Cabinet makeovers

Southern Living, May 1997 by Joyner, Louis, Hallam, Linda, Lynn, Sandra A, Nesmith, Lynn, Thomason, Julia H

You, too, may be able to update your existing kitchen cabinets without going to the expense of installing new ones. Here are several suggestions.

* REFINISH. If the wood is good but looks a little tired, cleaning may be all that's needed. Use a damp cloth and mild liquid detergent to remove accumulated grease and grime; frequently change cloths. If the cabinets need more help, try using a furniture rejuvenator. These products, available at most paint stores, are solvents that soften the finish and allow you to wipe away some of the old dirty lacquer or varnish. If all else fails, strip the finish down to bare wood, and then sand, stain, and refinish. Yes, it will be a lot of work.

* REPAINT. If the cabinets are already painted, this is a far easier option than stripping the old paint and refinishing. (Besides, cabinets that were painted in the first place probably aren't made of the prettiest wood.) If the cabinets are stained wood and you want a lighter, fresher look, then painting is again the best option. First, clean the cabinets thoroughly to remove grease and dirt. Then sand with fine sandpaper. Prevent bleedthrough by sealing knots with shellac. Follow with an alkyd or latex primer then two coats of a compatible gloss enamel.

* RESURFACE. Doors and drawers that are flush, as well as the cabinets themselves, can be resurfaced with a plastic laminate or peel-andstick wood veneer. Laminate is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Veneer comes in many types of wood that are frequently used for kitchen cabinets, such as oak, cherry, and maple. It can be stained and finished as desired.

* REPLACE. Many home-supply stores and cabinetmaker supply companies can special order doors and drawer fronts in a variety of styles and woods that are custom-made to fit your cabinets. You then finish and install them. Replacement doors can be combined with veneer laminate to turn a painted kitchen into an all-wood one. Knobs can also be replaced to add the updated look.

You'd rather leave it to a professional? Check the Yellow Pages under "Cabinet Refinishing."