Replacing kitchen cabinet doors

pawdee

Hi folks. I want to give my kitchen a bit of a makeover. At the moment it's got some horrible yellow vinyl coated mdf cabinet doors. I know there are companies that will replace the doors but I'm wondering if I could just make some shaker style doors out of mdf myself. A simple rectangle of mdf with a planted on pieces around the perimeter of each.

The only concern I'd have is how to I finish the cut edges. I know you can prime then but they always look a bit rough. I'd be thinking of priming and spray painting the doors. Has anyone here ever done anything like this? I'm thinking "how hard can it be?". I'm reasonably handy at diy but not brilliant! Any advice would be much appreciated.

colm_mcm

It's very unlikely that you'll get a reasonable looking finish on the doors. Doors aren't too dear.

Would spraying the old doors be an option?

pawdee

colm_mcm wrote: »

It's very unlikely that you'll get a reasonable looking finish on the doors. Doors aren't too dear.

Would spraying the old doors be an option?

I'm not sure if it's possible to paint the doors because they've got that stuck on vinyl finish. In any case, they have a mock t&g effect, routed all around and curved on top. They're the pits in every way! Our house is old and a little bit rough and ready so I'd live with a less than 100% perfect finish if the style and colour was right. You're right, I'll just get a quote for replacement doors. Probably best to leave it to the professionals. Thanks!

peter bermingham

Here is a tip for getting a very good finish on mdf edges paint on sand and sealer let dry and sand you might have to do it twice but it saves a hell of a lot of sanding. The edges should come up as smooth as the surface

dogg_r_69

Cut the doors out of 15mm and plant on 6mm for the shaker look. Sand the edges then isopon the joint between the 15mm and 6mm and sand again. If you can spray them use pu paint Much harder wearing than pc paint.

mick121

Try peeling off the vinyl.,sand and paint.

jmBuildExt

Definitely do-able. Did it myself on the kitchen in my old house with great success (im not a carpeneter)
I think I built the whole kitchen for about 300 euros (including carcasses and countertops)

Small-ish kitchen kitchen 4xhead height presses, about 6 under counter, an oven unit and a tall larder unit.

I saw it done on a UK diy forum - ill try dig out the link and PM it (i cant send links on here yet )

I Used 12mm MDF as the base and glued on 6mm for the top and sides. I also routed in tongue and groove effect grooves - you dont want/need to do that. As mentioned above plenty of sealer and sanding/re-sanding/re-sealing for the edges.
Edit: I see someone has suggested same above... I used a foam roller for mine and kitchen paint.

I've also had good success since then, with making doors for my wardrobes out of a straight 18mm using a round-over routing bit for the edges.

These projects were the first time I ever used a router - I just got the cheapest one in B&Q - it was fine for those jobs and a few others - it eventually burned out when I tried to use it to recess some wet treated timber when i was doing some fencing out the back.

I digress - Just be willing to put the time in - it took me a while, being a novice.

Ill try dig out the link and some pics.

machuindublin

Do not go with Tierney Kitchens as I had bad experience with them the quality of the product is not that great. The paint was peeling off the cabinet doors and the hinges were getting rusted. when i complained to them after 1 year they made excuses and said those are not covered under warrantee. Even they ignored my calls and emails, very bad customer service.

Tigger

I buy door of these guys
They are sorta trade only so say things that sound carpentry sounding
http://www.turincomponents.ie/doors/

Diego berrondo

Proper application is vital so the paint goes on smooth and doesn't peel off. Primer hides slight imperfections or old finish while providing a smooth, clean surface for the new paint. Wood doors need an oil-based primer and paint because standard water-based latex paints can cause the wood grain to rise.

colm_mcm

Thanks Google.

Vita nova

Try Donedeal or Adverts for secondhand doors at cheap prices. People are always changing kitchen designs and need to get rid of the old doors, some of them in quite good condition.

basillarkin

the panelling centre dub, lim, gal do doors off the shelf if they are standard sizes to the public and have a decent selection. there is a lot of work involved in making shaker doors, mrmdf or hidrofugo should be used, in either 18mm or 22mm with a 9mm panel rebated into the styles. It would require a decent amount of tools and especially a router table to make them in a way they will last, either, don't even think about making the shaker doors by the plant on method as they wont last and will warp in no time.

andrew1011

great idea