San Jose Cabinet Refinishing can provide the look of new cabinets at a fraction of the cost. It can also be performed on a variety of materials as long as there is no significant damage or wear to the cabinet doors and hardware.
Paint is a common choice, but stains can also be used for a more natural appearance. Both refinishing and painting require a light sanding to ensure mechanical adhesion.
Depending on the color you want your cabinets to be, some of the existing finish may need to be removed. This can be done with a chemical mixture, lots of sanding or a combination of both. This is often the most time-consuming part of refinishing and it’s the reason many homeowners choose to hire a professional service instead.
Some of the chemicals used for removing the existing finish can be dangerous, which is why it’s important to use an expert. They know how much of the mixture is needed to effectively remove the existing paint and stain without damaging the underlying materials. It’s also the main reason why it is so important to make sure the area where refinishing takes place is properly protected. Using plastic sheeting, building paper (which is better for the environment) or canvas cloths can protect furniture, countertops, appliances and tables from dust and sanding. Tape can be used to mask off any areas where you don’t want paint splatter to occur.
Another common mistake homeowners make is trying to save time by painting their cabinets in-place, but this can be very challenging and lead to a less than ideal finished product. Unless your cabinets are in excellent condition, you’re typically better off removing them completely and refinishing them from start to finish.
When removing your cabinet doors and hardware, it’s a good idea to label them or at least number them so you can easily reassemble everything once the job is complete. Placing tape around the edges of each piece can help prevent paint from smudging, and you can even cover the handles with masking tape for extra protection.
Before refinishing your cabinets, it’s best to experiment with stain on a few pieces of wood to see how the tone will look. This is especially important if your cabinets are made of a coarse-grained species like oak or walnut, as they tend to show the grain more than other species. Also, if the existing stain has faded, consider a light rubbing with 000 or 0000 steel wool before refinishing to give it a fresher look.
Repairing Damage
Cabinets are one of the most common and most used features in any home. They are used to store items such as toys, dishes, decor, books, and electronics. Because of this, they tend to suffer from damage on a regular basis. Luckily, there are many different ways to repair your cabinets when they become damaged. One of the most popular methods is to simply refinish them. Cabinet refinishing is an extremely cost-effective way to make your cabinets look new again without spending thousands of dollars on a complete replacement.
The first step in the refinishing process is to remove all of the existing hardware from your cabinets. This can be a complicated task and requires the services of an experienced handyman. Once all of the hardware has been removed, the professional will begin by using a chemical mixture to dissolve the old finish and paint from your cabinets. There are a variety of chemicals that can be used to dissolve the existing coating, and it is important that an expert is hired to ensure that the correct mixture is used for the specific type of cabinets. Otherwise, the wood may be ruined.
Once the wood has been properly cleaned and prepared, the professional can then begin to fill in any dents and gouges that may be present on your cabinets. There are special wood fillers that are designed to be used for this purpose, and the professional knows how to use them effectively. Once the damaged areas have been filled, the cabinet can be sanded down and prepared for staining or painting.
While refacing cabinets is an effective solution for changing up the look of your cabinets, it does have some limitations. For instance, it can be expensive and time-consuming to replace the cabinet boxes and drawers as well as the doors and their fronts. Moreover, replacing your cabinets with new wood will require you to invest in a whole new set of hinges and hardware.
Refinishing cabinets is more versatile and cost-effective than refacing, but it has its own limitations as well. Refinishing can only be used if the cabinet boxes and drawers are in good condition. It is also not possible to change the door style or wood species of your cabinets when refinishing them. Rather, you would need to reface them in order to change the door style or wood species.
Staining or Painting
Cabinet refinishing is all about covering damages, cleaning discoloration and adding a new protective layer to the surface of your cabinets. The new finish can be either stain or paint. Unlike paint, stain showcases the natural characteristics of the wood species used to manufacture your cabinet doors and drawer fronts, and this can be a major selling point for some homeowners. Stain is thinner than paint and allows the character marks, knots and grain patterns to be more evident, which can make your cabinets look richer and more luxurious.
Painting is a more durable option, and it can also be a good way to achieve a very specific color. The key to a successful cabinet paint job is proper preparation. Careful painting with a brush or sprayer, sanding between coats, priming, taping edges and walls, and ensuring the best mechanical adhesion are all critical elements of an effective finish. Unless you are a very experienced finisher, a professional should apply the paint to ensure a long-lasting and beautiful result.
The most common choice for paint is a low-VOC (volatile organic compound) water-based product. This type of product is easier on the environment and doesn’t have the odors associated with oil-based products. However, water-based finishes are not as durable as a top-quality oil-based product and will require frequent touch-ups.
When choosing a color, consider the overall room design and your furniture. Spahn & Rose offers a Visualizer tool that can help you decide which hue will work best for your home. Paints come in every color of the rainbow, so it can be difficult to know which color will actually suit your space. If you are refinishing semi-custom or prefabricated cabinetry, the factory may have applied the cabinet paint with a sprayer which looks smoother but is hard to replicate with a touch-up kit.
Stained cabinetry requires less frequent cleaning than painted cabinets, and this can help reduce the risk of long-term damage or unwanted stains. However, sanding between stain applications is important to prevent the color from peeping through and can be labor-intensive.
Cleaning Up
Before refinishing cabinets, it is important to clean them. This is to remove all dust, dirt and debris from the surfaces and any hardware. A clean cabinet is the best base for your new stain or paint. Use a mixture of warm water and mild cleaner on a cloth or sponge to wipe down the cabinets. Make sure to read the label carefully and avoid any harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the existing finish on your cabinets.
If you have a lot of stains or build-up on your cabinets, you can use a scrub brush or toothbrush to work off the hardened debris. For any grease or other difficult to remove stains, try making a cleaning solution using equal parts water and vinegar. Dip your toothbrush into the solution and scrub the areas that are greasy or stained. You can also use a commercial degreaser for a more thorough clean, but this should be done sparingly as these products can be hard on painted finishes.
Once you are finished, dry your cabinets with a soft, clean cloth. It is important to not leave any standing water on your cabinets, as this can damage the paint or wood. It is also important to let the cabinets dry completely before resuming normal use.
Regular maintenance can help keep your cabinets looking great, and it will cut down on the need for a more involved refinishing project in the future. For daily maintenance, use a rag or standard duster to wipe down cabinet doors and trim as needed. This will help remove any splatters and spills as they happen, which should cut down on the need for a deep clean.
It is also a good idea to periodically wipe down your entire cabinet with the vinegar solution or a spray degreaser, to remove any built up grime and residue. You can also use a commercial glass cleaner on the glass-fronted cabinet doors to keep them shiny and clean. Keep in mind that direct sunlight can cause fading on natural or painted wood cabinets, so be sure to use window coverings where possible.
