How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets
Need to renovate your kitchen cabinets without spending a fortune? The
answer to your woe is to paint them yourself to create a new look. If
you have solid kitchen cabinets, painting them can do magic.
Painting kitchen cabinets can be done in two ways - hiring a professional to do spray painting if you have extra budget or do it yourself to save on labor costs.
It's true that spray painting can give a smooth finish but if you are skillful and patient enough, brush painting can give you the same lasting and smooth finish result as well. The only downside to brushing is that it takes more time, at least two weeks, to complete. Experts suggest that you use the best material and do the sanding and brushing right to achieve beautiful cabinets.
Preparing your cabinets
Clear everything in your kitchen before you start your painting work. Empty the cabinets, clear the countertops and remove appliances and other decors. Transfer the furniture to another room to prevent them from being stained by paint.
Make sure that the room is well ventilated and with no open flames for your protection. It's also best if you apply hand cream first before painting as it'll make cleaning easier afterwards. Hand cream is also a good protection for your exposed skin.
The next step is to tape rosin paper on the countertops and flooring then tape plastic sheeting on the windows, fixed appliances and doorways. You could also use old newspapers to cover countertops and floors. Don't forget to cover the wall around the cabinets.
Create a worktable where you will paint the cabinet doors, drawers and shelves. If not, you can work on the floor but be sure you cover it with newspaper. Remove the handles of the door and drawer or remove the hinges. You can paint them as well if they don't look good in your eyes.
Cleaning and painting your kitchen cabinets
Clean first using the tri sodium phosphate (TSP) solution and rinse well. Let your cabinet dry before priming. After drying, lightly sand the surface by using 120 grit sandpaper then get rid of sanding dust using a rag.
It's now time to apply your primer in an even thin coat. Applying more primer is recommended to achieve an even coat. Use a ΒΌ inch nap mohair roller for large areas. Let the primer dry overnight.
The next day, you can sand lightly again using 150 grit sandpaper after which you can already apply your finish enamel. For a nice looking finish, applying two coats is best. Let them dry and cure before removing the masking tape and reinstalling hinges.
Recommended paints
As for what ideal paint to use, various brands of paints are available on the market today. Latex enamel is best for kitchen cabinets and the brands that have been given a thumbs up by homeowners who have used the products include Sherwin Williams, Pratt & Lambert, Cabinet Coat, BM Impervo and Benjamin Moore.
Some users suggest applying a top coat of Minwax' Water Based Polycrylic over the finished paint for a cleaner look and to help strengthen the surface. Sherwin Williams' Proclassic Waterborne Interior Acrylic Enamel is recommended for cabinets and woodwork because of its smooth as glass finish. The Cabinet Coat brand, meanwhile, is available only in light and pastel colors. Another brand called Quick Solution Acrylic is also recommended as it does not need a primer. It colors, though, are limited.
Want to Learn more about Flipping Houses? Download the Home Flipping Guide
