DIY: Easy Way to Refinish Your RV Cabinets
04-06-2018
Author: in RV Repairs / Maintenance / Upgrades
Whether you bought your camper new or used, at some point you may crave a change in style. Although you can easily switch out the throw pillows on the sofa or replace the comforter and bedding, after a time, you might want a more drastic update. One DIY project that is guaranteed to produce the greatest change in the appearance of the interior of your RV is refinishing the cabinets. Some of the supplies you may need include:
Although the same process can be used for any—and all—of the RV or travel trailer cabinets, the most immediately noticeable improvement would be the renovation of the cabinets in the kitchen/dining area and main living space.
Remove Cabinet Doors and Handles
Using a screwdriver (electric or manual), remove the screws that attach the doors hinges to the cabinets. You can either remove the hinge from the doors as well, or you'll need to mask them off before applying the paint or varnish. Remove the screws for the handles and place all screws, handles, and perhaps hinges, in a Zip-lock bag or container with a lid to ensure you don't lose anything.
Remove the Finish
The fastest way to remove the existing finish of the cabinets is to begin with a chemical paint thinner. Although these are available in both liquid and semi-paste formulas, with the vertical nature of the body of the cabinets a semi-paste option would probably be a better choice. It is far less likely to run and drip, therefore it's easier to avoid making a mess.
You'll want to follow the directions on the can, but most require that you use an old brush to apply the product and then use a paint scraper or steel wool—working in the direction of the wood grain—to remove the old paint or varnish. Then you "clean" the chemicals off the wood with mineral spirits or water depending on the product.
Sand the Cabinets and Doors
Although you can skip using paint remover and just sand off the existing finish, it turns a fairly quick job into one that's considerably more time-consuming. Additionally, you can skip sanding after removing the original finish, but the new paint or varnish adheres better and produces a much more professional-looking result if you smooth the surface first.
Using a combo pack of sand paper, start sanding with a coarse-grit paper, moving with the wood grain until it's smooth. Then repeat the process with the medium grit and then with the fine-grit. To reduce the amount of sawdust you'll need to clean up, place a drop cloth or even newspapers under the body of the cabinets before sanding. You can further reduce the indoor mess by sanding the doors outside the RV.
Mask the Surrounding Areas
If you choose not to remove the hinges from the cabinet doors, carefully place strips of masking tape or blue painter's tape on them. You should also mask off the walls and ceiling surrounding the cabinets. Any paint that bleeds through the tape can be removed after it is dry by using a clean cloth with a little paint remover on it. Just be careful that you don't accidentally remove any of the new finish from the cabinets or doors.
Paint or Varnish the Cabinets and Doors
Whether you're using paint or varnish, open the can and stir the contents before you begin, to remove bubbles and ensure that coverage will be smooth and even. Dip your paint brush and scrape it against the edge of the bucket to remove the excess and avoid drips. Brushing in the same direction as the wood's grain, apply a thin layer of the product. Once this layer is dry—about 4 hours for paint, and 24 hours for varnish (but check the directions)—apply a second layer. Repeat this until you're satisfied with the results.
Paint Hardware or Replace Handles
Use a metal paint like Rustoleum to paint the hinges and screws a complementary color so they are up-to-date. You can either paint the existing handles the same color as the other hardware, or you can take the opportunity to replace them with a different style pull. This is a really easy way to make a big change.
Seal Everything
Brush a good quality polyurethane over the newly finished wood and hardware, after an adequate amount of drying time. This helps to keep the paint from chipping or peeling. It reduces the likelihood of permanent scratches, and protects the surfaces from moisture. A polyurethane finish also provides a soft gloss.
In Conclusion
Once everything is dry, screw the new or newly painted handles (and hinges, if you removed them) back on the doors. Then screw the doors' hinges back into the cabinets. Carefully remove the masking or painters tape, if you haven't already. Chances are that you opted to remove the contents of your cabinets while you were remodeling them (or at least you rearranged and covered them to minimize sawdust and chemicals on your kitchenware, etc.). You can put your belongings back in order and enjoy your new kitchen.
