DIY Network

Best of Both Worlds (1 of 3): Patching Soffit and Repairing Cabinets From "Kitchen Renovations" episode DKTN-301

	In this week's episode of Kitchen Renovations, host Paul Ryan works with homeowners Steve and Michelle to convert the "before" kitchen you see here ...
	into an updated kitchen that is the best of both worlds ...
	to suit both of their tastes, Steve who likes older styles and Michelle who likes the more modern look.

Materials:

For Demolition --

Safety glasses
Appliance dolly
Drill
Masking tape
Marker
Pry bar
Channel lock pliers
Screwdriver
Utility knife
Hammer
Reciprocating saw
Socket wrench

For Patching the Soffit --

Dust mask
Safety glasses
Insulation
Hammer stapler
Screw gun
6 mil poly sheeting
Drywall
Drywall screws

For Repairing Cabinets --

Safety glasses
Table saw
Reciprocating saw
Fill stock
Impulse nailer
Skin (from discarded cabinet)

For Prepping Cabinet Boxes --

Safety glasses
Dust mask
Pry bar
Water-based wood putty
Putty knife
Orbital sander
Medium grit sandpaper
Tack cloth
Reciprocating saw
Impulse nailer
Finish nails
Reciprocating saw

For Opening the Cabinet Front --

Pry bar
Hammer
Impulse nailer
1" finish nails
Support brace
Board for cabinet base
2 x 4

For Painting --

Tinted primer
Paint
Brushes
Rollers
Paint bucket
Paint tray

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

Patching the Soffit

1. In order to patch the soffit, you need to remove the trim from the top of the cabinets. Be careful removing it, so you can put it back up when you are finished.

2. Use a reciprocating saw to trim up the interior of the soffit (figure A) so the new drywall will be flush with the existing soffit.

3. Add fill stock (figure B) -- using small strips of wood, to fir up the edge.

Repairing the Cabinets

1. Cut the new skin from the old cabinet for the cabinet face. Secure it with an impulse nailer and 1-inch finish nails (figure C).

Finishing the Soffit

1. Put a little insulation in the cavity of the soffit.

   Tip: Be sure to wear a dust mask and gloves when working with insulation.

2. Cover the hole with 6 mil poly sheeting to act as a vapor barrier (figure D).

3. Finish the soffit with drywall.

   Note: There are a lot of cabinet door companies -- some online -- that have a variety of choices in cabinetry. Be sure and find one that suits your style. Measure each door, and it is a good idea to sketch the kitchen cabinets and transfer the numbers of the cabinets measurements onto the sketch so you will know exactly where each door will go (figure E).

   To save time and to get a heavy finish, you can take the doors to a professional finisher. They will clean the doors good and then apply lacquer. Two coats of industrial strength lacquer should last approximately 30 years!

   As an alternative to glass doors, you can purchase acrylic inserts instead and they come in various designs (figure F). They are two pieces of acrylic with a design pressed inside. That is what Steve and Michelle chose.

In the next segment, trim work is removed and the cabinet boxes are prepped for painting.

RESOURCES :

Paint (Benjamin Moore)
Where available: Visit the Benjamin Moore Website, link below.
Benjamin Moore Co.
Website: www.benjaminmoore.com

Flat Panel Cabinet Doors
Color: Cherry
Where available: Visit the AJS Woodworking LTD website, link below.
AJS Woodworking LTD
Website: www.kitchendoordepot.com

Oval Leaves Acrylic Panels
Brand name: Lumicor
Model #: AB-803-101
Color: White/Translucent
Where available: Visit the Designtex website, link below.
Designtex
Website: www.lumicor.com

Spray Finish on Cabinet Doors
Brand name: Plastifix
Color: Clear, 35 degree sheen
Where available: See Roe's International Furniture website, link below.

Clear Catalyzed Lacquer
Where available: See Roe's International Furniture website, link below.

Stain and Clear Lacquer
Where available: See Roe's International Furniture website, link below.

Roe's International Furniture
2303 Kennedy NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413