Kitchen is simply one of the most expensive places to refurbish when it comes to Home Improvements.
You need to have a plan or have someone to make your plan (costing money), then selecting the cabinets within your budget (which never happens as the costs go overboard easily) and then selecting appliances, details, lights etc.
Many of us love to have a kitchen suitable for good family quality time but sometimes the budget is not available, especially around this time with many people staying at home and many have lost their jobs or are in furlough.
But what if your Kitchen is still in good shape? Can you reuse it? What if you could do it?
Despair not, we have very positive tips for you to do a bit of DIY at your home, using the proper tools and you are going to be amazed on what you can do while reusing.
Check the Structure of your Kitchen
Is your kitchen in good shape but only needs a bit of TLC? Is the structure in good shape without mold or rotten? Can it be reused?
If yes, Do you have any plan or ideas on how you want your Kitchen to look? Check for ideas online such as in Pinterest for looks and plans that can be adapted to you. Create a mood board or even check for some hack or tips. Pinterest is great for looks, mood boards and you will definitely find some inspiration for your future kitchen.
Hinges and Doors
One of the most important parts of a kitchen is doors and hinges. Changing doors is actually easy, as well as hinges.
If you need new hinges or want to change the look of them, take one off and go to your hardware store and buy new ones. Count how many you need and buy 2 or 3 extras if you can.
To change your hinges you just need simple tools as Screwdrivers, electric screwdrivers (life and time savers), drills, etc. Check for tool tips online as there are good websites with information.
While you are at the hardware store and you have this project in hands (pun intended) pick up some sandpaper, masking tape, and also some protection for yourself.
If you are in need of new doors and want to skit the step below, measure each door of your cabinets, making a design of your actual kitchen and numbering the doors and/or drawers. That way you can measure each door (don’t assume that all doors are the same size) and distribute a number for each space. That way you have everything organized for when you install them
Paint or Vinyl
This is entirely your choice (and budget).
A good Vinyl is expensive. There is a vast range of colours or even textures and designs or patterns. It is a bit more difficult to apply and the durability of the vinyl can be conditioned by some aspects like the weather or grease and mould.
While Painting is more accessible and easier for you to apply. Is Durable and if something happens or you want to change it after some years, you won’t be thinking about the money you’ve spent if it was Vinyl.
Preparing the Kitchen
Preparing the kitchen is not only removing and cleaning the inside of the cabinets.
You need to remove the doors and drawers (make sure you have your drawing with you and attribute a number to all the doors and drawers so you know which place they were in the first place. Don’t assume that all of them fit anywhere.
There are many things that can happen in the lifespan of kitchen materials, from heat to humidity, the material can enlarge and lose it shape, so make sure you make your “original” drawing first, and then it can fit on your “project” drawing.
How to Paint Cabinets and Drawers
The fun part of refurbishing something is actually having the power to paint your cabinets. But for that, there are simple steps to follow for a good finishing and durable.
As per House and Garden guide, the first thing to know if what material is your kitchen cabinets and doors made. There are several types of primers and paints to each material and for different finishes.
Here is the list of steps to follow:
- Cleaning thoroughly the cabinets, doors, and drawers. Clean everything from dust to mould or grease. This step is very important for the final finish and durability of your kitchen look. Also look for any fillings to be made with wood filler. Let it dry very well.
- Tape surfaces and walls with masking tape.
- Sand Surfaces to remove the old paint or varnish and for a smooth finish. Vacuum the dust or clean again. Let it dry.
- Prime the surfaces. Priming is what will protect and make your cabinet durable. Select a primer according to what your final project is and the type of paint you are going to use. Let it dry.
- Paint or Varnish. There are several types of paints for your cabinets. Pick one that is suitable for your kitchen material and also for your project. Paint the interior first and while it is drying, paint the doors. Let it dry.
- Check if your paint needs more coats.
- Reassemble your kitchen. Following your “original” and numbered design put everything organized.
- Enjoy your new Kitchen!
