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Quick Answer: How To Refinish Pine Kitchen Cabinets

Pine cabinets lend a rustic look to any kitchen, but the effect is ruined if the finish is dull and dingy, or if someone has painted over the wood. Either way, you can refinish the cabinets by simply stripping off the old varnish or paint, staining the wood, and sealing it in a coat of polyurethane.

How do you make pine cabinets look good?

You can modernize cabinets by stripping old paint or varnish, sanding and then staining the wood in a color of your choice. Use caution with dark stains, as the pine will quickly absorb color, sometimes resulting in a darker finish than you envisioned.

How do you refurbish knotty pine kitchen cabinets?

Sanding your knotty pine cabinets is a must, regardless if you’re painting or staining them. You don’t have to sand them down to the bare wood or remove all of the old stain. The purpose of sanding is to remove the clear coat on top for a stronger primer bond. You can use a hand block or sand with an orbital sander.

How do you strip pine cabinets?

Dip a paintbrush into an open can of stripper and brush it on the exterior faces of the cabinet. After few minutes, the stripper will turn the varnish into a gel. Begin scraping the gelled varnish off the cabinet from the top down with a flat stick, allowing the gel to drop onto the drop cloth.

How do you freshen up knotty pine cabinets?

Knotty pine cabinets lend your home a rustic and retro feel, but the wood is soft and liable to wear and tear. Fortunately, it can be restored by cleaning it like you would most other pieces of wood. Scrub away grime with a mild soap and warm water. For stubborn spots on unpainted cabinets, try a little paint thinner.

Are pine kitchen cabinets good?

Pine wood is moisture resistant, and won’t swell or crack, so it’s a good choice for humid environments like bathrooms and busy kitchens. Pine wood is also quite soft. That makes it easy to work and carve into custom-made cabinets.

How do you paint over pine wood?

Spread the primer over the pine with an inexpensive paint brush. Shellac primer is somewhat strong, so don’t use a foam brush. Dip your brush into the shellac to coat it, then tap it against the side of the can. Finish by applying the primer along the wood’s grain.

Can you refinish pine cabinets?

Pine cabinets lend a rustic look to any kitchen, but the effect is ruined if the finish is dull and dingy, or if someone has painted over the wood. Either way, you can refinish the cabinets by simply stripping off the old varnish or paint, staining the wood, and sealing it in a coat of polyurethane.

Is knotty pine making a comeback?

Knotty Pine With rustic, reclaimed woods on the way out and polished, textural woods on the rise, this retro staple is getting a thoroughly modern second coming.

How do you strip kitchen cabinets?

Consult Your Cabinet Put on rubber gloves and breathing protection. Spread drop cloth around the cabinets. Dip a paintbrush into an open can of stripper. Scrape the gelled finish off the cabinets using a paint scraper. Scrape the tight corners or profile lines using sharp sticks that fit the profile.

Is it better to sand or strip wood?

Stripping a finish is faster than sanding to remove it. But more importantly, sanding cuts through stain and patina (the color changes in wood caused by light and oxidation), and it does so unevenly. Jan 3, 2018.

How can I refinish my kitchen cabinets without stripping them?

Applying polyurethane over the stained surface is the easiest part when it comes to refinishing kitchen cabinets without stripping them. Apply one coat, allow it time to dry, and apply another coat. Repeat this process until you are satisfied with the results. Two or three coats will give you a beautiful finish.

How do you clean old pine cabinets?

Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and warm water and pour it into a spray bottle. Mist on cabinets, let sit for a minute or two and then wipe clean with a soft cloth. Add a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent to the vinegar and water solution to clean extremely grimy cabinets.

How do you clean pine kitchen cabinets?

Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and warm water and put into a spray bottle. Mist on cabinets, let sit for a minute or two and then wipe clean with a soft cloth. This step is optional. Add a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent to the vinegar and water solution to clean extremely grimy cabinets.

When were knotty pine kitchen cabinets popular?

Just as the name suggests, knotty pine is a variety of pine wood exhibiting large amounts of knots. This wood variety was commonly used to create kitchens with rustic appeals in the 1950s.

Can you paint knotty pine cupboards?

If you’re looking for something a little more contemporary, though, it’s fine to just paint over it. If the knotty pine has been covered with polyurethane, you’ll probably need to use an oil-based primer first, because a latex primer won’t stick well to the polyurethane surface.

What is the most durable kitchen cabinet finish?

But if your kitchen cabinet finish’s durability is a high priority, there is no better option than a high gloss finish. A gloss finish will give you the durability you need in a busy kitchen where scratches, dings, and dents are likely to occur.

Is pine good wood for cabinets?

Pine wood also tends to have many knots, giving it a distinctive, immediately recognizable look. Because knotty pine has these distinctive knots throughout, it’s often best to choose pine kitchen cabinets in person. Another reason pine is popular with homeowners is that it is an extremely cost-effective wood.