Cabinet Painting Tips
Cabinet painting requires a bit of patience, especially when it comes to waiting for the paint to dry. Make things easier by labeling each door and drawer with a numbered sticker and removing adjustable shelves before you start painting.
Special cabinet paints have come a long way in recent years. These hybrids offer the easy clean-up and low VOCs of latex paints with the durability of oil-based paints.
Preparation
Before painting cabinets you need to remove everything you can, including doors and drawers. This is so you can lay them out on sawhorses and 2x4s to paint them without worrying about knocking things off or having a dust cloud in your face. This will also give you a chance to label each door and drawer where they go when it comes time to reinstall them. It’s worth the extra effort to take the time to do this.
If your cabinets are painted already, lightly scuff them with extra fine grit sandpaper or a green Brite pad to remove any oil residue and prepare them for a fresh coat of paint. Then wipe down all surfaces to be painted with a deglosser. Make sure you choose a high-quality interior/exterior paint designed for cabinetry and woodwork, not just wall paint. These are typically formulated to hold up better than regular wall paint, and they will have a harder finish that resists stains.
Primer
When painting cabinets, the right primer is essential. It hides stains and helps the paint adhere, creating a surface that will reflect a uniform sheen and look great.
When choosing a primer for your cabinets, you want to ensure it is suitable for the type of wood and finish you have on your cabinetry. There are water based and oil based primers available. Water based primers are usually formulated to be more eco-friendly and have a faster dry time than oil based primers.
Oil based primers have been the professional’s choice for years and offer high performance but they do give off fumes that you will need to wear respiratory protection and work in a well ventilated area. They also require that you use mineral spirits for cleaning your tools and can take a bit longer to dry.
Acrylic latex products are gaining popularity and offer excellent adhesion to melamine and laminate surfaces as well as hiding tough stains, tannins, and mildew. Some of these primers have added odor blocking properties and moisture resistance as well. No matter what kind of primer you choose, be sure to sand the surfaces of your cabinets before applying a coat. Sanding helps create a mechanical bond between the surface and the primer. Once sanded, lightly wipe down the surface to remove any dust and debris that has collected.
Paint
Cabinet painting is a huge undertaking, but the results are stunning. Whether you're transforming bathroom cabinets, kitchen cabinets or bare wood built-ins, the right paint makes all the difference. The best cabinet paints have easy clean-up, low VOC and fast drying times, but they also provide a durable finish that stands up to steam, food splatters and daily wear.
When choosing a paint for your project, consult with an expert at a local paint store and ask for their recommendations. They can help you select a suitable primer, tinted to match your top coat. They can also help you find the best paint brush or roller for your job.
Another option is a hybrid alkyd paint, which contains the water-based properties of latex paint and the durability of oil-based paint. These are often called "acrylic-alkyd" formulas and can be found at most home improvement centers. Fresh Start is an affordable choice. It dries to a hard finish that can be cleaned with soap and water, instead of the turpentine or mineral spirits that are required for oil-based paints.
Finish
Once you've applied the last coat of paint, let it dry completely. This can take days, so be patient — it's worth it. Using a damp cloth or lint-free tack cloth, wipe down the surface to remove any dust or debris that may have settled on the new paint. Be sure to wipe the area well enough that it will be ready for reinstallation of cabinet doors and drawers. Label hinges and handles to make it easier for you to reattach them in the proper place.
Before you reattach any hardware, be sure the paint has had a chance to cure to a hard, durable finish. If you slam the doors, you could chip or scratch the finish and have to repaint them. To prevent this, don't touch or slam the cabinets for several weeks.
The best type of paint to use for your cabinets is a self-leveling paint, which will smooth out as it dries. This type of paint is available in either acrylic or alkyd (an oil-based alternative). Acrylics are low-fume and easy to clean up, while alkyds require mineral spirits for cleanup but offer a hard, durable finish.
When painting, be careful to match the color of your cabinets to your walls and appliances. It will help pull the whole room together and give the room a finished look.
As professional cabinet painting roswell providers, Roswell Cabinet Refinishing are here to help to make your dream of having your kitchen completely restored a reality. Our process includes cleaning the inside and outside of each cabinet. We focus on thoroughly cleaning the cabinets to make sure all bacteria attached to old grease is completely eliminated. We have proven products and processes for all projects. Most projects are completed within 3-5 business days, depending on the size of the kitchen.
We follow a step-by-step process without shortcuts to ensure the high quality of the final product. We use high-quality cabinet paint that dries quickly and is highly durable, we spray every door and drawer for a fine finish. The elegant and high-end finish with durable and fast-curing cabinet paint, require a higher level of care and skill in application than most paint projects.
Cabinet painting requires a bit of patience, especially when it comes to waiting for the paint to dry. Make things easier by labeling each door and drawer with a numbered sticker and removing adjustable shelves before you start painting. Special cabinet paints have come a long way in recent years. These hybrids offer the easy…