flat front cabinets

4 Affordable Ways to Give Your Flat Front Cabinets a Makeover

October 10 2017

Flat Front Cabinets

Remember that blog we wrote on bamboo cabinetry? Well we’re back with more ideas! Want an easy affordable way to change the look of your kitchen? Give your flat front cabinets a makeover. It’s simple to do and gives your kitchen that “designer” look. The great part is a lot of these makeovers take less than a weekend to complete. Some take as little as 5 minutes (Yay!). Interested? Here are 4 flat front cabinet makeover projects that any DIYer homeowner can do.

  1. Change Out Hardware For Your Flat Front Cabinets

Looking for a simple project that can have a big effect in less than 5 minutes? The hardware on any flat panel cabinet door can become dated after a while. Changing out the hardware not only creates a fresh look, but it can change the way the door operates as well (goodbye squeaky door).

All you need to do is pick out a few new hardware sets for your doors, then go home and unscrew the old hardware and replace it with the new hardware. This is a simple flat front cabinets makeover that can add a modern “feel” to any kitchen.

  1. Painting (Hardware Swap Optional)

There are two routes you can take if you want to repaint your flat panel cabinet doors. You can choose to sand them or not. The important thing to remember is the paint you select. You want to use a semi-gloss, gloss, or satin paint.

A matte paint wouldn’t be a wise choice. You want the paint to have a hard finish so that you can clean them.

If you don’t want to sand your flat panel cabinet doors, then you can start by removing the doors. Next, you want to thoroughly clean them with a degreaser. Next, apply a liquid sander/deglosser and rub it into the cabinets using a circular motion. Then, apply two coats of primer. Finally, simply paint and let dry.

You may decide you want to sand your flat panel cabinets first. You want to start by using 100 grit sandpaper. While making sure to get around the edges and corners, you want to work your way to 150-180 grit sandpaper. Keep sanding until the cabinet is smooth and uniform. Use a tack cloth to wipe down the cabinet. Finally, simply prime and paint.

  1. Add Trim

Adding trim to a flat front cabinet door can create a dramatic new look. However, before you decide to add trim, you should choose if you want to paint them as well. If you do, then you’ll need to sand the doors as previously instructed.

Once the sanding is complete, you’ll need the trim. You can either select trim that’s already cut to width or have trim cut from a panel for you.

Whatever you choose, make sure you get enough material for the entire project. Once you have your trim, it’s recommended to paint the doors and trim separately (less work). Once painted, the trim can be added to the flat front cabinet door.

  1. Installing Glass inserts

While adding glass inserts is a more difficult flat front cabinets project, it can add that designer look to any kitchen.

Once you have the glass sheets, you want to cut or route out the space for the glass insert. Then, you can attach the glass using glass clips. If the glass still rattles, you can apply hot glue to various spots until the rattle stops.

If you’ve followed all of these steps, then congratulations! You’ve just given your flat front cabinets a modern makeover in less than a weekend.

Replacing flat front cabinets can be costly. However, giving them a makeover is not only affordable, but can make a BIG difference in any kitchen. You’re sure to WOW any visitors that you have over for dinner.

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