How to Reface Kitchen Cabinets - What Are the Top Methods?

Even if your kitchen is user-friendly and suitable, aesthetically speaking, you can make it a lot more modern and appealing by refacing your cabinetry. Residential renovations are very on-trend in Canada, more specifically in Quebec, especially when it comes to kitchen makeovers.

The goal of this article is to introduce you to cabinet refacing, also known as resurfacing, thanks to these six effective methods to revamp your kitchen.  

Different Cabinet Door Refacing Methods

Source : H Man Reno

1. Update your cabinet door colour

The easiest way to reface cabinets is with a fresh coat of paint. Paint colour is super important, so stick with modern and bright shades.

Here’s our go-to method of painting wood cabinets:

• Start by removing the cabinet doors and then the hardware.

• Clean the doors with a wood-specific degreaser and cleaner.

• Lightly sand the cabinet doors and boxes with sandpaper.

• Wipe off sanding dust with a lightweight fabric or duster.

• For long-lasting results, apply a primer and allow it to dry for several hours according to the label’s instructions.

• Lightly sand the primer layer to smooth out the surface.

• Apply two coats of paint, ensuring each layer dries thoroughly before sanding.

• Allow the paint to cure for a few days before screwing back on the hardware.

When considering painting kitchen cabinets, the first thing that usually comes to mind is that the entire cabinetry needs a fresh coat of paint. However, some homeowners favour a two-tone aesthetic. As such, only the bottom or top cabinets are painted. 

Building around contrasting colours can completely change the look of your cabinetry in no time and at little cost. It’s a great option for those with limited funds who aren’t looking to undertake large-scale projects.  

2. Refresh the end panel

Are you tired of opening your kitchen cabinets and looking at faded and dull interiors? The best solution is to transform the inside of your cabinets with a variety of colours and patterns. Your options are patterned wallpaper or a coat of appealing paint.

To jumpstart your cabinet painting project, start by removing the doors so you’re not hindered in the process, maximizing visibility while working. Sketch the cabinets and use numbered labels to remember where each part fits, especially if you’re working with a large number of different sections. Then, start painting, abiding by the proper guidelines (see above).

As for wallpaper, measure the inside of your cabinetry and cut the wallpaper accordingly. Then, apply wallpaper glue on the back of the surface. Use a brush or roller to smooth out the wallpaper, moving outward, toward the edges, ensuring there are no air bubbles or lumps, and let dry for a few hours.

And, since it would be a shame to conceal all those pretty colours you’ve put so much energy into showcasing, why not consider replacing your cabinet doors with glass inserts? Ideally, have a carpenter transform your cabinetry using glass inserts to showcase your tableware.

3. Reface doors using a self-adhesive decorative film

Source : Les Armoires Di Lusso Inc.

A slew of new products are marketed as residential renovations are becoming more prevalent. If you want to easily change the look of your cabinets without using paint or replacing them altogether, the best way to do so would be using specially designed decorative films. Barn-wall-look, brushed metal, carbon black—surely you will find something that appeals to you.

They’re quick and easy to install:

• Remove the doors and wipe them clean.

• Measure the cabinet doors and cut the film accordingly (add a few extra inches to account for the doors' thickness).

• Peel back a part of the film’s corner and fold it back in such a way as to expose roughly two inches of the adhesive strip.

• Stick this part onto the door and then gradually peel back the protective paper while smoothing out the material using a film applicator.

• Cut off any excess film.

• Apply a strip around the door’s edge.

• Cut off any excess film from the back of the door using a utility knife.

4. Replace cabinets and doors with shelving

Replacing cabinetry with shelving is the best way to air out your kitchen and make it look more spacious, especially if it’s on the narrow side. No need to replace all your cabinets; you can make things work with roughly four shelves, showcasing your nice dinnerware.

To do so, remove the selected cabinets, taking them apart to keep the shelves. Also, consider repainting the wall behind the cabinets and filling in any holes left behind prior to mounting your new shelving.

5. Remove the cabinet doors

Source : Ontera Homes Inc.

Have you heard about the latest refacing trend? Open shelving. Removing the cabinet doors will expose your dishware but shield it from a little bit of dust, making your kitchen all the more appealing. 

Refacing is a great way to refresh a kitchen at a low cost, but you have to be somewhat crafty. If not, you’ll be happy to know that some industry professionals offer such services, and hiring out is much more affordable than a full kitchen renovation.

An expert will come to your home to take the necessary measurements. From there, you’ll simply have to empty your kitchen cabinets before the specialist arrives to reface your cabinets, which should take no more than one to two days, depending on the number of cabinets to reface.

6. Upgrade the central cabinet panel

A lot of cabinet doors have a central panel, which is often painted the same colour or has a similar look as the rest of the door. However, for those looking to revamp their old cabinet doors, it’s worth wallpapering this section. It’s recommended to choose a detailed and colourful pattern to offset the revamped section from the rest of the door.

Cabinet Refacing: A Budget-Friendly and Green Option

Refacing allows you to change the style of your kitchen, courtesy of your current or upcycled cabinetry. It’s an affordable option that allows you to put all your creative potential to good use. Refacing differs from renovating; the latter entails a lot more work and costs and is always done with new materials.

Cabinet refacing means reusing the current boxes and giving them an aesthetic boost. This process is, without a doubt, eco-friendly, as it minimizes manufacturing waste, including manufacturing materials. In a nutshell, refacing is the ideal solution to give your kitchen a facelift while keeping the layout as is.

FAQ About Refacing or Remodelling Kitchen Cabinets 

Is it worth refacing kitchen cabinets?

Depending on the state of your current cabinets, refacing can be a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and less disruptive way to give your kitchen a makeover. However, if your cabinets are water damaged or the boxes were poorly built, spending money on refacing won't add any value, becoming inefficient. 

Can I reface my own kitchen cabinets?

If you're somewhat handy and have a specific goal in mind, one that you're sure you can handle from start to finish, a DIY approach is entirely feasible. However, when in doubt, consult an expert to prevent damaging your cabinetry.