Step-by-step instruction on wood veneer kitchen cabinet refacing
Whether you’re after a new look, your kitchen is looking a little outdated, or you just need a change, read on. Our DIY kitchen cabinet makeover is big on style and low on cost. Rustic and contemporary, these wood-veneer cabinets blend seamlessly with most home interiors, to instantly enhance your kitchen décor!
Cabinet refacing with wood veneer panels
#1 Remove all of your kitchen cabinet doors and hardware, then sand the front and side of the doors. It’s fine to leave some of the surface finish, as long as the doors are rough to touch, so the veneer will adhere successfully.
#2 Attach your new wood-veneer surface on an area that isn’t as visible, just while you are perfecting your technique. For example, a side panel will do nicely. Apply a thin layer of wood glue to the cabinet surface, then use a nail gun to secure the wood-veneer panel in place.
#3 Once you have attached the side panels, use a block plane to remove any excess veneer edges, ensuring these are aligned with the cabinet faces. After you’ve finished this, you can now attach the cabinet fronts.
#4 Place the veneer panel on the cabinet fronts, starting with the horizontal sections and rails first, using a razor knife to cut out pieces to be used as vertical styles. Make sure you trim back all edges and corners, so that these align perfectly with the sides.
# 5 It’s now time to reface the cabinet doors, following the process we incorporated in step 2.
# 6 Fill all of the nail holes with wood putty, in the shade of the stain you are going to use. Once dried, sand back any excess.
Staining your cabinets
#7 Stain the cabinets with a soft cloth or paintbrush, starting with the inside openings and edges, before applying the stain to the cabinet fronts and sides.
#8 Make sure to apply a liberal amount of the stain you have chosen, and remove any excess carefully, before leaving the stain to dry, following the manufacturer’s directions. Once the stain dries, apply a second coat, following the same procedure as in step 7.
Applying a polyurethane coating
#9 For durability and maintaining the condition of your cabinets, apply a polyurethane coating to the surface.
# 10 A water-based polyurethane is recommended to finish your cabinets, and you can paint this on using broad brush strokes.
# 11 After the first coat is applied, lightly sand this before applying another. Once the second coat dries, paint on the third and final coat.
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