Overtime, kitchen cabinet veneers can get worn out. But instead of buying new cabinets to replace the old ones, you can simply perform resurfacing jobs to save on cost. Laminating kitchen cabinets is relatively easy, especially since there are many modern refacing kits available today that can help you get the job done with less difficulty. Below are the steps you will need if you wish to laminate your kitchen cabinets.


Step 1. Before working on the cabinets, you will need to prepare tools and equipments such as a hammer, a screwdriver, sandpaper, wood glue, nails, end panels, self-adhesive laminate, and laminate veneer.

Step 2. Remove cabinet doors, moldings, and other hardware. Using your screwdriver, remove the hinges to the door first. Once you have removed all the doors, take off the molding using a hammer fork. Make sure to work gently to avoid breaking the cabinets. If you plan to reuse hardware such as screws and hinges, see to it that you keep them together by placing them in a container. Sand any surface that have been peeled off or are loose to clean it. If there are any large scratches, fill them in using some putty.

Step 3. Using sandpaper, work over the surface of the cabinet that you wish to laminate. After that, get rid of dirt and debris by wiping them off with a damp cloth. If possible, soak the cloth first in water mixed with dishwashing soap, but make sure to wring it properly before wiping it on the wooden surface.

Step 4. Attach end panels to cover existing end panels of your kitchen cabinet. There are end panels sold in the market today that can be cut to fit any cabinet. Measure the size you need and cut them. Next, attach the pieces firmly to the cabinet using wood glue and some nails. Sand the edges using 150 grit sandpaper.

Step 5. Cut the laminate to strips using a sharp knife or scissors. When cutting, make sure to leave a half an inch allowance on each side. It’s better to have an excess on the edges than to come up short. Attach the lamination to the cabinet by peeling off a small part of the back paper. Press on veneer gently by firmly and make sure that it is properly aligned all throughout. Maintain an even overlap so as not to ruing the appearance of the cabinet. Make sure not to commit any mistakes while installing the veneer because once it has been attached, it is very difficult to remove without damaging the surface.

Step 6. When you’re done attaching the lamination, go over the edges and check for any excess that needs to be trimmed. Use a sharp knife when trimming excesses, and make sure you cut perfectly. Any mistake you commit can cause you to work on the area all over again so be careful. Once you’re done removing all the excess, you can consider your work complete.