How To Refinish Wood Cabinets Without Stripping

Refinishing wood cabinets without stripping is a great way to update the look of your kitchen or bathroom without having to spend a lot of money. It’s also a relatively easy project that can be completed in a weekend. Here are the steps on how to do it:

Materials You'll Need:

Sandpaper (120-grit, 220-grit)
Tack cloth
Primer
Paint
Polyurethane
Paintbrush or roller
Screwdriver

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Remove the cabinet doors and hardware:

Using a screwdriver, remove all of the cabinet doors and hardware. Label the doors so you know which one goes where when it's time to reassemble them.

2. Sand the cabinets:

Start by sanding the cabinets with 120-grit sandpaper. This will remove any existing finish and help to create a smooth surface for the primer.

3. Clean the cabinets:

Once the cabinets are sanded, wipe them down with a tack cloth to remove any dust.

4. Prime the cabinets:

Apply a coat of primer to the cabinets. This will help to seal the wood and prevent the paint from peeling.

5. Sand the primer:

Once the primer has dried, sand it lightly with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots.

6. Paint the cabinets:

Apply two coats of paint to the cabinets. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.

7. Apply polyurethane:

Once the paint has dried, apply a coat of polyurethane to the cabinets. This will help to protect the paint and give the cabinets a glossy finish.

8. Reassemble the cabinets:

Once the polyurethane has dried, reassemble the cabinet doors and hardware. Your cabinets are now refinished!

Tips:

If you're not sure what color to paint your cabinets, consider using a paint sample first. This will allow you to see how the color looks in your kitchen or bathroom before you commit to painting the entire cabinet.
If you're painting the cabinets a dark color, you may need to apply three or more coats of paint.
Allow each coat of paint to dry completely before applying the next one. This will help to prevent the paint from peeling.
If you're not comfortable sanding the cabinets yourself, you can hire a professional to do it for you.