The kitchen is not only the hostess's work area, but also a place for the whole family to gather. Therefore, this room should not only be comfortable and functional, but also bring beauty, coziness and comfort to those around. The main detail of the furniture is its facade, which is the first thing that catches the eye, therefore, its appearance should be at the highest level.
There are several reasons why furniture fronts may need to be replaced. This could be a kitchen renovation with a change in interior design, wear and tear of materials, or a simple desire to refresh the apartment. Kitchen fronts can be updated in several ways. In order to decide on the appropriate method, you need to approach the assessment of each situation individually, based on many factors.
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Selecting a design and restoration method
Replacing the entire kitchen set is a very expensive undertaking, so restoring the kitchen fronts seems like a rational move, provided that the rest of the furniture is in good condition. There are three main options for replacing fronts: pasting with film, painting, and replacing the front plate.
Polyvinyl chloride film (PVC) is mainly used, which is the easiest way to restore furniture facades. The advantages of PVC film are affordable price, ease of gluing and further use, high resistance to temperature and humidity changes (which is very important for the kitchen), a wide range of colors and patterns (option to select a pattern for new facades for any kitchen design, from monochromatic to imitation marble or wood).
The option of replacing kitchen fronts is more expensive than the film, but in this case the client receives a completely new set, with the exception of its frame (as practice shows, it practically does not wear out during normal use). The cost of such restoration depends on the type of material used. The following materials are most often used for this technology.
- Chipboard or fiberboard. Wood boards have a number of advantages, the main one being the price. High-quality products made from these materials have good resistance to moisture and temperature changes. The boards can be covered with film, paint or enamel. The most expensive option is to cover them with a layer of wood, which creates the illusion of a wooden product at an affordable price.
The shine of the laminated chipboard will make the kitchen appear larger. - Wood. It is made from many types of wood, looks expensive and noble, and is highly environmentally friendly. This material is durable in use and can be subject to subsequent multiple restorations. Among the disadvantages is the relatively high cost of the material.
Solid wood facades are an expensive, but high-quality and durable option - Metal. Metal facades are perfect for kitchens in the modern or high-tech style. They can be made in various colors and designs (frames, display cases, patterns, etc.). They are easy to use (easy to clean, a special coating eliminates corrosion), but such kitchen facades are suitable for a narrow range of interior designs.
Metal facades for kitchens in Hi-tech style - Plastic. Quite a practical option, widely distributed on the modern market. Withstands all types of cleaning, temperature and humidity changes, while not losing its external presentability for a long time. A worthy option in terms of price-quality ratio.
Replacing kitchen fronts with modern plastic is an excellent solution; this wear-resistant material remains in its original form for a long time. - Glass. New facades made of glass look beautiful, often decorated with patterns, corrugated or tinted. They are easy to clean from dirt and tolerate any chemical detergents well. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the high fragility of glass.
Glass facades for the kitchen – a combination of external fragility with reliability - Stone. The most expensive material, but kitchen facades made of stone have no disadvantages - they are the most durable, resistant not only to moisture, but also to chemicals, as well as mechanical impacts. They have a wide range of models, which will provide a decent choice for any kitchen design.
Kitchen facade made of artificial stone
If the structure of the furniture material is in a normal condition, and only the appearance needs to be changed, the option with painting will be perfect. Here, everything is limited only by the imagination and financial capabilities of the master, since there are many options with the type of paint and the possibilities of its application on the modern market.
To completely update the appearance of the facades, it is advisable to replace all furniture fittings, choosing them to match the updated style of the kitchen. With new handles and hinges, the set will look much better.
Progress of work and necessary materials and tools
In order to inexpensively change the appearance of the kitchen by replacing kitchen fronts, a home craftsman will need a number of materials and tools, the list of which depends on the chosen restoration technology.
- Restoration with film. When finishing facades with vinyl film, you will need the PVC tape itself, a measuring device (tape measure, ruler), cutting accessories, a roller or soft sponge, new hinges, handles, closers (fittings).
- For ease of work, it is advisable to place the surface to be pasted in a horizontal position, having previously removed it from the hinges. First, preliminary preparation should be carried out, which consists of giving the facade a perfectly smooth surface without nicks and roughness. Then the facade should be degreased and allowed to dry well (in some cases up to 24 hours).
Degrease and level the surface 
We peel off the cut out elements from the base - Pasting should be carried out only after careful measurement and cutting of the film blanks. It is recommended to prepare a film with a size reserve for each facade, approximately 20 mm on each side. Self-adhesive should be applied carefully, avoiding bubbles. A sponge or a construction roller will help with this. The last step is to install the new facade in place and mount new fittings.
Renovated kitchen fronts using film - Painting. To paint facade surfaces, you will need the paint itself and a tool to apply it. This could be a roller, a brush, or a sprayer.
Restoration of facades using painting and decoupage - At the moment, the gradient method of painting is very popular. This method is more expensive, but the aesthetic appearance of the surfaces at the end of the work justifies this investment.
- Preliminary surface preparation also includes sanding and degreasing the surface. It is also important to prepare the room for painting by covering all interior elements to avoid unwanted paint spills.
Updating kitchen facades and frames with your own hands - It is necessary to paint carefully and evenly. It is recommended to treat the facades with several layers of paint, after each previous one has dried. This will give the product not only aesthetics, but also greater resistance to external influences.
Painting the kitchen facade with your own hands - New facade panels. This type of finishing can be purchased in furniture stores. If the kitchen unit has non-standard dimensions, you can order the product according to the specified dimensions. In addition to the panel itself, you will need a screwdriver, screws, a drill, and measuring tools for installation.
Using a Forstner drill, make holes for the hinges 
Using a screwdriver, attach a special tab to the wall of the headset body. - First, you need to dismantle the old parts. This must be done carefully, so as not to damage the frame of the kitchen unit. In the new plate, use a drill to make holes that must match those left on the frame. Use screws to fix the plate to the sides.
We make marks in the center of the facade and make holes along them, into which we attach the handles 
Using a screwdriver, tighten the fasteners on the paw, aligning the structure at the desired angle.
There is nothing complicated in replacing facades on your own. This work does not require special skills or highly specialized tools. If desired, you can turn to the services of specialists whose range of services includes all stages of restoration from choosing a design to installation.
Video: Kitchen cabinet restoration.
Photo selection of kitchen units with do-it-yourself replacement or restoration of facades:
