Alexei Volkov
Refinishing plastic kitchen cabinets is a great way to give your kitchen a new look without breaking the bank. It involves changing the finish or colour of the existing material, rather than replacing it. This process can be done on any surface that can be scuffed with sandpaper, and is a simple, eco-friendly way to update your kitchen. To refinish plastic kitchen cabinets, you will need to remove the doors, drawers, knobs, and handles, before cleaning and lightly sanding the surfaces. Once the surfaces are clean and dry, you can begin the painting process, applying a second coat as needed. Finally, you can replace the handles and fix the doors and drawers back into place, leaving you with freshly updated cabinets.
How to refinish plastic kitchen cabinets
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Benefits | Inexpensive, eco-friendly, sustainable, gives a fresh new look to the kitchen |
| Preparation | Remove cabinet doors, drawers, handles, and hinges, set up a staging area, cover interiors of cabinet boxes with plastic and tape, clean the cabinets |
| Cleaning | Trisodium phosphate (TSP) mixed with water, synthetic steel wool, soap, and water |
| Drying | Allow cabinets to dry completely |
| Painting | Paint the backs of the doors and drawer fronts, let them dry, paint the fronts, apply a second coat, allow the paint to dry, apply polyurethane for added protection |
| Reassembly | Remove the tape and plastic from the cabinet boxes, install the doors one by one referring to the labeling, install new knobs or pulls, install new clear rubber bumpers on the doors and drawers |
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What You'll Learn
- Cleaning: Use TSP, sugar soap, or vinegar to remove grease and dirt
- Sanding: Use sandpaper to smooth surfaces and remove laminate
- Priming: Laminate cabinets require a special bonding primer
- Painting: Allow paint to dry completely before applying a second coat
- Reassembly: Reinstall doors and hardware, such as handles and knobs
Cleaning: Use TSP, sugar soap, or vinegar to remove grease and dirt
To refinish plastic kitchen cabinets, one of the first steps is to clean the cabinets to remove any grease and dirt. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is a highly effective product for removing stubborn grease. To clean your cabinets with TSP, start by removing the cabinet doors and setting up a workstation that allows you to wash multiple doors at once. In a quart bucket, mix 4oz or 1/2 cup of TSP with 2 gallons of warm water, stirring until the powder dissolves. Put on rubber gloves and saturate a sponge in the mixture, then start wiping down the doors, following the direction of the grain. Pay extra attention to corners and areas near the handles, where grease and dirt tend to build up. After cleaning, let the cabinets dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Sugar soap is another powerful cleaning agent that can be used to remove grease, dirt, and grime from kitchen cabinets. It is especially useful for disinfecting surfaces, killing germs and odours, and brightening and refreshing your cabinets. To clean your cabinets with sugar soap, first remove everything from your cabinets and dust off any loose dust or dirt. Then, prepare a sugar soap solution with warm water, following the manufacturer's instructions. Using a clean cloth, apply the solution to your cabinets, working in sections from the top down. Remember to rinse the cloth frequently to avoid spreading grime. Once you've covered all areas, rinse the cabinets with clean water and dry them thoroughly to prevent water stains.
If you would prefer a more natural option, vinegar can also be used to clean grease off kitchen cabinets. However, it is important to note that vinegar may damage wooden cabinets over time, so it is recommended to use a different cleaning solution if your cabinets are made of wood. When using vinegar, be sure to dilute it with water and apply it to your cabinets with a damp cloth.
It is important to note that proper preparation and cleaning are essential for ensuring that your new finish adheres to your cabinets. Taking the time to thoroughly clean and prepare your cabinets will save you time and hassle in the long run.
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Sanding: Use sandpaper to smooth surfaces and remove laminate
Sanding is an important step in refinishing plastic kitchen cabinets, as it helps to smooth surfaces and remove laminate. It is necessary to use the correct type of sandpaper and technique to achieve the desired results.
When sanding plastic laminate cabinets, it is recommended to use fine-grit sandpaper. This type of sandpaper is designed for use on delicate surfaces and will help you achieve a smooth finish without causing damage. It is also suggested to use a sanding block to ensure even pressure during the process.
Before beginning the sanding process, it is crucial to remove all hardware from the cabinet doors, including hinges, handles, and knobs. This will provide better access to the surfaces and prevent damage to the hardware. It is also important to ensure that the work area is well-ventilated and that you are wearing the appropriate protective gear, such as a face mask and safety goggles.
