How to Paint Kitchen CabinetsKnowing how to paint kitchen cabinets can be very rewarding and save you money, because usually, kitchen cabinets are expensive to replace.
Sometimes this is the best place to start. It may look like an intimidating project, but, believe it or not, can be done over one weekend. Even though this is not the most complicated thing in the world, it doesn’t mean that you can just go, buy some paint and get started. Actually, you can, but without any guarantee for positive results! Find out now how to paint kitchen cabinets! Just follow the steps below, without skipping any of them. Your job will be successful, and your efforts - fully rewarded! How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets: Step-by-Step 1. Preparation: Remove hinges, knobs, etc., before starting sanding and painting, and re- install them as soon as you are done and the paint is completely dry. Another option is to tape over, so that you don’t ‘include’ them by accident in your painting project 2. Clean the cabinets. On the wall or dismounted, with hinges removed or not, make sure that your cabinets are getting really clean before painting. Not just wiped with a damp cloth. Use any type of degreaser. A new coat of paint needs to grip very well onto the surface and any amount of grease will create problems. Allow the cabinet to dry well after washing 3. Cover to protect all the countertops, appliances and the floor. Use drop sheets, masking tape, poly, etc. As soon as you are finishing this part, it is the time to open the windows. Good ventilation is important! 4. Sand kitchen cabinets well. Use fine grit sandpaper and make sure you don’t forget any area. Sanding will ensure a better grip for the primer and paint layers. Just don’t overdo this process – you don’t have to remove all layers of older paint 5. Apply the primer. One coat of primer is enough. As we are mentioning on our page “how to use paint primer”, the primer is important! It will make the paint bond better and will ensure a long, lasting finish. The only situation when you don’t need to prime is when you are using the same paint and the same color 6. Paint. The easiest way is by using a pneumatic sprayer. If you don’t have one, choose a high quality brush for the edges, a roller to fill the rest of the surfaces, or a pad applicator. Apply a few thin coats of paint. Apply the second layer of paint only after the first layer is dry. Usually this is enough, unless you have kitchen cabinets made from heavy grain wood and you can apply three layers. It is a good idea to sand lightly before the second application – it will give you a smoother look & better adhesion between the layers of paint.
Good brushes: for painting the edges of the cabinets and hard to reach, tight areas. Tip: use a synthetic brush for latex and a natural bristle brush for oils or alkydsShort, quality roller: any brand new roller will leave some lint. To prevent the lint problem, either wash the roller and spin to dry, or wrap the new roller in masking tape, and remove the masking tape together with the lint. Roll to cover the rest of the surfaces. Start to roll the paint in the middle, to avoid paint drips. After that, take long strokes from the top to the bottom, to avoid roller marks, and your surface will end looking nice and smooth. When shopping for a quality roller, look for beveled edges on the roller, make sure it has no visible seams and is rebounding to its original shape when squeezed Pad applicators: coming in a variety of sizes. They are very useful to reach tight spots and not only: they can replace the rollers. Sprayers: offer the best coverage and the best speed to complete your project. Unfortunately, this is coming with a price: more paint wasted and more to cleaning after... Sprayer nozzle tip: an affordable sprayer purchased at a department store will have a non-reversible tip that will potentially clog. A professional sprayer, with a reversible tip will cost you more, but it won't clog. Expect the paint to dry faster when using this method. For a good selection of tools in Canada, try Rona or Home Depot.ca and for US, Home Depot.com. How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets: MATERIALS Primer: it depends on the type of paint you are going to use – oil or latex. Usually, oil paint is the choice for a more durable result. Use Bull’s eye 1-2-3 or Perma White primers. Paint: use melamine paint. It is the best and most durable for painting kitchen cabinets. Not the most easily to use though… Best results while using melamine paint are by painting on three thin coats instead of 1 or 2 thick coats, with enough time to dry in between. The problem with melamine paint, beside the smell and clean up, is chipping. An option, instead of using oil-based paint is to paint with regular latex and then put on a few coats of water based polyurethane. It turned out to be much tougher then melamine, easier to work with, and also easier to clean up. How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets: TIPS How to find out what type of paint has been used before - oil or latex: either use a tester sold in the paint stores or department stores or, try the 'nail test'. Try to leave a mark on the cabinet surface. If you can see the nail mark, then you are dealing with softer latex paint. Overall, it is not difficult at all to figure out how to paint kitchen cabinets!Prevent having dry paint on your tools: between applications, put the roller in a large Ziploc bag, to avoid drying. The pain tray or the brushes can be also covered with large plastic bags When painting with a roller, paint slowly, in the shape of letter M If your project is small, consider disposable rollers, especially when using oil based paint. Remember, cheaper, disposable roller will have more lint problems Ideas for Painting Kitchen Cabinets: Paint your cabinets in a light color to enhance the natural light in your kitchen Play with whites and off –whites colors Use a gloss paint – the natural light will reflect and increase in the room, plus, a gloss paint is easier to clean Paint your kitchen cabinets in two colors: one for frames and boxes, and the second color for he doors and drawers Use different textures: rag, feather, or sponge paint your kitchen cabinets If you have natural wood cabinets you may want to use just varnish and keep the natural look. Use as a primer Shellac to saturate the wood before applying varnish Remember, learning how to paint kitchen cabinets can be fun! Unleash your creativity! Home
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"We've been using the services of The Best Western Contracting Ltd. for the past several years for numerous home improvement projects at our home and our office building, both located in West Vancouver.
