Refacing melamine cabinets is a great way to give them a fresh and updated look without the need for a complete replacement. Melamine is a durable material commonly used for cabinets, and refacing them involves applying a new surface material to the existing cabinet boxes and updating the doors and drawer fronts. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to reface melamine cabinets:
Plan and Gather Materials:
- Measure your cabinets carefully to determine the amount of material you'll need for refacing.
- Purchase the new surface material for the cabinet boxes (veneer, laminate, or rigid thermofoil) in your chosen color or design.
- Get new doors and drawer fronts in the desired style and material. You can either buy pre-made ones or have custom ones made.
Remove Cabinet Doors, Drawers, and Hardware:
- Take off all cabinet doors and remove the drawers from their slides.
- Unscrew and remove all hardware, such as handles, knobs, and hinges, from both the doors and the cabinet boxes.
Prepare the Surface:
- Clean the cabinet boxes, doors, and drawer fronts thoroughly to remove any dirt, grease, or residue.
- Lightly sand the melamine surfaces to create a rough texture, which will help the new material adhere better.
Apply New Material to Cabinet Boxes:
- Cut the new surface material (veneer, laminate, or rigid thermofoil) to the appropriate size to cover the cabinet boxes.
- Apply the adhesive recommended for the chosen material onto the melamine surface.
- Carefully place the new material on the cabinet boxes, ensuring it is properly aligned and adhered smoothly.
Install New Doors and Drawer Fronts:
- If you bought pre-made doors and drawer fronts, simply attach them to the cabinet boxes using the appropriate hardware.
- If you had custom doors made, make sure they fit correctly and use hinges and drawer slides to secure them in place.
Replace Hardware:
- Install new handles, knobs, and hinges on the doors and drawers to complete the updated look.
Optional: Add Additional Details:
- You may choose to add crown molding or trim to the top and bottom of the cabinets to enhance their appearance.
Refacing your melamine cabinets can be a rewarding DIY project, but it's essential to be patient and pay attention to detail. If you're uncertain about any step or don't have the necessary skills, consider hiring a professional cabinet refacing service to ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently.