The Simple Technique To Update Orange Kitchen Cabinets Without Sanding

If your kitchen cabinets are feeling dated and you're ready for an upgrade, the first thing you might consider is price. Depending on the size of your space and the materials you select, the cost of building a whole new set of kitchen cabinets can reach the tens of thousands, running the gamut from $100 to $1,200 per linear foot. Alternatively, cabinet resurfacing is a more cost-friendly option, ranging on average between $150 and $450 per linear foot. However, the quickest and cheapest method to spruce up your cabinets is one you can do yourself without professional help and for a fraction of the cost. Better still, it requires zero sanding and can be completed in just a few hours.

To update orange kitchen cabinets and go from dated to modern in just a few steps, simply use Retique It Wood'n Primer ($86 per quart) to coat your existing cabinets with liquid wood. This handy paint gives any surface a wood-like finish because it's actually made with 60% recycled wood fibers. Start by cleaning the cabinets of any grease and grime by washing them with dish soap and warm water or by wiping them with a mix of equal parts Isopropyl alcohol and water. Do not use a TSP (trisodium phosphate) cleaner or degreaser, as these will stop the liquid wood from properly coating the surface. Once fully dry, unscrew cabinet doors, remove drawers, and lay down a tarp to stop accidental spills.

Liquid wood is a versatile product that can be used all around the house, from making IKEA furniture look like genuine wood to giving stairs a major design upgrade without any demo or sanding. One of our favorite applications, though, is on cabinets, as it can change the entire aesthetic of a kitchen (or bathroom!) without breaking the bank. Using a professional paintbrush, apply your first coat of Retique It Wood'n Primer to the cabinet frames, choosing between light (perfect for staining), bleached, and dark wood finishes. For doors and drawers, remove handles and pulls, then paint these on a flat surface for better access. Apply two coats, making sure that the final paintbrush strokes run in the direction you want the woodgrain to appear once dry. You could only apply a single coat, but some of the original finish will shine through, so it's a matter of taste.

Allow the liquid wood primer to try for at least two hours or use a blowdryer on high heat to get the dry time down to as little as 5 minutes. You can now add up to 3 coats of stain using a brush, sponge, or cloth. Again, be mindful of making final strokes in a uniform direction and remember that the more stain you apply, the darker it will be. After 2 hours of drying, reattach the cabinet doors, insert drawers, and complete your new look with upgraded handles and pulls.