Painting kitchen cabinets can be a relatively affordable way to change the look of your room, add value to your home and give your kitchen a fresh new look. But there are some things you need to keep in mind before tackling this project.
The first step is to completely empty and clean out your cabinets, taking them off their hinges if necessary. This will let you fully clean them, getting rid of grease and grime that may be stuck in the corners and cracks.
Next, you will need to tape and protect any surfaces that you don’t want to get paint on (like countertops or appliances). This will help make your job much easier and ensure that you have a flawless finish once you’re done.
It’s also important to degrease before painting, preferably using a solvent like TSP (tri-sodium phosphate) that will remove any grease and oil on the surface. If you don’t degrease, the new coat of paint will be sticky and will not last as long as it should.
Once your surface is clean and free of oil, you can sand it down. This will create a slightly rough surface that will allow the primer and then paint to really stick and hold up well. Most cabinet painters will use a power sander for this task, but if you are on a budget, a hand-held oscillating sander can work just as well.
Now it’s time to choose your color. There are no rules when it comes to this, but keep in mind that if your cabinets are dark or rich in tone, a lighter color will likely work best. If you’re going with a lighter shade, consider a satin or semi-gloss finish to maintain the light and airy feel of your kitchen.
A great way to complement your newly painted cabinets is with functional upgrades. Cabinet accessories, like rollout trays and under-cabinet lighting can help improve usability, maximize storage space and enhance the overall look of your kitchen.
You’ll want to apply a good quality satin or semi-gloss acrylic latex primer to your cabinets before applying your final coat of paint. This will help your new coat of paint resist stains and moisture, which can lead to chipping, peeling and dullness. It’s a good idea to let the primer dry overnight before proceeding to your final coat of paint.
After your cabinets are finished, you’ll need to allow them to cure for a couple weeks before reattaching the doors and drawer fronts. During this time, you should avoid spilling food or drinks and try to keep the kitchen as dry as possible.
While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to kitchen cabinet painting following these tips will help you achieve the best results possible. By taking the time to prepare and execute your project correctly, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful and updated kitchen that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Both refinishing and painting can be an effective way to transform your cabinets, but if you’re looking for the best possible results, working with a Tampa cabinet painting professional is the way to go. A reputable company like Espresso Finishes will offer excellent customer service, provide precise estimates, and keep you updated throughout the process. With the right team of professionals by your side, you can be confident that your cabinet painting project will turn out beautifully.
