The Ultimate Guide to Cabinet Painting
Kitchen cabinets take a beating from grease, steam, and food splatters. To get a beautiful finish that will last, you need to prep and paint the surfaces properly.
This includes cleaning the surfaces, sanding, and applying two quality coats of paint. Depending on your preference and budget, you may use a roller or sprayer to speed up the process.
Preparation
Painting cabinets can be a great way to add a new look to your home. However, DIY homeowners must have realistic expectations and be prepared for a time-consuming project. If you don’t have the patience, leave the job to professionals like Seattle Painting Company.
Preparing the work area by covering countertops, flooring, fixed appliances, and windows with tarps or masking paper is essential. It is important to wear a face mask and safety goggles to protect yourself from paint and fumes.
It’s essential to clean all cabinet surfaces with a degreaser solution, including the insides of drawers and cabinets. Once dry, you can lightly sand them lightly with a foam sanding block to give the primer something to adhere to. This is a crucial step that many people skip to avoid the extra work, but it will help you finish your project better. You’ll also want to label each door and drawer as you remove them so you know where they go when reinstalling.
Primer
Painting cabinets is a big project that can change the look of your kitchen. However, if you don’t take the proper steps, all that hard work could go for naught. Primer is crucial because it allows your paint color to shine through while also blocking any old or new stains from permanently staining the cabinet wood.
Oil primer is a good choice because it seals and blocks stains well. It is especially effective at blocking tannins, naturally occurring compounds that seep through the wood and ruin a paint job if not filled with the right type of primer.
Always follow the directions on the primer can, and be sure it is compatible with your chosen cabinet paint. Make sure the primer is completely dry before you start painting. This can take weeks, depending on the paint brand and the temperature in your home. This is the only way to ensure a quality and durable finish.
Paint
Painting cabinets adds an extra layer of protection against everyday wear and tear that can shorten the life of the wood. Grease, steam, food splatters, and water damage can all take a toll on the finish and wood, but a fresh coat of paint helps protect against these issues.
Before painting:
- Cover countertops and flooring with rosin paper or plastic sheeting to protect against spills and drips.
- Suppose you’re working indoors, open windows, and use fans to circulate air.
- Wear goggles, gloves, a mask, and a ventilation apparatus using a power paint sprayer.
If you’re using a brush, apply the first coat of paint with long, even strokes to achieve a smooth finish. Then, lightly drag your brush over the surface to eliminate roller marks. When you’re done, choose a gloss that matches your kitchen decor. Read the label and choose a paint formulated explicitly for cabinetry to ensure durability.
Finish
You should apply at least two thin coats of paint, allowing the first coat to dry before applying the second, to achieve a smooth, high-quality finish for your cabinets without any visible brush strokes. This gives the new coating time to “level out” and hide the brush marks.
If you like the natural look of wood and would prefer to highlight its innate texture and grain pattern, stain is the right choice. This process is much easier than painting, which is excellent for wood.
To prepare for staining, you must thoroughly clean all cabinet surfaces. Spraying them with a degreaser solution is the best way to remove grease or oils that might interfere with the new finish. You should also lightly sand the surfaces to roughen them for better adhesion. Finally, you should wear proper protective gear while working with chemicals or cleaners. It is also essential to set up a well-ventilated workspace so you can avoid breathing in any fumes.