Introducing the WiseWood Veneer Cabinet Refacing Kits

We would like to end our long absence from this blog with an introduction to a whole new product line from WiseWood Veneer. We now offer cabinet refacing kits. Perfect for professionals and do it yourselfers. We have taken care to include everything that you would need to reface kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, or other types of furniture. Unless the remodel project calls for a change in size or a reconfiguration of the cabinet layout, the cabinets are (in most cases) just fine and do not need replacing. A change in appearance is what most people are after and this is where a cabinet refacing kit comes in handy.


The kits come in 3 different sizes and are an economical way to give your cabinets a face lift and a new look. Re-facing is a lower cost alternative to a complete tear out and reinstallation of new cabinets. Also it can be done in a fraction of the time at fraction of the cost. Available in the most popular species such as cherry, maple, mahogany and walnut, the kits come with veneer and edgebanding of your choice, a veneer scraper, a utility knife, a tack cloth, sandpaper and a sanding block. Detailed and comprehensive step by step instructions are also included.


Each veneer sheet is backed with 3M™ pressure sensitive adhesive which simplifies the application process. The edgebanding is pre glued with a hot melt adhesive which is easily applied with a household iron. Both, the veneer and edgebanding will accept stains and finishes so you can customize and match colors to give your cabinets the exact look you want. With 3 different sized kits you can get the appropriate kit for the size of your project. However, if you run short on veneer or edgebanding you can always buy 2’ x 8’ PSA (pressure sensitive adhesive) backed veneer sheets individually and edge banding in small 50’ rolls separately.


Below is an excerpt of the cabinet refacing instructions but you can also download them in a PDF file. We would love to hear from you if you happen to have any questions or comments whether by phone [(586) 825 2387] or by email [info@wisewoodveneer.com]. We are always here to help if you happen to run into trouble.


Cabinet Refacing Instructions

For Face Frame Cabinets

For the purpose of describing only the cabinet refacing process we have left out any reference to replacement of doors and drawer fronts. Although this is also a major part of any refacing project the options are numerous and can be better dealt with by those companies that sell replacement doors and fronts.


Prepare Cabinets Boxes For Refacing (excerpt)

• Remove doors and hinges. If planning to re-use any hardware keep hinges and screws together in a safe place.

• Remove any trim molding by using a stiff putty knife or small tack puller under the edge of the molding and gently pry loose.

• Remove complete drawer boxes and set aside in a safe area.

• Now you’re down to cabinet boxes only. Inspect frames for any loose or peeling surfaces and repair these as well as any deep dents or scratches. These can be filled with wood putty or even better, auto body filler (Bondo) and sanded smooth.

• Lightly hand sand all surfaces with 120 grit sandpaper and a sanding block. You just want to “scuff” the surface, not completely remove the finish down to bare wood. Don’t use a power sander for this purpose.

• Wipe down all surfaces with a mild detergent and water solution or a mild solvent like denatured alcohol. Use a damp cloth only so as not to soak or saturate the wood and allow ample drying time. After surfaces are completely dry wipe with a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust or particles.


Veneering End Panels

• Your kit comes with 2 different types of veneer, sheet veneer with a PSA (pressure sensitive adhesive) backing and rolled edge banding with a hot melt adhesive backing.

• You will start veneering cabinets by first applying PSA veneer to any exposed end panels. The wood edge banding will be used on the inside edges of the face frames around door and drawer openings.

• For the end panels take careful measurements for height and width. Cut the veneer width to the exact size and cut the height about an inch oversized using a good square and straight edge. Usually the face frames on cabinets extend an 1/8” or so beyond the cabinet end panel so you’ll be fitting this veneer between the backside of the face frame and the wall. By leaving the tall dimension of the veneer extra long you’ll have some free play when trying to align and place this end piece. After the veneer has been cut to fit this panel you will want to dry fit it before removing the release paper and exposing the PSA glue surface. The face frame overlap gives you a good edge to register the veneer against. When you’re satisfied with the fit you are ready to move on to the next step and apply the veneer.

• Peel away a few inches of release paper on the front edge to expose the adhesive. Register the veneer to the top or bottom of the end panel and butt up tight to back of the face frame. With the veneer placed where you want it, apply light pressure by hand to the surface along the leading edge where you’ve exposed the glue surface to effectively anchor the piece and prevent movement. Now you can reach behind with one hand to pull back the release paper while smoothing the veneer surface with the other hand as you go. With the veneer firmly affixed, smooth with the veneer scraper while applying downward pressure, moving in the same direction as the grain.

• Inspect the surface for any bubbles or loose edges. If any of these conditions exist go back over these areas with the veneer scraper.

• Repeat this process on any exposed cabinet ends. Instructions continued here.


PDF version of these instructions
WiseWood Veneer