Kitchen cabinets can quickly go from being a stylish, beautiful addition to your kitchen to looking outdated and shabby. Whether it’s because they’ve been damaged by water or because you need a change of color, faded kitchen cabinets are an easy fix. Here are a few ways to restore your kitchen cabinets so that they look new again.
Clean and Wax your Cabinets
The best way to restore your cabinets is by cleaning them thoroughly and then applying a coat of wax. Start by cleaning the cabinets using a mixture of warm water, dish soap, and a few drops of white vinegar. This will remove any cooking residue or dirt that could be causing the problem.
After you’ve cleaned them, use an old towel to dry them off. Next, apply a coat of paste wax with a clean cloth. Allow the wax to dry for about 30 minutes before you wipe it off with another clean cloth. The end result will be beautiful and shiny cabinets that are protected from future damage.
Paint your Cabinets
If your cabinets are looking a little worn, you can easily refresh them with some paint. Paint them the color or colors of your choice. This is a great option if you’re on a budget and don’t want to invest in new cabinets just yet.
If you want to keep your kitchen cabinets but change the color, this is a perfect choice. You can choose from many different colors and paint the entire kitchen including the walls and trim.
Replace the Cabinet Doors
One of the best ways to revive your kitchen cabinets is to replace the door. This will give you a whole new look without having to repaint the entire room. There are plenty of cabinet door styles and colors to choose from, so you can find the perfect match for your kitchen.
Install New Hardware
The hardware on your kitchen cabinets can make the cabinets look new or worn. You can purchase new hardware, but if you want to save money, there are other options. For example, you can buy cabinet knobs at a local hardware store and replace the ones that came with your cabinets. These knobs are inexpensive and easy to install.
If you’ve already replaced your hardware but it’s still not enough to make a difference, consider painting them instead. One of the easiest fixes for faded kitchen cabinets is applying a coat of paint to the hinges, handles, and knobs. This will give them a fresh coat of color in an instant!
Restore the Finish of your Sink
One of the first things that can affect the color and finish of your kitchen cabinets is the sink. If you have a white or light-colored sink, it’s likely to leave behind marks on your cabinets. To avoid this, use a sponge to clean your sink after each use.
If you still notice marks after cleaning, try scrubbing them off with baking soda and water. There are also cleaners made specifically for removing stains from sinks that you could try as well.
Add a Colorful Backsplash
One of the easiest ways to make your kitchen cabinets look new again is by adding a backsplash. If you have white or beige kitchen cabinets, try painting your backsplash a bright, eye-catching color like red or purple. This will give your kitchen a new look and help bring some life into the space.
Paint the Cabinets with an Oil-Based Paint
Kitchen cabinets are usually made out of wood, which can easily be stained by water. If your cabinets are starting to look dull or discolored, the simplest way to restore them is by painting them with oil-based paint. Oil-based paints will not peel off as easily as latex paints and won’t fade as fast in direct sunlight.
How to Restore Matte-Finish Kitchen Cabinets
If you have matte-finish cabinets and want to restore them, first get a fresh coat of paint. Use a high-quality primer and paint. Matte-finish cabinet paint will give your kitchen cabinets a new look without the shine.
Turn Existing Hardware into Something New
Rather than replacing the cabinets and doors, all you’ll need to do is paint them. The best way to do this is to take the hardware off the doors, sand down any uneven patches on the door frame and doors, sand down the hinges and screws, then paint them completely. Once you’ve painted all of your kitchen cabinets, put the hardware back on before moving on to step two.
Conclusion
Your kitchen is one of the most used spaces in your home and, as such, it’s important that it be both comfortable and stylish. If your cabinets are looking a little worse for wear, these simple DIY fixes will have your kitchen looking as good as new.