Refresh kitchen cabinets without replacing them

New cabinets are one of the biggest kitchen costs. If the boxes are solid, a refresh gives much of the look for a fraction of the price.

Steps

1. Deep clean and degrease everything
2. Tighten hinges and fix sticking doors
3. Remove doors and label each one and its spot
4. Sand lightly, prime with a bonding primer, then paint with a cabinet or enamel paint
5. Let it cure fully before rehanging
6. Add new knobs and pulls

Good to know

It takes longer than it looks, often several days, because each coat needs to dry. Plan for a week without a fully working kitchen.

General educational information. Prices vary by region and store; renters should check their lease. Nickel Home Pros isn't paid by any store or brand.