Cabinet Refinishers Easy Guide to DIY

Cabinets Refinishing DIY Guide

Clean Cabinet Surface

Cabinet refinishing involves getting rid of old paint and any dirt that is accumulated on a surface. This is done by using a degreaser, such as TSP (trisodium phosphate) to clean the surface thoroughly. The cleaner must be rinsed off well before you begin painting or staining so it does not affect the final paint/stain you apply.

Prep Area & Remove Cabinet Faces

Remove the cabinet faces and place off to the side. Use quality painters’ tape and prep the room for a mess. Take your time as good prep can save you time and money in the long run.

A few steps to take in your prep:

-Cover the floors with a plastic sheet or heavy-duty paper.

-If you have hardwood flooring, cover it as best possible and be sure to use something that will not scratch it.

-Place all furniture off to one side of the room so that there is easy access for your painter’s tarp.

-Remove any wall fixtures like pictures that may pose an issue when painting (make sure they are well covered). 

Remove and Clean Hardware

Remove hardware (drawers, doors, and handles) from the cabinets. Remove all drawer-track nails with a pneumatic nail gun or hammer and pull out any nails that are too deep to remove by hand.

Clean the inside of each cabinet thoroughly using an ammonia-based product to eliminate odors, grease stains, smoke residue and other contaminants before applying primer.

Strip Cabinets

Depending on what your cabinets are currently finished with you will want to strip that off. If they are painted, you may want to apply a coat of paint stripper first. Give it the time required for that process and then sand off any residue with 220 grit paper or finer before painting.

If your cabinets are currently finished in wood stain only, use an oil-based solvent like mineral spirits or turpentine to strip them down. This can be done by applying the liquid to a cloth and rubbing it on the cabinet surfaces until there is no more finish coming up from them. When all the surface has been stripped, wipe everything down with clean water and dry thoroughly before moving onto priming.

If this step sounds too daunting at this point just prime over what is already there instead of stripping; you won't get as good of results.

Repair and fill blemishes

Look over the cabinets and cabinet face for blemishes such as deep scratches or holes. If you find any deep gauges, use a wood filler, and apply per their directions. 

Sand Cabinets

Now you are ready to get your cabinets looking new before you apply the finish.

Use a high grit sandpaper to smooth your cabinets surfaces where needed. Take care sanding the cabinets and especially the cabinet faces. As they say, "you can take it off but never put it back on."

Once you have the cabinets sanded and looking good you will want to clean the surface of any dust or debris from the sanding. Use a vacuum and get most of the mess. Then take a wet cloth and wipe the surface picking up any remaining particles.

Paint / Stain Cabinets

It’s time to paint or stain the cabinets. Make sure and pick a product that you have tested on the cabinets for color and application. Another consideration is the temperature of the room. Most products need to be applied in a room with mild temperature that is consistent. If the temperature varies too much the wood might expand/contract and effect the drying process.

Reinstall Hardware

The cabinets have been re-finished and look great; I am sure. Now, get the hardware reinstalled. It is also a great time to upgrade your drawer slides and door hinges to an easy close option.

Carefully re-install the refurbished or new hardware on the cabinet faces and drawers. 

Clean up Your Project!

This is the final test and time to see how well your prep job was. Carefully clean up all the paper/plastic disposing of it properly. It is always easier if you can fold everything to the middle and capture all the debris inside the paper/plastic. 

Just make it easy!

Refinishing your cabinets is a big job which can be a great DIY project, for the right person. If you do not have the time, patience, or desire to tackle this on your own, call your local professional.



Here in the Boise Idaho area, we help refinish cabinets, bringing new life into homes and offices across the Treasure Valley.

Contact Paul's Precision Painting for a free consultation from the area’s best cabinet refinisher.