Old House Journal

Refinishing Cabinets

Whether the existing cabinets are painted or stained, refinishing them for a new look is an affordable choice. If the finish is in good shape and you’re going darker with the new paint, you’ll only have to clean, sand, prime, and paint. If the old paint is thick or you are going lighter, you’ll probably have to strip the old paint. Solid wood and MDF can be refinished, but not so easily cabinets made of vinyl or laminate, or those that were finished with a penetrating oil.

STEP 1

As with any refinishing job, prep is critical. Remove all the doors and drawers from

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