Start by lightly sanding the surfaces of the cabinet doors and drawers. Work with the grain of the laminate rather than against it to achieve a smooth and even finish. Pay close attention to the edges and corners, as these areas may require more delicate sanding to avoid damaging the structure.
After sanding, it is essential to remove any dust or debris from the surfaces before proceeding to the next step. Use a tack cloth or a damp cloth to wipe down the surfaces, ensuring that all residue is eliminated. This step is crucial, as any remaining dust can interfere with the adhesion of the primer and paint.
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Priming: Laminate cabinets require a special bonding primer
Laminate cabinets have a glossy, slick surface, which makes it difficult for paint to adhere to them. To combat this, you must use a special bonding primer that is formulated to adhere to the laminate surface.
Before priming, it is important to prepare the surface of the cabinets. Clean the cabinet surfaces thoroughly with a cloth and a laminate cleaner. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is a good solution to remove grease, grime, dirt, and mould from your cabinets, and it easily washes away with water. Cleaning the cabinets will help the primer adhere to the doors and not to dust or residue. After cleaning, allow the cabinets to dry completely. You should also tape off any areas you do not want to be painted, such as hinges, and cover kitchen surfaces, such as floors and countertops, with a drop cloth for easy cleanup. Open a window or run a fan for ventilation as you begin priming.
Once the cabinets are clean and dry, you can begin priming. Pour some primer onto a paint tray and start by priming the edges of the cabinet doors and drawer fronts with an angled paintbrush. Then, prime the larger sections with a mini foam paint roller, making sure to apply an even coat. Keep the cabinet doors ajar after priming to help speed up the drying process. If the cabinet surface still feels slick after a coat of primer, you may want to consider a second coat.
After priming, you can begin painting. Oil- and latex-based paints will stick to laminate cabinets better than acrylic-based paints.
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Painting: Allow paint to dry completely before applying a second coat
Painting plastic kitchen cabinets is an inexpensive way to breathe new life into your kitchen. Before painting, it is important to prepare the surface by sanding, repairing, and cleaning the cabinets. This will ensure that your new finish adheres properly. Start by removing all cabinet doors and drawers and labelling each piece for easy reassembly later. Next, protect the interiors of the cabinet boxes with plastic and tape.
When it comes to painting, it is important to follow the paint manufacturer's instructions for drying times. Allow the paint to dry completely before applying a second coat. This may take several hours or even overnight, depending on the product. Do not rush the process, as allowing the paint to fully cure will result in a hard and durable finish.
Once the paint has dried completely, you can begin the process of reassembling your cabinets. Carefully remove the tape and plastic from the cabinet boxes and install the doors one by one, referring to your labelling system. Use hand tools when reattaching hardware to avoid stripping the screws. Finally, install any new knobs or pulls, ensuring they are straight and properly aligned.
Take your time during the painting and reassembly process, and don't forget to pay close attention to the details. This will ensure that your refinished plastic kitchen cabinets look their best and provide a positive transformation for your kitchen space.
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Reassembly: Reinstall doors and hardware, such as handles and knobs
Once the paint is dry, you can begin the reassembly process. Start by carefully removing the tape and plastic coverings from the cabinet boxes. It is important to ensure that the paint is dry enough for you to handle the cabinet pieces.
Install the doors one by one, referring to your labelling system to ensure each door is returned to its proper place. When reattaching the doors, use hand tools rather than power drills to avoid stripping the screws.
Next, install any new knobs or handles, making sure they are straight and properly aligned. You may also want to install new clear rubber bumpers on the doors and drawers. This small detail can make a big difference in the function of your newly refinished cabinets.
Before considering the job complete, take a final walk-through of your kitchen to look for any areas that may need touch-ups. Pay close attention to edges, corners, and any spots that you might have missed during the painting process.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to remove all cabinet doors and drawers and carefully label each piece to ensure easy reassembly later. Set up a staging area for cleaning and refinishing these parts.
Protect the interiors of the cabinet boxes by covering them with plastic and tape. Don’t forget to cover backsplashes and seal off appliances to keep them clean throughout the process.
Clean all surfaces with TSP cleaner to remove any grease and dirt. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) mixed with water is highly effective for stubborn grease. TSP emulsifies grease, making it much easier to remove than with soap alone.
