Richard Miller
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Remodeling Expert over 3 years in Business
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You’ve seen the transformation an old bookcase or room can achieve with a fresh coat of paint. The cabinets in your kitchen are no different. Color trends shift with time, so even if the dark wood you initially fell in love with for your kitchen could still be in great shape, it might not inspire the airy, light-filled environment you want to imitate from the more modern designs you see on a regular basis on Pinterest or Instagram. Additionally, this project becomes an alluring remedy for someone who isn’t ready to take on a full kitchen redesign when you realize that painting cabinets just costs a few hundred dollars as opposed to the thousands it would take to replace them.
Do you want to significantly improve your kitchen? Think about taking up kitchen cabinet painting. Even though a costly kitchen renovation might be out of the question, painting your cabinets can bring fresh life and brightness to your room. Most committed do-it-yourselfers should feel comfortable taking on the simple, if time-consuming, DIY makeover of painting kitchen cabinets.
Another advantage is that it’s absolutely transforming, reasonably priced (particularly in comparison to the cost of new cabinets), and will probably make you feel really pleased of the DIY cabinet painting job you did. Given that the kitchen is frequently referred to as the “heart of the home,” keeping it stylish and designing a room that you, your family, and friends want to spend time in together could yield a significant return on investment. Here are some things to think about before beginning.
Why should I consider painting my kitchen cabinets?
According to the well-known opera soprano Beverly Sills, “there are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” Painting cabinets that have previously been painted is not an exception. Although painting over current cabinet colors could seem like a time-saving measure, doing so may make it more difficult to achieve the desired look. Even with multiple coats of paint, the original hue may still shift or alter the appearance of the new color, according to interior designer Sarah Barnard, who is certified by LEED and WELL AP. The additional layers “may disturb uniform coating, create adhesion issues, and increase the chance for chipping in the future, even if the initial color is white or neutral,” she writes. “They can also generate textural
Can I really paint kitchen cabinets myself?
Painting kitchen cabinets is not difficult, but to ensure that the paint work turns out well, you must follow every step of the instructions. This is not the moment to cut corners. Like other undertakings, working with a partner is beneficial, but not required. Depending on the size of your kitchen and how quickly you work, this could even be a weekend DIY project for those who are very determined and skilled with a paintbrush.
Naturally, the paint job will take longer the more kitchen cabinets you have. Additionally, you’ll need a good amount of room to arrange your cabinet doors so that you can sand, prime, paint, and allow them to dry completely between coats one and two. Having more patience also results in a smoother end.
Can I just paint over my kitchen cabinets?
Choosing the appropriate paint type is crucial when painting cabinets. According to Stephanie Calderon, owner and main designer of Stephanie Calderon Interiors in Charlotte, North Carolina, prioritize functionality over your intended aesthetic. According to Calderon, her design company usually uses oil-based enamel paint since it applies easily and is frequently the most stain-resistant once applied. She says, “You can achieve most design aesthetics using an oil-based paint,” going on to say that if you’re looking for something more Decorative, you can go with a chalk paint for a more distressed look or an acrylic enamel paint for a slicker finish.
Barnard expands on that idea by saying that choosing resilient paint is crucial for longevity because kitchen cabinets are high-touch surfaces. “Many durable paint options are available in a range of finishes, although glossy paints are often noted for their resilience,” the author adds. One more crucial point to remember is that, although choosing low- or zero-VOC paints is advantageous throughout the house, according to Barnard, the kitchen stands to gain the most from these choices since it is a place used for food preparation and may see more frequent contact with painted surfaces than other rooms.
Numerous companies, including as Benjamin Moore and Behr, have unique paint formulations designed specifically for doors, cabinets, and trim. These formulations are simple to use and offer some self-leveling, giving the surface a lovely, smooth finish. However, any high-quality paint, whether it be latex or enamel-based, ought to perform admirably and be robust enough to withstand regular kitchen cleaning as well as everyday abrasion. Remember that a gloss or semigloss will give you the longest-lasting finish and will probably withstand scratches and cleaning better.
Regardless of how you choose to approach the problem of how to paint your kitchen cabinets, Barnard emphasizes the significance of testing paint samples “to see how it will look throughout the day and with the space’s lighting.” “To guarantee the desired look or feel, it’s also helpful to see how the paint color will interact with the existing materials in the kitchen,” she continues.
“It is tempting to paint over existing paint on kitchen cabinets, but it can cause issues later on,” concurs Moe Soloff, a kitchen specialist at cabinet maker Fabuwood. For starters, many layers may make the doors too thick, which may cause problems with alignment and functionality, according to Soloff. Furthermore, he adds, “if the original color isn’t cleaned and removed, leftover oil or dirt may compromise the new paint’s adhesion, resulting in peeling or an uneven finish.”
What kind of paint do you use on kitchen cabinets?
How do I choose the right paint color?
- Choose a color you truly love for your kitchen cabinets if you’re going to go to the trouble of painting them. Whether you prefer an earth tone or a jewel tone, green is a wonderful place to start because kitchens are seeing an increase in the color in all of its tones and tints. A timeless classic, white paint probably complements everything you already have in your kitchen (though be mindful that it may show dirt and stains). For a streamlined kitchen design, black is a moody and striking choice.
- Consider the other components of your kitchen when choosing the color of your cabinets. To create a harmonious palette, make a list of the elements you already appreciate, such as the hardware or fixed appliances. Your countertops should go well with your kitchen cabinetry. Which paint shade would bring attention to your backsplash? Which color would contrast most with the floor? The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that you can always decide not to paint again.
How much space do I need for this project?
- There is some space required for this project. To avoid drips during the drying period between the first and second coats of paint, you will require a spacious enough space in which to place cabinet doors flat. Unless you intend to work in batches, the more doors you have, the more space you’ll require. It’s excellent if you plan to use your front yard and borrow sawhorses, but make sure to check the weather first. Rainstorms and recently painted cabinets are incompatible. There’s a chance that flying debris will get on your freshly painted surface. Get some tiny plastic tripods if you plan to paint indoors—a garage or covered patio work well for this. Remember to open the windows for ventilation and turn on some fans.
Do you need to sand cabinets before painting?
- Ignoring this laborious process will almost always result in a disorganized final product. For this reason, Calderon and other professionals think that sanding cabinets before painting is an essential step in the process of painting cabinets at home. Sanding doors produces a rough surface that makes paint stick better. She adds, “It will also help give the door the smoothest possible finish by removing any previously painted sheens and imperfections.” “It is essential to smooth out the wood and sand the cabinets again after painting them once to prepare the surface for a fresh coat of paint if they have already been painted.” Barnard points out that painting the cabinets following sanding is an additional crucial step to enhance the evenness and color of the paint.
What is the best method for painting kitchen cabinets?
When painting your kitchen cabinets, you’ll probably want to use both a roller and a brush. Rollers are often excellent for bigger flat areas since they “ensure a smooth, streak-free finish,” according to Soloff. Rollers probably contribute to the project moving a little quicker as well. DIY enthusiasts are advised by Barnard to keep in mind that rolling can result in a slightly frothy texture. “It will help to reduce any unwanted textures to use a smaller, high-quality roller,” she explains. According to Soloff, brushes are ideal for intricate tasks including corners and edges. A brush works well for filling in any gaps, such as the inside border of a traditional Shaker door style. In addition, many people might like the brushed-on effect of color when painting kitchen cabinets to produce a bit more
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