Are you tired of the look of your kitchen? Don’t have enough budget to afford a new one?
Sometimes it’s just enough to tweak kitchen cabinets to give them a fresh look. So you might want to consider repainting the kitchen cabinets instead of buying new ones.
Be patient
Be patient with your paint job since it will take extra time to properly prep and prime the cabinets before painting.
It’s important to remember that painting cabinets is a process that will take time. Don’t rush yourself or try to do the job in one day or weekend because rushing can cause you to make mistakes and cost you more money and time. It will be worth it in the end, though!
Safety first!
Make sure to wear safety goggles, gloves, a dust mask, and long sleeves. This will protect your eyes and skin from any potential splatter or paint drips.
Paint in a well-ventilated area. If you don’t have one available, open windows or doors leading outside and consider using an air filtration system with HEPA filters (a filter that traps 99% of particles) to help keep the fumes out of your living space.
Remove the doors and clean
Prep is super important. Remove the doors, drawers, and all the screws and nails from the cabinets. Clean the cabinets with soap and water, then dry them with a soft cloth.
Wipe down any dust using a damp cloth, then finish by wiping everything down with a clean, dry rag.
Once you’re sure your cabinets are spotless, you can begin sanding them with fine-grit sandpaper (150-grit) until they’re nice and smooth. Sand every surface you want to paint, and use a vacuum to get rid of the dust from the sanding.
Use a good primer and paint
Make sure to use a good primer and paint—you’ll be covering up the old color with this coat! Experts advise avoiding all-in-one paints and primers as they won’t give a desirable finish.
Primer will help the paint stick to the surface and make it more durable. You will also want to make sure that the primer and paint are compatible, or they will not adhere properly.
If you have any questions about which products to buy, feel free to ask your local hardware store employees for help.
Brush or roller?
For large flat areas, like the tops of your cabinets, a roller is the best tool.
Brushes are great for edging and other small jobs that require precision.
Foam pads are often used in conjunction with a brush to save time on painting small areas like cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
Wait three days between coats
Wait three days between coats of paint to ensure maximum adhesion.
The paint needs time to dry between coats thoroughly. This is because you don’t want any of the layers of paint to rub together and create a mess, which can happen when you apply too many layers or don’t wait long enough between coats.
You should always check your directions for specific instructions for the type of paint you use, but most paints require at least three days between coats. If your manufacturer has given you different instructions, follow those instead.
Wait at least 24 hours after applying the last coat before starting to use the cabinets again.
Conclusion
Painting kitchen cabinets can be done by anyone — with the right tools!
If you don’t have the right tools, then it’s a good idea to borrow them from a friend or neighbor who has done this before.
They will be able to tell you what kind of brushes and rollers work best on different surfaces and help prevent mistakes in which the finish won’t adhere properly.
You should also make sure your paint is high quality. It’s tempting to buy cheap paints that promise durability, but they often do not fulfill their promises!
Check out our article section and find out more tips and tricks for home improvement!
Thanks for reading!