- Combo pack of sandpaper
- Masking tape or painter's tape
- Paint remover
- Paint scraper or steel wool
- 2 to 3-inch paint brush
- Paint in desired color
- Polyurethane
- Metal paint or new hardware
Although the same process can be used for any—and all—of the RV or travel trailer cabinets, the most immediately noticeable improvement would be the renovation of the cabinets in the kitchen/dining area and main living space.
Related Read: DIY: Counter Top Extension Made Easy
Remove Cabinet Doors and Handles
Using a screwdriver (electric or manual), remove the screws that attach the doors hinges to the cabinets. You can either remove the hinge from the doors as well, or you'll need to mask them off before applying the paint or varnish. Remove the screws for the handles and place all screws, handles, and perhaps hinges, in a Zip-lock bag or container with a lid to ensure you don't lose anything.
Remove the Finish
The fastest way to remove the existing finish of the cabinets is to begin with a chemical paint thinner. Although these are available in both liquid and semi-paste formulas, with the vertical nature of the body of the cabinets a semi-paste option would probably be a better choice. It is far less likely to run and drip, therefore it's easier to avoid making a mess.
You'll want to follow the directions on the can, but most require that you use an old brush to apply the product and then use a paint scraper or steel wool—working in the direction of the wood grain—to remove the old paint or varnish. Then you "clean" the chemicals off the wood with mineral spirits or water depending on the product.
Sand the Cabinets and Doors
Although you can skip using paint remover and just sand off the existing finish, it turns a fairly quick job into one that's considerably more time-consuming. Additionally, you can skip sanding after removing the original finish, but the new paint or varnish adheres better and produces a much more professional-looking result if you smooth the surface first.
Using a combo pack of sand paper, start sanding with a coarse-grit paper, moving with the wood grain until it's smooth. Then repeat the process with the medium grit and then with the fine-grit. To reduce the amount of sawdust you'll need to clean up, place a drop cloth or even newspapers under the body of the cabinets before sanding. You can further reduce the indoor mess by sanding the doors outside the RV.
Related Read: DIY: Trailer Roof Sealing Made Easy
Mask the Surrounding Areas
If you choose not to remove the hinges from the cabinet doors, carefully place strips of masking tape or blue painter's tape on them. You should also mask off the walls and ceiling surrounding the cabinets. Any paint that bleeds through the tape can be removed after it is dry by using a clean cloth with a little paint remover on it. Just be careful that you don't accidentally remove any of the new finish from the cabinets or doors.
Paint or Varnish the Cabinets and Doors
Whether you're using paint or varnish, open the can and stir the contents before you begin, to remove bubbles and ensure that coverage will be smooth and even. Dip your paint brush and scrape it against the edge of the bucket to remove the excess and avoid drips. Brushing in the same direction as the wood's grain, apply a thin layer of the product. Once this layer is dry—about 4 hours for paint, and 24 hours for varnish (but check the directions)—apply a second layer. Repeat this until you're satisfied with the results.
Related Read: Refresh Your RV’s Decor for $20 or Less
Paint Hardware or Replace Handles
Use a metal paint like Rustoleum to paint the hinges and screws a complementary color so they are up-to-date. You can either paint the existing handles the same color as the other hardware, or you can take the opportunity to replace them with a different style pull. This is a really easy way to make a big change.
Seal Everything
Brush a good quality polyurethane over the newly finished wood and hardware, after an adequate amount of drying time. This helps to keep the paint from chipping or peeling. It reduces the likelihood of permanent scratches, and protects the surfaces from moisture. A polyurethane finish also provides a soft gloss.
In Conclusion
Once everything is dry, screw the new or newly painted handles (and hinges, if you removed them) back on the doors. Then screw the doors' hinges back into the cabinets. Carefully remove the masking or painters tape, if you haven't already. Chances are that you opted to remove the contents of your cabinets while you were remodeling them (or at least you rearranged and covered them to minimize sawdust and chemicals on your kitchenware, etc.). You can put your belongings back in order and enjoy your new kitchen.
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Author: Carrie Todd
