When you're tired of the way your kitchen looks, you can give it an effective makeover by refinishing the cabinets. By updating their color, finish, and texture, you can transform the entire look and feel of the room. Contemporary Refinishing, a respected bath and kitchen remodeling company in St. Ann, MO, explains below what a cabinet refinishing project involves and how to prepare for it.

What Does Cabinet Refinishing Entail?

A cabinet makeover can provide the change you want for your space or be just the first step in an entire kitchen remodeling project. Refinishing is sometimes confused with resurfacing, in which new a laminate surface is applied to the faces, side panels, and moldings to cover up blemishes. Refinishing, however, involves sanding down the existing finish or stripping it off with chemicals. Once the surface has been reduced to bare wood, new paint or stain can be applied to update the look and texture. You can keep or replace the hardware as you see fit. Refinishing is only possible with cabinets made of real wood; thermofoil or laminate cannot be sanded or stripped.

How Should You Get Ready for Cabinet Refinishing?

To prepare your cabinets for a makeover, remove the handles and other hardware. Place screws, knobs, and handles into a Ziploc sandwich bag for safekeeping. Next, clean the wood thoroughly with a soft rag and mineral spirits. Follow that by rubbing the cabinets down with a one-to-one solution of water and ammonia. Finally, rinse with clean water and allow the wood to dry completely before using the stripper or sandpaper.

If you are interested in a kitchen refinishing project, contact the experts at Contemporary Refinishing. They've been offering bath and kitchen remodeling services throughout Greater St. Louis for more than 15 years. Visit their website to learn what all they can do for you or call (314) 520-0857 to discuss your options with a friendly representative.