There have never been more options, services, or products available for cabinetry and its improvement than there are today. Upgrading your kitchen for increased value, repairing damaged or worn cabinet faces, or simply improving the look of the room is no small task. Still, all of this can be accomplished with professional results if you pay attention to some essential steps.
The first would be assessing the make-up and condition of your cabinets. This will determine, in part, what options are available. For instance, should you refinish or replace? If there is damage or extreme wear throughout, then replacement may be your most logical solution. If, however, the function and style are acceptable, determining the make-up is next. Are your cabinets made from solid wood, composite or faux finish?
Faux finish cabinets have a vinyl facing either glued or wrapped around them. These finishes are commonly applied in the factory over rough, inexpensive materials not suitable for most standard finishes. If this is your situation, replacement may be the best choice.
Composite cabinets are made of several pieces of wood, jointed and glued together to form door and drawer faces. Composites can be re-worked, but the options are fewer. Staining or any finish that would reveal wood grains cannot be used. Also, since the types of wood used in composite assembly differ, stains and lacquers may result in light and dark areas in the finish. Deep cleaning, painting, or veneering are...
Read the full article in the CalFinder Remodeling and Home Solar Power Magazine
