Reviving Old Kitchen Cabinets: My Personal Experience

As a budget-conscious homeowner, I often find myself coming up with creative solutions to update my home. One of the biggest eyesores in my kitchen were the old, worn-out cabinets. I knew I couldn’t afford to replace them, so I decided to try covering them instead. Here’s what I learned about how to cover old kitchen cabinets:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Clean the Cabinets

The first step to covering old kitchen cabinets is to clean them thoroughly. Remove any dirt, grease, or grime that may have accumulated over time. This will help the adhesive stick better and ensure a smooth application.

2. Measure and Cut the Contact Paper

Measure the surface area of your cabinets and cut the contact paper to size accordingly. Be sure to leave some extra paper on the edges to allow for trimming later.

3. Apply the Contact Paper

Carefully peel off the backing of the contact paper and apply it to the surface of the cabinets. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles as you go. Use a straight edge to trim the excess paper from the edges.

4. Repeat as Needed

Continue measuring, cutting, and applying the contact paper to each cabinet until all surfaces are covered.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Here are some additional tips and ideas for covering old kitchen cabinets:

Choose a contact paper that is durable and easy to clean.
Consider using a patterned contact paper to add visual interest to your cabinets.
Use a ruler or straight edge to ensure straight cuts.
Apply the contact paper slowly and carefully to avoid bubbles or wrinkles.
Remove any air bubbles by gently pressing on them with your fingers or a credit card.
Take your time and don’t rush the process.
Consider adding new hardware to your cabinets for a completely updated look.
Experiment with different colors and patterns to find the perfect match for your kitchen.
Be sure to clean your cabinets regularly to keep them looking their best.
If you’re unsure about covering your cabinets with contact paper, consider using a peel-and-stick tile instead.

Pros and Cons

Like any DIY project, covering old kitchen cabinets with contact paper has its pros and cons:

Pros:

Covering old kitchen cabinets with contact paper is an affordable alternative to replacing them.
Contact paper is easy to apply and can be removed without damaging the cabinets.
There are many colors and patterns to choose from, making it easy to customize your cabinets to your personal style.

Cons:

Contact paper is not as durable as other materials and may need to be replaced more frequently.
If not applied properly, contact paper can bubble or wrinkle, giving your cabinets a less-than-perfect look.
Covering your cabinets with contact paper may not be a permanent solution, and you may need to replace them in the future.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I was very happy with the results of covering my old kitchen cabinets with contact paper. It was an affordable and easy solution that made a big difference in the overall look of my kitchen. However, I did notice that the contact paper started to peel at the edges after a few months, so I had to reapply it. If you’re looking for a temporary solution or a quick way to update your cabinets, covering them with contact paper is definitely worth a try.

Question & Answer / FAQs

Can you cover old kitchen cabinets with paint instead?

Yes, you can cover old kitchen cabinets with paint instead of contact paper. However, painting cabinets can be a more time-consuming and labor-intensive project. You will need to sand and prime the cabinets before painting them, and you may need to apply multiple coats of paint for full coverage.

What type of contact paper should I use?

When covering old kitchen cabinets with contact paper, it’s important to choose a durable and high-quality paper. Look for contact paper that is labeled as “heavy-duty” or “extra-thick” for the best results. You may also want to choose a paper that is easy to clean and resists stains and scratches.

Can I cover the inside of my cabinets with contact paper?

Yes, you can cover the inside of your cabinets with contact paper if you’d like. This can be a great way to freshen up the inside of your cabinets and protect them from spills and stains.