Is it a good idea to refurbish my 1970s kitchen cabinets with paint, changed hinges, and replaced base, and if so, what is the best way to do it?
Asked by Dejalme Aragão 
3 months ago
Last Updated: September 23, 2024
Hey, I recently purchased a house from the 1970s and I’m considering updating the kitchen cabinets. I want to change the paint, hinges, and base. Do you think it’s a good idea? And if so, what would be the best way to go about it? Thanks a bunch!
I’m in a similar situation with a 70s house and old cabinets. My plan is to degrease them, use wood filler for dents, sand them down, prime, and apply two coats of paint (white, satin finish). Also switching out the door knobs and adding self-closing hinges. To give it a modern touch, I’ll be adding peel-and-stick backsplash on the walls above the countertop.
Wow, that’s a whole lot of orange! Looks classy though. If your cabinets are still in good shape, why not give them a makeover? Instead of splurging on replacements right now, just clean them up, apply a fresh coat of paint, and install some new hardware. You could also consider replacing the countertop with a prefabricated one at a good price and add a peel-and-stick backsplash for a quick update. Save your money for future permanent upgrades.
I’ve got identical cabinets too, but they’re from the 1950s. I recently purchased a 25-inch open drum sander to gently sand them down and remove the varnish. Planning to add trim to create a shaker style. Swapping out hinges and handles like you are. Painting the top ones a whitish shade and the bottom ones navy blue. I truly think all this effort will be worth it. I’ll start by practicing on a door that I don’t need. Best of luck to you and enjoy the process!
Considering all the effort you’re investing in your cabinets, it’s best to avoid using peel and stick back splash as it may diminish the overall quality of your work. Take your time, and don’t rush into decisions about the back splash before changing the counter tops.
If you have a table saw and miter saw, you can DIY your own shaker style cabinets. Otherwise, you can purchase trim and attach it around the edges for a faux shaker look. Remember, preparation is key if you plan to paint them.
Make sure to clean the wood thoroughly before sanding. It’s much easier to avoid clogging the sandpaper with grease and dirt that way.
I stumbled upon a particular community dedicated to cabinet painting that proved to be incredibly helpful without any negative remarks. You might discover it to be quite beneficial. Refurbishing your wooden cabinets (in a manner that will endure, without peeling, chipping, or resembling the work of a young child) can be quite time-consuming and necessitates numerous rounds of sanding and painting.
This is not to discourage you from attempting it, but rather to ensure your own well-being, it is advisable to possess the proper tools and a comprehensive understanding of the process beforehand so that you can be satisfied with the results.
After all, you do utilize your kitchen multiple times each day.
Hey , do you happen to know the name of that group?
Here’s the group I mentioned earlier but unfortunately couldn’t provide a link for.
Gail, this group comes up in conversation often:
Just letting you know, the cabinet painting experts are a knowledgeable team. They are serious about their work; they offer guidance and education. They have zero tolerance for negativity or judgment because they think that everyone should be treated with respect and given the chance to learn, even if they’re clueless at first, haha.
Thanks a lot!
Just to let you know, I’m one of the administrators of the Kitchen Cabinet Painting Experts group, and it’s packed with all the resources you’ll need for assistance. Avoid using that heirlooms paint at all costs, as it’s not suitable for cabinets.
I appreciate you sharing that with me! We were actually planning on hiring someone, but after seeing my daughter and her husband tackle their own cabinets, I feel motivated to give it a shot.
You got it! It takes some effort, but you can definitely handle it. The secret lies in the preparation and quality materials you choose. If you aim for a professional finish, consider renting an airless sprayer.
As wisely pointed out, if you’re looking to refurbish them for longevity, it will require time and patience due to the extensive prep work involved. The prep work may be tedious, but the benefits are definitely worth it. However, if you’re considering replacing the cabinets soon and just want a temporary update for now, there are a few options: 1- simply cleaning & changing the cabinet hardware can make a surprisingly big difference. 2- Gently sanding, priming, and painting the cabinets in a light color. This painting method may last you about a year before showing signs of wear. 3- Combining either of the previous ideas with something like peel-and-stick counters & backsplash. Once again, these 3 methods are meant to be temporary but will give you at least 1-2 years to prepare for a major renovation.
Would it be feasible for you to bring in a professional to update the cabinets and drawers? (New fronts and a fresh coat of paint?) We’ve redone this in 4 different homes and it was definitely worth it—plus it’s more cost-effective than getting new cabinets, with less stress and hassle for you.
We are currently working on this project to get it refaced.
Sure, I can handle a professional paint job. Are you suggesting I need to replace the cabinet doors? Or just the hinges and door handle?
Hey there! If you’re interested in taking on the challenge of this job, it’s definitely doable. Many people do it all the time. The process involves getting new cabinet doors in the style of your choice, placing the hinges inside, adding rollers to the old drawers for smooth opening and closing, and painting the existing cabinets with a professional lacquer paint. ‘t forget about the new hardware too! In our area, there’s a skilled individual who specializes in this and it’s a more cost-effective option compared to installing brand new cabinets. Of course, if you’re willing to take on the task of painting them yourself, that’s also a great option.
This used to be my kitchen with old cabinets…. We chose to keep the old cabinets because they are built-in, so we went with this option.⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️
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Oh wow that looks fantastic, I’m definitely going to keep mine and work on it
The price was around $100 for the wainscoting and the molding. The key is to make sure you caulk around the edges for a smooth finish.
Thank you very much for the information, I really appreciate it