Marek and his team have performed major renovation, restoration and construction projects with the utmost professionalism. As well, they have shown tremendous skill and knowledge in guiding the projects they've handled.
They've been very reliable, and have accommodated our schedule to work around our needs. Over the years we have built a tremendous amount of confidence in their team, which comes in part from the respect they impart to us that speaks to their integrity.
One of the key elements to their talents has been their innovative approach in finding solutions to some very tricky situations, always considering costs and quality of workmanship as guiding lights for the work they have performed.
We highly recommend The Best Western Contracting Ltd. for any construction, remodeling or repair work at your home or office building."
Douglas L. Mason
President, Waterfront Capital Partners Inc.West Vancouver
"The work carried out during an extensive renovation on West 20th Avenue in Dunbar was done in a very professional and high quality manner on time and within budget!
The renovation work was conducted in a diplomatic, transparent, participatory and trustworthy manner. Throughout the project he kept us fully informed and shared many innovative ideas and associated cost estimates with us before proceeding with the house remodeling work.
His creativity was constantly demonstrated! The standard of workmanship is very high.
We strongly recommend the services of The Best Western Contracting Ltd. for your renovation, restoration or remodeling houses projects!"
David & Helga Marshall
Vancouver West Side (Dunbar)
"My reputation is on the line every time I have work completed at one of my complexes. The contractors I call have to be professional: reliable , skilled, knowledgeable, cost effective and efficient.
I have found Marek Witecki to be an asset for my job as he responds to any issue I contact him for. His staff is skilled and well trained with the same attention to detail as their employer. Any concerns are dealt with quickly and satisfactorily.
I strongly recommend of the hiring of The Best Western Contracting Ltd. for any project as the quality work and professionals service is why I keep calling!
Jolanta Friedman
Strata Agent
Ascent Property Management (Now: Aedis Property Management)
"Like most people who live in old houses, we are repeatedly repairing, renovating and house remodeling ... Although we have used several contractors in the past, Marek Witecki is by far the best!
We have for many years entrusted all of our renovation work to him (and his company). Marek’s work is first rate, and it is a pleasure to work with him because he is completely fair, honest, hard-working, reliable and respectful of our needs and time lines.
He and his crew at The Best Western Contracting Ltd. have worked on all parts of our house, and many projects of house remodeling. He rebuilt our large deck, renovated our dining room, completely redesigned and rebuilt our master bedroom, replaced two bathrooms, built a basement laundry room/workshop and created a new entryway into our basement from the back yard.
We appreciate the way he understands what we want and brings our ideas to reality. He also offers very useful and inventive ideas that we ourselves have not considered. For example, his suggestion to remove a wall in our master bedroom suite created an open, airy space that is not only a great pleasure to be in, but is also more functional than we could have imagined.
Marek has a thorough knowledge of current products and construction methods. He has high standards and his workmanship is excellent. We have always found his cost estimates to be realistic, and he works hard to finish jobs within an agreed upon time schedule.
Marek has always exceeded our expectations, and we can recommend him to prospective clients without reservation!"
Marcie Powell
Vancouver West Side (Dunbar)