Tips For Refinishing Vintage Cabinets
Do you want to restore your vintage cabinets to their former glory? Do you want to give them the facelift they desperately need and finally have that classic country kitchen you’ve been dreaming about?
Like most things, they don’t make cabinets like they used to. So, those sturdy, old-fashioned cabinets are well-worth restoring and preserving. When you take care of them, they’ll last a lifetime! Plus, vintage-style kitchens are timeless. They’ll always be in style.
But, like any other antique, vintage cabinets need a skilled and patient hand to refinish them. Keep reading to learn our expert tips for refinishing vintage cabinets.
1) Assess If It’s Really Worth It
First things first, you need to assess whether your vintage cabinets are worth saving. Are they in good condition, or are they falling apart? After all, there’s only so much refinishing can do. If there’s water or fire damage to the whole cabinet, then it’s probably a lost cause. Alternatively, do they need to be refinished? Or do they just need to be repainted?
2) Take All Layers Of Finish Off
If they haven’t been maintained, your vintage cabinets will likely have more than a few layers of paint. And, to truly refinish them, you need to get to the wood underneath all that paint. Scrape off all of the old paint or stain. You can also do this with a chemical stripping agent or by sanding.
3) Deep Clean And Completely Dry
Vintage cabinets usually have their fair share of dust, grease, and other grime that has built up over time. Make sure that you scrub all of it out with a mild detergent. Leave your cabinets to dry completely before proceeding with the refinishing process.
4) Make Any And All Repairs Necessary
After you’ve scrapped off all of the paint and cleaned your cabinets, you may find some cosmetic damage. Luckily, you can fix that. If your cabinets have minor nicks, cracks, or dents, you can patch them up with wood putty. Lastly, make sure everything is sanded down and satin-smooth. Clean up all the dust with a vacuum before going in with treatment.
5) Choose Your Finish Wisely
Remember to choose your cabinet’s finish wisely. If you’re going for a vintage or rustic kitchen theme, it’s best to stay away from vibrant colors. Vintage cabinets look best in natural wood or earthy tones, and of course, white. (You can really never go wrong with white cabinets.)
6) Use Antique Hardware
You can’t get the vintage vibe if you only go halfway. If the hinges and handles on your cabinetry are malfunctioning, find some replacements that are in better condition instead of buying unfittingly modern ones. Also, keep your cabinet’s new finish in mind to properly match the hardware.
Put Your Vintage Cabinets In Capable Hands – Call Rim Homes!
The best tip we can give you is to trust your vintage cabinets with the refinishing experts at Rim Homes. Our 9-step process is just what your cabinets need to bring out their best! Contact us now to learn more.
