Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39795558.tip.html

Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

My husband and I are about to purchase our first home. It is a foreclosure so it's buy "as is". There's really not too much wrong with it. I want to make the cabinets in the kitchen a darker color, maybe a nice cherry wood. I'd love to be able to update the countertops. I'm not sure what the countertops are made of though. Any tips that can be offered would be great.

By Lacey from Fort Smith, AR

Feedback About This Post:

RE: Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

I like the staining idea. You may even check to see if a home improvement store is doing a free seminar on it, just to get some practice before you do it. Otherwise, get some scrap wood to practice on first. New hardware also can make a big difference and it's inexpensive. Good luck!

Here's more:

http://www.selfhelpandmore.com/buil ... rfectly-stained-kitchen-cabinets.php

Or, if you decide to paint cabinets instead:

http://www.oldhouseweb.com/how-to-advice/painting-kitchen-cabinets.shtml

Post by Allison5

RE: Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

I just completed sanding, staining and double coating with polyurethane satin part veneer and wood kitchen cabinets. I used four different stains mixing together half and half, Colonial Maple and Golden Pecan for the large middle panel and using half and half Mahogany and Cherry stains on the outer areas and edges. They turned out very pretty. I put the first mixture over the whole cabinet door and then used the second stain mixture over the outer area. By doing it this way, the merge of the two stains complimented better. The edges of the cabinets were a sawdust and glue combo and the polyurethane kept it from flaking away as they were old doors on a vintage trailer. I plan on taking a picture and will put it on thriftyfun sometime.

Post by Lorelei

RE: Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

Another option for your countertops is to remove the laminate you now have and using that as a template, cut 3/4" plywood to put on your counter. Then cover the plywood with granite tiles. If you use a grout that is very close to the color of the granite tiles, it almost looks like solid granite.

Post by Patty Lynn

RE: Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets

I stained my previously "golden oak" cabinets a rich, dark brown. It was surprisingly easy.
I simply sanded them lightly and wiped on the darker stain. Then I added bright, white ceramic tile for the backsplash. Altogether, I only spent about $100.

As for the countertops, I splurged and paid someone to replace the laminate. I didn't want to attempt that myself.

Post by Southern Saver

Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39795558.tip.html

Disclaimer: ThriftyFun.com cannot accept any responsibility for any injury or damage that you may cause to yourself, others, or property when following any advice given on this site. Read the full disclaimer: http://www.thriftyfun.comdisclaimer.ldml If you find any information on ThriftyFun.com or in our newsletters that is either erroneous and/or potentially harmful to others, please Contact Us, immediately.