smoothest finish?

Walls, Wood, and Metal - Small 1/4″ roller covers or foam rollers will produce the smoothest finish. Light to Medium Textured Surfaces - Microfiber rollers are best.

What do professional painters use to paint cabinets?

We usually use professional-grade lacquer because it has a lovely, silky-smooth feel to it, and is what cabinet manufacturers use. We think it's the best paint for cabinets, hands-down (although there are some great pro-level water-based options as well).

Can I use Rustoleum spray paint on kitchen cabinets?

Painting kitchen cabinets with Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations is a great way to give your space a brand new look. See how we gave these golden oak cabinets an updated appearance at a fraction of the cost of replacing them. Make sure your cabinetry is thoroughly clean and dry.

Is it better to brush paint or spray paint kitchen cabinets?

Most people agree that a sprayed on finish provides the highest quality result, and the lowest cost, on cabinets and fine woodwork. The spraying process allows for application of a primer and multiple, thin, finish coats of high quality materials which can be mixed all colors and alkyd or lacquer.

Do painted cabinets chip easily?

Why do Painted Kitchen Cabinets Chip? Poor quality paint is one of the main causes of chipping on kitchen cabinet paint. Low-grade coatings won't be able to withstand wear and tear, thus leading to chipping when exposed to humidity or friction.

What color cabinets are in style for 2024?

Most Popular Kitchen Cabinet Colors in 2024
  • Green and Blue Tranquility. ...
  • Blissful Blue. ...
  • Blending Light & Warmth. ...
  • Versatile Medium Tones. ...
  • Integrating Wood and Painted Cabinetry. ...
  • WHITE REMAINS KING. ...
  • GRAY'S NOT GONE YET. ...
  • EARTHY TONES TAKE OVER.

What are minwax PolyShades?

Minwax® PolyShades®

Minwax PolyShades combines stain and polyurethane in one simple step. Each coat provides rich color and lasting protection while enhancing the wood grain. This product will reduce finishing time compared with staining with one product and protecting with another.

Is there a wood stain that doesn't require sanding?

Minwax® PolyShades® is an easy way to change the color of your currently stained or polyurethane finished wood. There's no stripping or heavy sanding necessary to remove the old finish!

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