20_Cabinet Door Refinishing

Four simple steps

Tools needed: 

• TSP/cleaner, sandpaper 
• shellac or oil base primer, paint brush 
• paint base color (in this case cream) and 
• accent color (chocolate brown) 
• toothbrush and sealer.

Your provide time (work + drying) and effort.


Painting affords you the option of replacing your pulls and/or hinges.
Measure the distance between the holes of the pull.
Either purchase new pulls with the same distance or
fill one or both holes with a sandable putty to disguise their location.
For example, in this way you can go from a 3" pull along the side to a 6"pull
across the top of the door, if you wish.

 Remove hardware, clean with TSP, sand smooth and 

scuff surfaces to allow for best primer adhesion.

Spray with fine coat of quality primer, and allow to dry.

Paint with good quality paint in your choice of color.

Once dry, sand off paint and primer to reveal the wood

in areas where you would expect to see wear and tear 

(edges, near the handle and so on).

 Use a toothbrush to get some of the thinned accent paint into 

the recesses to highlight the detail of the woodwork.  

Drag a thumb across the bristles to splatter a bit of color.  

Dry wipe some across the surface and edges
until the desired look in achieved.  

Let this dry thoroughly before sealing with a clear shellac.

Replace the pulls and hinges to reinstall.

If you create your own kitchen vision, 

your pride in your own accomplishment will be added to the pleasure of its use.