How to Change Cabinet Color: The Easiest Way to Transform Your Cabinets!
- Ideal Home Improvement
- Dec 5, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 20
Just as it can be a struggle to settle on a kitchen color scheme, it cannot be easy to decide on a method to renovate your cabinets. Below, we'll go through three different methods to help you decide.
Why Change Your Cabinet Color?
Is it a good idea to reface cabinets? Changing the color of your kitchen cabinets through cabinet refacing can truly transform the vibe of your kitchen. It’s a budget-friendly way to inject some new energy into your space without the steep costs associated with a full kitchen remodel.
A fresh coat on those cabinets can give your kitchen a modern, vibrant, and welcoming feel. And if you’re considering selling your home down the line, spruced-up kitchen cabinets can boost your home’s value and attract potential buyers. Whether you want to refresh your kitchen’s style, cover up some wear and tear, or just give the space a new look, changing the color of your cabinets is a brilliant starting point.
How to Change Cabinet Color
A kitchen renovation can be quite expensive, but cabinet painting can make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of the space. It’s a time-consuming project, but with some determination and DIY skills, homeowners can paint kitchen cabinets themselves. Plus, the end result is worth it!
Using latex paint for kitchen cabinets offers several benefits, including quick drying times and easy water cleanup, making the process more manageable for DIY enthusiasts.
Choosing the Right Cabinet Color
When you're getting ready to paint your cabinets, don't skip the light sanding; it's key for making sure the new paint sticks well. Choosing the right painting supplies is just as important if you want that professional look.
Keep in mind that the difficulty of the paint job can change, so taking the time to prepare and being patient is really important. Painting your cabinets is a smart and budget-friendly way to give your kitchen a fresh new look without shelling out for a complete remodel.
Choosing the Right Cabinet Color
Choosing the right cabinet color can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Start by considering the overall style and decor of your kitchen. Look at the colors of your countertops, backsplash, and flooring to ensure your new cabinet color complements these elements. Natural light plays a big role too; colors can look different under various lighting conditions, so it’s wise to test samples on your cabinets before making a final decision. This way, you can see how the color looks at different times of the day and make a more informed choice.
Cabinet Refacing
Cabinet refacing is a less destructive process than tearing out your cabinets entirely, and, as the name implies, lets you essentially put a new” face” on your cabinets. In this process, only the parts of the cabinets that you can see, such as the doors, drawer fronts, and handles, are redone, rather than the entire structure of the cabinets.
Whether it is completed by skilled professionals or ambitious DIY-ers, the process of cabinet refacing generally follows the same steps:
Cabinet doors and drawers are removed from the cabinets, and the fronts of the drawers are separated from the rest of the drawer boxes.
All front-facing portions of the cabinets (doors, drawer fronts, etc.) are covered over with wood veneer or laminate in your chosen color or wood finish.
The sides of the cabinets are covered with the same material.
New door hinges are installed if needed.
New handles/drawer pulls are added if desired.
Optional accessories, such as lighting and glass panels, are added if desired.
Cabinet refacing is a great option for folks who want their cabinets updated with as little fuss, expense, and destruction to their kitchen as possible.
Cabinet Resurfacing
Much like the cabinet refacing process described above, cabinet resurfacing is a more cosmetic, less extensive process than fully replacing your cabinets. In fact, the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably.
However, you phrase it, cabinet resurfacing gives you plenty of options when it comes to updating the look of your kitchen cabinets. Using oil-based paint can provide a smooth application and a harder, more durable finish, making it ideal for high-touch surfaces like cabinetry. Spray paint is another option for achieving a superior finish, though it requires specific equipment and careful masking to avoid overspray. Additionally, applying wood filler to repair imperfections such as scuffs and nicks ensures a professional finish before painting. You can resurface your cabinets in gray or white if you’re a fan of neutrals or pick your favorite Benjamin Moore paint color that will stand out against white kitchen walls. You can even transform simple wooden kitchen cabinets into glass-fronted cabinets, which add depth and style to any kitchen.
Cabinet Refinishing
The last option we’ll go through here is often the most affordable: cabinet refinishing. Refinishing is even less involved than refacing or resurfacing and is a great option for when your cabinets are in good condition, but you just don’t like their appearance.
Refinishing involves stripping the original finish off of your cabinets, sanding the wood, and then staining or painting in your chosen color or finish. Staining lets you give your cabinets the appearance of any type of wood without having to replace the wood itself. And of course, painting gives you truly unlimited color options.
Before you start, it's important to remove cabinet doors and drawer fronts to facilitate a faster and more efficient painting process. Additionally, consulting your local paint store professional for guidance on selecting the right supplies and primers can ensure a more successful and durable finish.
Changing up the color of your kitchen cabinets is a great way to update the aesthetic of your home. Whether you prefer colorful kitchens or neutral palettes, refacing, resurfacing, and refinishing are great options to re-do your cabinets. Contact Ideal Home Improvement today to see how we can help you design your dream kitchen!
Whichever way you go, it is a good idea to consult with a professional cabinet refacing contractor first to determine if there are any anticipated challenges before you start this type of project. DIY or Hire a Professional?
DIY or Hire a Cabinet Refacing Professional?
When it comes to giving your kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of paint, you basically have two choices: go the DIY route or bring in a pro. If you feel confident with a paintbrush and have some experience under your belt, tackling it yourself can save you some cash while giving your cabinets a new look. But if you’re unsure about your skills or simply don’t have the time or patience to dive into the project, hiring a professional is definitely the way to go. A skilled cabinet painter will not only ensure a flawless finish but can also offer great advice on choosing the right colors and other important details for your project.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Changing the color of your kitchen cabinets can be a rewarding project, but there are several common mistakes to avoid. One of the biggest mistakes is not properly preparing the surface of the cabinets before painting. This can lead to a poor finish and uneven color. Make sure to clean, sand, and prime the cabinets thoroughly. Another mistake is not using the right type of paint or primer, which can affect the durability and appearance of the finish. It’s also crucial to remove the cabinet doors and drawer fronts before painting to avoid a messy and uneven finish. Lastly, be patient and allow the paint to dry completely before reinstalling the hardware and doors to prevent a sticky or uneven finish.
Final Touches: Reinstalling Hardware and Doors
Once the paint is dry, it’s time to reinstall the hardware and doors. This is the final step in transforming your kitchen cabinets. When reinstalling the hardware, use the same screws and hinges to ensure a secure and even fit. Align the doors properly and secure them with the correct screws. Finally, add any finishing touches, such as new knobs or handles, to complete the look. With these final touches, your kitchen cabinets will be transformed and ready for use, giving your kitchen a fresh, updated appearance.
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