Are you considering new kitchen cabinets? Whether you choose new cabinets or upgrade your present ones, the process can be overwhelming. Also, the price of new kitchen cabinets can vary drastically depending on your choices.
Upgrading your kitchen can be a very complicated procedure that requires much planning and a careful approach. Yet, there is an easy way to make your kitchen look fresh, new, and attractive again, and that will cost you only a fraction of what you would usually spend on a full upgrade of your kitchen.
If you wish for a hassle-free, budget-friendly kitchen upgrade, painting your kitchen cabinets can be the right move. Of course, you can’t avoid the mess and upheaval that comes with painting, but you can do it better!
Let’s examine the basics of kitchen cabinet painting.
Carefully follow these steps to finish this task quickly and without much pain:
Step 1: Preparing for the Project
This is the first step in changing the look of your kitchen cabinets. Preparation is essential because it allows you to remain organized and fully control the process at every step.
Remove all hardware from the cabinets: Take out the screws, hinges, and other parts, and keep them in a safe place so that you don’t misplace them. Handle and store the smaller components with care. If you lose some of them, putting the cabinets together again can be a challenge.
Remove cabinet doors: Carefully remove the cabinet doors. This will allow you to easily access the cabinet frames for painting. You can also remove the hinges that block some areas that need to be painted. Cover the parts that do not interfere with the painting with removable tape.
Step 2: Clean and Degrease the Surface to be Painted
Cabinet doors will inevitably accumulate a layer of cooking grease. The surface is sticky, and before painting, it’s essential to scrub the cabinet surfaces using a strong, approved degreaser. Neglecting this step will leave a grease film beneath the paint, which will hinder adhesion and lead to serious issues that could have been easily avoided.
Another important step is to gently sand the cabinet surface in order to remove the smooth, glossy finish that will enhance the adhesion of the paint. Fine-grit sandpaper should be used for optimal results.
Do not forget to wipe down the cabinets with a damp cloth to remove dust and sanding residue from the surface. A clean surface is key to a smooth finish.
Step 3: Invest in the Right Tools and Choose Quality Materials
The tools you decide to use for your cabinet painting project directly impact the outcome of the kitchen cabinet painting efforts.
Invest in quality rollers and brushes. Synthetic rollers are preferable for water-based paints since they work well with solvent paints. Natural brushes, however, give an excellent finish with oil-based paints.
Consider using a short-napped roller on a large cabinet with quite expansive painting areas. They will provide a wonderful, smooth finish, and you won’t have to deal with brush marks.
Step 4: Prime the Cabinets
Using the best paints can give your kitchen cabinets a silky, smooth finish. However, even a premium paint will not help you achieve the desired finish if your kitchen cabinet surface is not properly primed.
The first step is buying a high-quality primer for wooden cabinets. Do not make the mistake of using primers made for cement or exterior surfaces. It will ruin your efforts. Also, buy a good wood filler to seal the cracks, holes, and crevices from any past woodwork.
Apply a coat of wood primer evenly and allow them to dry thoroughly before applying paint.
Note: Check if your dealer or hardware shop has stain-blocking primer. This is useful for application on old cabinets as they block the old stains and marks from showing up through the paint.
Another key benefit of using a primer is that it allows the paint to spread uniformly across the cabinet surfaces. This feature can be particularly useful if you have a large area to cover, as inconsistencies can be conspicuous. Ensuring a uniform application helps maintain a professional appearance throughout the space, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your kitchen remodel.
Step 5. Applying the Paint
There is more to picking a paint color for your kitchen cabinets than choosing what you like. Prioritize function over form, and then select your style. Many experts recommend oil-based enamel paint because it dries with a smooth finish and doesn’t stain easily. Oil-based paint can achieve almost all design aesthetics. Acrylic enamel or chalk paint is good if you want a slick or distressed finish.
The paint must be durable and of the highest quality since kitchen cabinets are high-touch surfaces. Although glossy paints are known for their durability, durable paint can also be achieved in various finishes.
Paint must be applied in thin layers, avoiding drips and a smooth finish. Do not put on the next layer until the previous one dries completely.
Start with the doors and drawers. Start with the back sides, then flip and do the fronts. Use a brush and roller combination—the brush for corners and edges and the roller for spreading paint on the larger surfaces of the cabinets.
Step 6: Allow Proper Drying Time
You need a lot of patience with DIY painting projects. Don’t rush through the tasks. Every step must be carried out slowly and properly. Allow sufficient drying and curing time between coats, and don’t rush to reassemble. When the surface is given enough time to dry, it allows the paint to set well and reduces the risk of scratches or smudges.
Step 7. Reassembling and Final Touches
Reattach the doors and hardware with caution. Allowing the paint to cure before handling is advisable fully to prevent potential damage. A clear topcoat of a protective layer may enhance durability, particularly in frequently utilized kitchens.
How Much Will It Cost to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
The cost of painting your kitchen cabinets can vary drastically based on various factors, including your location, the condition of the cabinets, labor costs, and the paint price itself. Materials for a small kitchen painted without professional labor could cost as little as a few hundred dollars, while professional painters may charge several thousand dollars for a large kitchen.
The total cost can also vary depending on the type of cabinets, the amount of prep, and whether the customer wants more than one color used. Typically, a painter charges by the number of cabinet doors and drawers. Professional painting can cost between $5,000 and $15,000 per kitchen.
For some people, hiring professional painters can be worth the money. In the hands of an expert painter, your kitchen cabinets can get a facelift beyond just a new color scheme. A skilled painter will fill chips and cracks, tighten hinges, and seal gaps deftly before delivering the final touch of magic.
Common Kitchen Cabinet Painting Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping Sanding or Priming: If you try a shortcut by skipping sanding and priming, it can affect the quality and durability of the paint. Sanding and priming are done for specific reasons. They provide the basic foundation for a proper painting process.
Rushing the Process: Failure to permit adequate drying time between coats may compromise the quality of the finish.
Also, it is advisable to avoid using flat or low-quality paints. You may save some money, but they are not durable enough to make your kitchen cabinets last. You may end up spending more than your targeted budget.
Personalization and Trends
Kitchen cabinet painting opens the door to limitless creativity. You can experiment with various color combinations to achieve your desired aesthetic, from classic whites and neutrals to bold and vibrant hues. You can also incorporate techniques like distressing or glazing to add character and depth to your cabinets.
Consider showcasing popular cabinet colors such as timeless whites, striking navy blues, or cool greens. Pair painted cabinets with natural wood accents to achieve a contemporary aesthetic.
Conclusion
Giving your kitchen cabinets a fresh coat of paint is an economical and creative way to overhaul your kitchen. This transformation not only improves the appearance but also increases your home’s value, showcasing its numerous advantages. Whether aiming to rejuvenate your living area or get your home ready for the market, painting your kitchen cabinets is a wise and effective decision that results in a stunning and refreshed cooking space.
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