You can repaint the cabinets in your kitchen as a professional does. You just need to learn the different painting techniques and which one to choose for the best results. You also need to know which paint is the best to use on cabinetry. Semi-gloss, gloss, or satin are the best choices.
While painting your kitchen cabinets is more difficult than painting a room, you will see great results if you do not rush things or skip any steps. To begin the project, you need to learn the three common techniques that are used for painting cabinets.
Using a Paintbrush
You can apply paint with a paintbrush, a sprayer, or a roller and brush. Using a paintbrush will take you longer than the other two methods. If you choose this painting method, brush strokes will be displayed on the cabinets. What you want is a consistent and smooth look. Therefore, spraying the paint is a better option.
Not only is spraying faster but it will give you the best finish. By using premium paint and a sprayer, you will end up with good results. It just takes longer to prep the cabinets. Preparation includes masking off the surrounding surfaces and setting up a spray booth to paint the doors. You have to be skillful to use this technique.
Using a Roller and Brush
If you are not skilled at using a sprayer, you can always opt for the roller and brush. By using this method, you will still receive a nice finish. You can use the brush to apply paint to tight corners and the roller for the bigger surfaces. While the finish will not appear as smooth as the one applied with a sprayer, it is still better than solely using a brush.
Ideally, it would be nice to spray all the parts of the cabinet with paint. However, if you are currently living in the house where the painting is needed, you may want to combine roller and brush painting with spraying. Spray the paint on the doors of the cabinets and use a roller and brush on the boxes.
Apply Multiple Coats
You need to apply multiple coats of paint. Add one coat of primer followed by two coats of paint. If you spray the cabinets, you need to wait to use your kitchen if you wish to spray the boxes. However, you can use the cabinets sooner if you choose to use just the roller and brush.
To prep the cabinets for painting, you first need to remove the doors and drawers of the cabinetry. You will need to use a drill or screwdriver to remove the hinges. Paint the doors and drawers in another area of the house, such as the garage.
Next, clean the surfaces of the cabinets. Make sure that you do a thorough job and use a degreaser. Doing so will prevent any paint from peeling off the surface later. After cleaning, sand the surfaces of the cabinets, preferably with 180-grit sandpaper. Clean the cabinets once more to remove the dust before wiping the surface with a damp cloth. Mask the adjacent surfaces, taping off the walls, countertops, floors, and shelves before you apply the primer.
Marc Poulos began his real estate and financial services career, but he soon realized that his true passion was beautifying homes. He started working with various small craftsman shops before serving an apprenticeship with the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Chicago. His commitment to excellence won him Top Apprentice from Washburne trade school in Chicago – the country’s premier school of its kind.
