What to Know About Painting Kitchen Cabinets
From paint to primer, repainting your kitchen cabinetry can give you a high-quality finish at a reasonable cost. If you're ready to make that change and want to make the process as easy as possible, the Sky Cabinets & Design team has a few recommendations and tips to refresh the space and save you some time and money!
Know the Cabinet Surface
The fact is, not all surface materials are the same, and you might be dealing with laminates, wood, or even metal. There are certain surfaces that painting just won't work with, so make sure that you do thorough research so that you know how to handle the material.
As you inspect the surface, look for problems like warped or cracked surfaces, open-grained wood, and peeling paint. Then, check for damage so you're prepared with the right tools and materials for a perfect finish.
Remove and Upgrade Hardware
The paint is just one part of what makes a statement for your cabinetry, and your hardware can enhance it further. Make sure you remove all components, including drawers, pulls, knobs, and handles, and if it's time to upgrade them, do some research and find ones that feel like the right fit for your aesthetic.
Once the parts are removed, label and organize them with painter's tape for an easy and organized reinstallation once the painting process is completed.
Protect and Prepare the Area
Always protect any surfaces that you don't want to get paint on. This means laying down tarps or painting sheets and masking off designated areas to save yourself the headache of trying to scrape or remove dried-on paint.
Thoroughly clean any of the painting surfaces to remove dirt and grease, and be prepared to sand or degloss the material to ensure the paint sticks.
Use Primer
Applying the paint can be one of the most satisfying parts of the job; however, before you rush in and start putting on coats, make sure that you apply a foundational primer first. The primer will help the paint adhere to the surface and give you a smooth finish.
If you're bypassing the sanding portion and just choosing to repaint cabinets, primer can be optional but always do a test coat to make sure the paint will stick to the existing coat.
Pick the Right Paint
If you've applied primer, latex paint will suffice, but oil-based might be a better choice if you're looking for more stain and moisture resistance. When you're picking out your color, it's recommended to get a few favorite swatches to compare and contrast with what you already have, so you can find the color that complements the space.
If you're choosing to DIY the painting project, we recommend starting out with a two-inch natural bristle brush for crevices and trim, and don't forget the interior space of the cabinet. Follow it up with a foam roller to coat any larger areas, and give the area at least 24 hours to dry completely before reattaching cabinetry and hardware.
Looking to Upgrade Your Kitchen Cabinets? Sky Cabinets & Design Have You Covered
Painting your kitchen cabinets can be a great DIY project; however, depending on the size of your kitchen space, hiring a professional can save you some time. Our Sheridan team makes kitchen cabinet painting a breeze, and we can even help you find the perfect kitchen countertops to match the new look.
Our consultation is free, and our team is ready to help serve you. Give our Buffalo office a call at 307-275-6528 or contact us online today.