Kitchen Cabinets

The easiest way to update the look of your kitchen cabinets without the cost of replacing them is to repaint. But beware: This is not a DIY project for the fainthearted. If you’re willing to put in the work, this cost-effective update can turn out beautifully.

The bulk of the work will be prepping your cabinets. You need to remove all the doors and hardware, then strip the existing paint, stain or varnish. We recommend the non-toxic stripper Citri-Strip. Be patient, as this may take several rounds. Finally, lightly sand the exposed wood, and wipe down the cabinets with a rag to remove all the dust.

Now you’re ready to paint. The best way to ensure a long-lasting paint job is to use an oil-based primer like Zinsser, followed by a high-quality interior paint. Between each coat, lightly sand and wipe the cabinets again—this will ensure a smooth finish and help the coats stick together for optimal use.

If your cabinets are in poor repair but you don’t want the cost of replacing them, try replacing the doors only.