In restoring antique cabinets, whether they are from a bygone era or new, the challenges are many. The cabinets have to be restored from the floor up, and they need to look as good as new. There are several ways that this can be accomplished, with some of them more difficult than others. In this article, we will discuss some tips and techniques for properly restoring old cabinets.
One way of restoring old cabinet’s is to strip it down to the bare wood, then sand down the bare wood to smooth it out. Many cabinets are painted in a variety of different finishes, and this can make them appear very old even if they are only a few years old. In stripping the wood away, any knots in the wood should be carefully worked out, as they may require an extra sealant. This is especially important with the cabinet’s painted with oils or varnishes. After stripping the old finish, the cabinets can then be primed, and the paint can be reapplied if desired.
If the hardware of the cabinet is stripped away, the drawer pulls can be replaced with new hardware, and the doors can be resurfaced with new knobs and handles. While cleaning, any varnished or painted parts of the cabinet can be removed, and any rust/tarnish can be removed with mineral spirits. The cupboards can then be reassembled and any damaged portions painted with a clear primer. This process may seem somewhat difficult, but it’s well worth the effort when you consider how beautiful the cabinet will look after it is restored. The cabinets can be finished in various different ways, depending on the style of the cabinet, but most are simply painted with a glossy or satin finish.
Once, the cabinet’s all bare, any hardware can be replaced if desired, and the cabinet’s surface can be thoroughly cleaned and waxed if desired. A clean surface is necessary for properly gluing or screwing back anything that may be mounted on the cabinet’s surface. After all hardware is replaced, any hardware left over from finishing the cabinet can be carefully sanded and prepped to prevent any water damage. Then, any trim pieces that were not cut to size can be trimmed, and any hardware that did not go with the rest of the cabinet can be re-screwed and fastened again. This completes the restoration process.
Once the cabinet’s all done, it should be looked over for any remaining debris. Anything that may have been glued to the cabinet may need to be taken off. These items include old cans, boxes, or other containers. Any wood or metal furniture that may be attached to the cabinet can also be taken out. It may be necessary to remove the door for this purpose. When everything is out, the cabinet’s cabinet doors can then be gently cleaned with soapy water and a soft cloth, and any hardware can be reused.
In general, restoring old cabinets is not that difficult as long as one has the right tools. This includes the proper equipment and materials needed for the job. The cabinets can then be thoroughly cleaned using the same materials and a cleaner that will restore their luster and beauty. Wood cabinets are particularly easy to restore, but metal cabinets can take a bit more work. Click here for more info on cabinet restoration.