Painting kitchen cabinets is more challenging than it looks. It requires considerable work, so anyone planning this project should allow enough time. Or when I need a painter for my kitchen cabinets, you should hire one who’s particularly skillful in this kind of work.
Painting kitchen cabinets is a budget-friendly alternative to replacing them. But like any other home improvement project, you should do this correctly, or you’ll spend more to amend your mistakes. Planning is the key to success in this project. You should consider the do’s and don’ts so that you’ll get the look you want.
The Things You Want to “Do”
- Choose the correct paint or stain
When you go to a paint or hardware store to buy your paint or stain, you should get the correct product in the right amount. Measuring your cabinets and knowing their surface type are excellent ways to ensure that you’ll have the right amount of paint. Sometimes, it’s better to overestimate than to underestimate, in case you’re still unsure how much paint you will purchase. For example, if your surface measurements say that you need two gallons of paint, consider purchasing three gallons to ensure you have more than enough. This measurement is essential, primarily if you use more than one coat of paint.
You may know whether it’s best to paint or stain your cabinets. Different paints are made explicitly for other cabinet materials. Paints are best for wood cabinets, but you can sand and paint most types of the cabinet surface. If you have laminate cabinets, it’s best to purchase a primer made for laminate. Stain is best for hardwood cabinets, especially if you want to retain their natural look.
Any high-quality acrylic, latex-based paints with satin or semi-gloss finish will do, but to make your search easier, look for paints specifically made for cabinets. They will provide the best results with durability and a smooth finish.
- Prep your cabinets
Proper surface prep work is the key to success in painting kitchen cabinets. The time spent preparing means you have to empty the cabinets, remove all the doors, drawers, and hardware, clean the surface, do necessary repairs, and sand all surfaces before painting.
- Prep and paint the doors and drawers outside.
Once you remove all the doors and drawers, take them outside to your backyard or garage to prepare and paint them. It’s best to have a sawhorse to work on your project. Sanding laminate or wood cabinets will create a lot of dirt and debris, but ensure that the paint or stain will stick well to the surface.
- Use a sponge or small paint roller.
Instead of a paintbrush, consider using a sponge or small paint roller to paint the front and back of your cabinet doors and drawers. Using a sponge or roller will ensure a smooth and even coat of paint without undesirable paint lines.
- Use a spray paint
Choose this method only if your kitchen cabinets have raised panels. This painting method is to ensure an all-around smooth and even finish. However, it would help if you were careful with this method to avoid over-spraying as much as possible. If you have yet to gain experience spraying paint, consider hiring a professional painter.
The Things You “Don’t” Want to Do
- Don’t paint or stain the cabinets in place
If you think you’ll get things easier by painting or staining the cabinets in place, you could end up with paint or stain on your kitchen floors and counters, even if you’re careful. Remove the doors and drawers before painting them.
- Don’t just begin painting or staining.
Painting kitchen cabinets requires meticulous attention to detail to achieve a smooth and even finish – and you will need a lot of time for it. So, don’t rush the project by starting painting or staining the cabinets immediately. Remove the doors and drawers and do the necessary prep work before proceeding to paint them.
- Don’t use a paintbrush.
You may be surprised to learn, but while a paintbrush is often the go-to choice for small paint projects, it’s better not to use it for your cabinets. A paintbrush tends to create lines in the paint, which undermines the look of your kitchen cabinets. Instead, use a paintbrush to touch up small areas, paint small design details, or paint hard-to-reach spots.
If you’re concerned about the result of your kitchen cabinet painting project, ditch your old materials and consider hiring a pro when I need a painter for my kitchen cabinets. A professional painting contractor can guarantee you will get the exact results you’ve always desired. The pros know the correct paints or stains, take the time to do prep work, and use the most suitable painting method to achieve a smooth, even, and durable surface for your kitchen cabinets.