Alexei Volkov
Revamping old plastic kitchen cupboards can instantly add value to your home without the expense and hassle of a complete replacement. There are many ways to refresh your existing cabinets, from simple paint jobs to more creative DIY projects. This paragraph will explore various methods to give your kitchen a fresh new look without breaking the bank.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Cost-friendly |
| Time | Quick |
| Tools | Paint, wallpaper, adhesive, sponge, vinegar, magic eraser, shelf liner, moulding, knobs, pulls, electrical tape, chalkboard paint, painter's tape, polyurethane spray paint, contact paper, decoupage medium, edge banding, iron |
| Steps | Clean, sand, apply veneer, install new doors and drawer fronts, add hardware, add crown moulding, swap out knobs and pulls, add wallpaper, add wooden appliques, add chalkboard paint, add electrical tape and paint |
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What You'll Learn
Painting cupboards
Painting your kitchen cupboards is a great way to revamp your kitchen without breaking the bank. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to update your kitchen and can dramatically alter the entire look and feel of the space.
Before you start painting, ensure your cabinets are structurally sound and clean them thoroughly. If your current cabinets are dark and make your kitchen feel cramped, consider painting them a lighter shade to open up the space. You can also try more creative techniques, such as distressing the wood or using chalkboard paint on the doors. If your cabinets have a laminate interior, give them a good scrub with a 50:50 vinegar-water mix and a sponge or rag. If there are still stains, follow up with a magic eraser.
If you want to get creative, try removable or adhesive wallpaper. Cut the wallpaper to fit inside the cabinet's recessed panel. Apply spray adhesive to the back of the paper, then carefully smooth it onto the panel. Seal the surface with a thin coat of decoupage medium. You can also use electrical tape and bright paint to create a design. First, apply a base coat of white paint, then tape a lattice design onto the door. Paint over the tape in your desired colour and carefully peel off the tape once it's dry.
Don't forget that small changes can make a big difference. Swapping out old knobs and pulls is one of the quickest and cheapest fixes. Just remember to match the width of your new drawer pulls to the old ones to avoid drilling new holes.
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Replacing doors and handles
Replacing the doors and handles of your old plastic kitchen cupboards is a great way to give your kitchen a facelift without breaking the bank. It is a simple and quick way to update your kitchen, especially when compared to a complete cabinet replacement.
Firstly, you need to ensure that the carcasses of your cupboards are in good condition and that you are happy with the current layout and storage. If the carcasses are damaged, especially with water damage, or the layout is awkward, you may need to consider replacing the entire cabinet.
If your carcasses are in good shape, start by measuring the width and height of the cabinet openings and the desired overlay width for your new doors. You can then order new doors online or from a local store. Choose a style and finish that suits your taste and the overall look of your kitchen.
When your new doors arrive, the installation process is relatively simple. You will usually just need a screwdriver, the right fixings, and some basic DIY skills. Remove the old doors and handles, and carefully slide the new doors into the hinges, tightening the screws to secure them in place.
Finally, install the new handles onto the cabinet doors. Remember to match the width of the new handles to the old ones to avoid drilling new holes. You may also need to sand and touch up any spots where paint was knocked off during the removal process.
By replacing the doors and handles of your old plastic kitchen cupboards, you can achieve a fresh new look for your kitchen without incurring the high costs and disruptions of a complete cabinet replacement.
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Using adhesive wallpaper
Adhesive wallpaper is a great way to revamp old plastic kitchen cupboards without the expense and hassle of replacing them. It can add a pop of colour and pattern to your kitchen.
Firstly, ensure your cupboards are structurally sound and give them a good clean. You can use a 50:50 vinegar-water mix and a sponge or rag to scrub away any dirt. If there are still stains, use a magic eraser.
Next, cut the adhesive wallpaper to fit inside the cabinet's recessed panel. Peel off the adhesive backing about 2 inches down, and line up the edge with the inner corner of the panel. Slowly pull back the backing as you continue adhering the rest of the paper. You can use a squeegee to smooth out any air bubbles and ensure the paper is firmly attached.
If you want to use wallpaper on the outside of your cupboards, consider a peel-and-stick removable wallpaper. These are designed to be applied to non-textured walls painted in most finishes and can be removed without damaging the surface underneath. You can find a variety of patterns and styles to suit your taste and budget.
For a more permanent solution, you can use spray adhesive to attach wallpaper to your cupboards. Cut a piece of wallpaper to fit the recessed panel and apply spray adhesive to the back. Smooth it onto the panel and use a paintbrush to apply a thin coat of decoupage medium over the paper and the entire door to seal the surface.
Remember to avoid placing wallpaper in areas that will be constantly splashed with water, such as a backsplash, and ensure proper ventilation in humid spaces.
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Adding extra shelving
First, measure the width of your cabinet or the length of an existing shelf. Cut additional shelves for each cabinet, ensuring they fit the space. You can use a variety of materials, such as pine or plywood, to create the new shelves. Consider the weight of the items you plan to store and choose a material that can support the load.
When installing the new shelves, arrange them to maximise cupboard space. You can add pull-out shelves to your base cabinets, functioning like shallow drawers that slide out for easy access to items at the back. This is especially useful for deeper cabinets, allowing you to reach items with ease.
If you're feeling creative, you can add extra shelving in unique ways. For instance, combine stock cabinets and bookcases to create a window seat with storage underneath. You can also add crown moulding along the top of your cabinets for a sophisticated look and additional storage options.
Remember, when adding extra shelving, ensure that the materials you use are suitable for the weight and type of items you plan to store. You can also consider painting your cabinets or adding new hardware for a complete transformation.
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Installing a splashback
First, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials. This includes the splashback tiles, adhesive, grout, a notched trowel, a tile cutter or wet saw, a level, spacers, and a sponge. You can also use metal or acrylic sheets, which are easier to fit and provide more colour and pattern options. If you're using screws to install your splashback, you'll need those as well.
Before you begin, make sure the surface where you'll be installing the splashback is clean, dry, and smooth. If you've removed tiles, fill and paint the area with PVA or kitchen primer paint. It is recommended to use a non-porous surface underneath to protect the wall from moisture damage.
Next, mark the exact location of your splashback with a pencil if you're using adhesive. If you're using screws, mark the holes where you'll be mounting the splashback. Leave a gap of 2-3mm around each edge of the splashback for sealant and expansion. Double-check that this gap is consistent around any fixtures, like your sink, and that the wall is completely flat.
Finally, fix your splashback into place. You can either screw it into position or use adhesive. If you're using screws, drill the holes and use the correct size of wall plugs. Then, hold the splashback in place and screw it to the wall. If you're using adhesive, follow the instructions on the package to apply it correctly.
With these steps, you can successfully install a kitchen splashback and give your kitchen a fresh new look!
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Frequently asked questions
Painting your kitchen cupboards is a simple, cost-effective way to give them a fresh look. You can also add embellishments like wooden appliques, or use electrical tape and paint to create a design that pops.
Before painting, ensure your cupboards are structurally sound, clean, and dry. Use chalk paint or a semigloss interior latex paint, and consider using painter's tape to create a pattern or design.
You can use adhesive wallpaper or contact paper to add colour and pattern to your cupboards. You can also try removable wallpaper if you want a temporary option.
Swapping out old knobs and pulls is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to revamp your kitchen cupboards. You can find new hardware at your local hardware store or online.
Pick two main colours that pop against each other and use them to decorate your existing kitchen cabinet doors. You can also try more modern design choices, like open shelving or a new sink and tap set.
