A few small changes can refresh your kitchen without breaking the bank. Louvered or mullion doors in an accent cabinet offer a unique look, while wooden appliques can dress up plain doors in just minutes.
First, loosen the screws and remove the hinges from your cabinets. Place them in a safe spot so you can reattach them later.
Hinges
When it comes to your kitchen, the details make all the difference. While backsplashes, cabinet colors, and countertops may be the first items you consider changing when renovating your kitchen, the smaller, less obvious accessories can truly transform a space. One such element is the cabinet hinge.
If you’re tired of the dull, tarnished look your cabinet hinges are giving off, it’s time to take action and get them looking their best again. While you can always choose to replace your hinges, a much more affordable option is to simply repaint them. With a little effort, your hinges can be restored to their former glory in no time at all.
Many types of hinges are available to you, and each type offers different benefits. For example, some hinges come with a soft-closing mechanism, which can help reduce the noise caused by the doors slamming shut. Others have an angled design, which helps to conceal the hinges and create a sleeker appearance for your cabinets. Regardless of which hinges you decide to choose, make sure they’re compatible with your doors and the overall look of your kitchen.
Another thing to consider is the color of your hinges. Some homeowners opt for a neutral color, while others prefer a bolder hue. Whatever color you choose, it’s important to remember that the hinges will be highly visible when the doors are open. Therefore, it’s important to choose a color that will complement your cabinet doors and overall kitchen design.
One of the most popular options for cabinet hinges is the short-arm hinge from Blum. This hinge features a concealed look and a nickel-plated finish, which works well with most cabinet designs. This hinge also has a soft-closing mechanism and is easy to install.
Other notable options for cabinet hinges include the Euro-style concealed hinge from Maxave. This hinge is ideal for inset door frames because it covers up some or all of the face frame edge and is easy to install. This hinge also features a sturdy construction and is collision-free and rust-free.
Spray Paint
The best way to update your kitchen is with a fresh coat of paint. Cabinet painting is a simple and inexpensive project that can give your cabinets an instant facelift. Whether you are looking for a subtle wash of color or something more dramatic, there is a wide selection of kitchen cabinet paint to suit your taste and style.
Using spray paint instead of brushing is also a more effective method for your cabinets, as it creates a much more even coat that dries quickly and does not leave unsightly markings or strokes. A professional like us can use specialized equipment to apply the paint, which allows us to cover every nook and cranny of your cupboards, creating a perfect finish that will not fade or crack for at least 10 years.
Before you start the painting, it is important to remove all items from your cabinets and clean them thoroughly with a mild cleaning solution. This will ensure the surface is clean and allow the new paint to adhere properly. Labeling and bagging hardware components is also a good idea so that you can easily reassemble your kitchen cabinets once the project is complete.
When you are finished, it is a good idea to let the cupboards dry for a couple of days before re-installing them in your kitchen. It is a good idea to use high-quality kitchen cabinet paint, such as Mylands Stirrup Steel or Mylands Covent Garden Floral. These paints are designed to withstand abrasion and heat so that they will continue to look beautiful for a long time.
A fresh coat of paint can also be used to revamp other elements in your kitchen, such as a new sink or worktop. You can even paint your worktop to resemble granite or stone, which is an excellent way to add a designer touch to your kitchen at a fraction of the cost of purchasing new countertops.
Wood Filler
Wood filler is a versatile product that can help restore damaged kitchen cabinet hardware to its original condition. Often used to repair minor damage such as scratches and gouges on wood surfaces, it can be applied with a putty knife before being sanded down and then coated with either paint or stain. You can choose between latex, wood grain, or epoxy filler varieties depending on your intended use.
To avoid a messy and haphazard outcome, the first step in using wood filler is to thoroughly prepare the area where you wish to apply it. This means sanding rough edges and clearing away any lingering dust and debris with a shop vac or damp tack cloth. Once the surface is clean and dry, mix your selected product in its container until it has a consistency that closely matches the color of the surrounding wood. Once you have the perfect texture, use a putty knife to apply the filler to your damaged cabinet hinges, working quickly to achieve a smooth, even finish.
If you plan to coat the cured filler with stain, choose a product that is labeled as stainable. This type of wood filler is porous, allowing it to easily absorb stains to blend in with the surrounding wood. It can also be tinted with wood dyes or tints of your choice to further improve the color match. You can also select a clear wood grain filler to use on bare wood that will not be stained, but this type of filler may not hold up well against moisture or other environmental hazards.
Although wood filler is very useful in restoring and maintaining the appearance of your cabinets, it should not be used to replace fasteners or other joining materials like glue. Larger damage and structural issues cannot be mended with this material, so you should always consult your manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to repair or restore your cabinets. However, with a little patience and practice, you can achieve impressive results that will breathe new life into your kitchen design. By choosing the right color, stain, and finishes, you can display your distinctive style through natural wood grains and hues that are not possible with other cabinet materials.
Refinishing
If your cabinet hinges are rusty or painted in an ugly color, they can be repainted with a can of spray paint that matches your kitchen cabinets. Rather than use regular paint, choose an enamel spray that will hold up to repeated opening and closing of your cabinet doors. Before you begin, wipe down the hinges with denatured alcohol to remove grease or grime. Then, sand the hinges with 220-grit sandpaper to roughen them up, which will help your new primer and paint stick better. Once the sanding is done, wipe the hinges down again with denatured alcohol. After that, it’s time to prime and paint. A can of rust-inhibiting metal spray primer will work best, followed by an oil-based coat of the color of your choice. To get the most precise results, it’s important to follow the directions on the can of primer and paint. Be sure to do this project outside or in a well-ventilated area.
When you’re ready to start painting, unscrew the hinges from your cabinet doors and then unscrew them from the cabinets themselves. Be sure to keep track of where each screw goes because you’ll want to reattach the hinges in the same spot once they’re repainted. You can use a zippered plastic storage bag to put the screws in, and be sure to label it.
If you’re unhappy with the look of your entire kitchen or need a change from a dark or light shade, you may be better off with cabinet refacing instead of refinishing your cabinet hinges. With refacing, all of your cabinet door and drawer fronts are replaced with new ones. You can select new door styles, colors, and design options that dramatically change your kitchen. However, this bigger project can take up to 4-6 workdays to complete.
If you want to give your cabinets a different look without the cost and hassle of replacing them, consider refacing them with natural wood veneer or rigid thermofoil (RTF). RTF is a melamine-based product that can add a warm, stylish touch to your home’s cabinets. It’s available in a variety of finishes, and it can be used to reface both the cabinet box faces and the doors and drawer fronts.
