Reface Laminate Kitchen Cabinets Yourself

Refinishing laminate kitchen cabinets is an excellent way to update your kitchen's appearance without breaking the bank. With a little time and effort, you can transform the look of your kitchen in a matter of days.

Materials You'll Need

To reface laminate kitchen cabinets, you will need the following materials:

Laminate sheets
Adhesive
Contact cement
Measuring tape
Utility knife
Sandpaper
Clean cloths
Screwdriver
Drill

Steps

Follow these steps to reface laminate kitchen cabinets:

Remove the Cabinet Doors and Drawers
- Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the hinges in place.
- Lift the doors off the hinges and set them aside.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the drawer slides in place.
- Pull the drawers out of the cabinet and set them aside.
Sand the Cabinet Surfaces
- Use sandpaper to lightly sand the surfaces of the cabinets to create a smooth surface for the laminate to adhere to.
- Wipe the surfaces clean with a damp cloth to remove any dust.
Measure and Cut the Laminate
- Measure the surfaces of the cabinets and cut the laminate sheets to size.
- Use a utility knife to score the laminate along the cut lines and then snap it apart.
Apply the Contact Cement
- Apply a thin layer of contact cement to the surfaces of the cabinets and the back of the laminate sheets.
- Allow the contact cement to dry for the amount of time specified on the product label.
Apply the Laminate
- Align the laminate sheets with the edges of the cabinets and press them into place.
- Use a rolling pin or a weight to press down on the laminate to ensure a good bond.
Trim the Excess Laminate
- Use a utility knife to trim any excess laminate around the edges of the cabinets.
Reattach the Cabinet Doors and Drawers
- Use a screwdriver to reattach the cabinet doors to the hinges.
- Use a screwdriver to reattach the drawers to the cabinet slides.
- Adjust the hinges and slides as needed to ensure that the doors and drawers open and close smoothly.

Tips

When measuring for the laminate sheets, be sure to add 1-2 inches to the length and width of each piece to allow for overlap and trimming.
Use a sharp utility knife to score the laminate and avoid tearing it.
Apply the contact cement evenly to both the surfaces of the cabinets and the back of the laminate sheets.
Press the laminate into place firmly to ensure a good bond.
If you make a mistake, don't panic. You can remove the laminate and start over by peeling it off from an edge.