How to Resurface Your Kitchen Cabinets with Self Adhesive Covering

by Justin Boyle
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

Self adhesive covering can provide amazing design changes in your kitchen when it's used carefully and correctly. Just about any do-it-yourselfer can perform this handy task. Here are the essentials to have on hand before starting:

• Self adhesive covering
• Tape measure
• Wood glue
• A screwdriver
• Bare wood (very fine grit) sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Sharp scissors and a utility knife

After you gather your materials, remove your cabinet doors and drawer fronts with the screwdriver. Use fine-grit sandpaper to sand down the exterior surfaces of your cabinet box, then wipe them clean of dust with your tack cloth.

Measure the width and height of your cabinets and cut the self adhesive covering into strips and panels, allowing for about an inch extra. You may cut it near-exact if you choose, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Next, apply wood glue to the sanded surfaces in a zig-zag pattern, being careful not to use too much.

Peel the backing from your self adhesive covering and line it up flush with your cabinet surfaces. It's best to resurface the end panels first. Trim the excess self adhesive covering with the knife or scissors after each application, then sand the edges of the covering to ensure a seamless finish. Apply even pressure to the finished surfaces to be certain that the covering is secure.

Reattach the drawer fronts and cabinet doors and screw them in tight. Finally, stand back and enjoy fresh-looking cabinets, as well as the satisfaction of a DIY job well done.

 

Sources:

• http://www.doityourself.com
• http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-resurface-kitchen-cabinets