How to add trims to your kitchen cabinets
One of the easiest, most effective and cost-efficient ways to spruce up your kitchen is personalising your kitchen cabinets by adding trims. It’s a great way to revive the space and add a little personal style without diving into a complete kitchen overhaul.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Mark the area
Before you begin, dust off and remove any debris from the cabinet doors. Cabinet doors can get dirty over time, so use a wood-friendly cleaning agent and give it a good rinse. Wait for the doors to dry and start marking up where you want to add the trim.
We’ve used Porta Tasmanian Oak Coverstrip Square Edge trim. It is made from dense and resilient hardwood, has excellent staining qualities and is a premium-grade timber. It features a versatile square profile that can be used for a wide range of applications.
Place the wood on the door and, once you are happy with its positioning, measure all four sides of your doors and mark it on the door using a pencil.
Pre-drill
Since the wood trim you are working with is small in size, it is easy to snap or split the trim in half by nailing it directly onto the door. To prevent this, pre-drill holes using a drill bit that is smaller than the nails you will be using to fix the trim to the cabinet doors.
Apply wood glue for added support
To ensure that your D.I.Y. project stands the test of time, add a layer of wood glue between the trim pieces and the cabinet doors. Apply evenly to prevent blobs of glue from gathering in one area. If excess glue seeps out, clean it with a cloth or paper towel. Once the trim is secure, use a nail gun to nail into place.
Fill the gaps
After the nails are secured, you might notice there is a visible gap above each nail head. To give the project a more complete look, use wood putty to fill these gaps. Once the wood filler is dry and set, use sandpaper to even out the surface.
Paint
Paint over the trims and cabinetry. Apply an undercoat and two coats of your chosen colour to bring more life into your kitchen. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly.
Watch the full episode
For more renovation inspiration, watch Episode 4: Luxury kitchen and dining room renovation in our Make It Happen: The House Project series.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
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