If you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen, an easy and inexpensive way to do the job yourself is to start with the cabinets. Replacing kitchen cabinets is an expensive part of the remodel, however refinishing them will save you a great deal of money.

Shopping is the place to start. You should get everything you need in one visit to the home improvement store, giving you a chance to look through store displays to decide on the style that suits you best. You will need to buy a sanding block, both coarse and extra fine sandpaper, paint stripper if you are going to have to remove a lot of coats, paint and gouges. Purchase a drawer pull for each cabinet and drawer.

Remove drawers and all cabinet fronts from their hinges. You can do the project while they are in place, however it will be messy and could damage appliances or countertops. They are much easier to do a complete job if they are removed.

You should choose a place with good ventilation, such as outdoors or a garage. Always wear eye protection while sanding. Thoroughly sand each piece with the coarse paper being careful to pierce the wood.

After all parts are completely sanded, wipe them down with a clean, damp cloth. This is to remove dust and dirt before painting. There will be a more durable and long-lasting finish if you use oil-based paint. Latex can be used, but remember to use a sealant. Lightly brush the paint onto each piece being careful to avoid streaks and lines from the brush. Let dry completely and apply a second coat of paint.

Use extra fine sandpaper to sand the paint between coats. Sanding removes brush lines and will create a smooth finish. If latex was used, apply the sealer in two coats, allowing to dry between each coat. Using a sealer over latex paint will give it more durability and make the cabinets easier to clean.

When the paint and sealant have completely dried, you will need to measure each cabinet to determine where you want to place the pulls. Place each knob on kitchen cabinets in the same area to prevent mismatched pulls after you hang them in place. If you put on your pulls or knobs and decide you don’t like the way they look, it’s easy to replace them with a different style.