Painting Kitchen Cabinets
By Ken Morris
Kitchen cabinets are one of the most expensive items in home
remodelling. Cabinetry costs more than replacing the kitchen
furniture in many cases. If you can afford the expense, there
are a wide variety of designs and styles available to update
your cabinets. You can add extras like a kitchen island, lazy
susan, or built-in appliance centers.
If replacing the cabinetry is too expensive for your budget,
refacing is a less expensive alternative. Refacing involves
replacing only the cabinet doors and exposed wood areas of the
cabinets. The insides are left as they are to save money on the
job. Painting is the least expensive option and can give the
room new life. The job can be easily done over a long weekend
with the right preparation.
You will need to decide if you will paint the entire cabinet,
inside and out, or just the outside and the doors. To save
time, consider leaving the inside of the cabinet alone, you
won�t be able to tell the difference.
Preparing the Cabinets
Start by removing all hardware from the cabinets and remove the
doors. Mark the doors, so you will remember which door goes on
which cabinet. This will save you time and prevent aggravation
later. Protect the countertops and floor with drop cloths, old
bed sheets or plastic sheeting. These can be taped in place,
especially on the floors. If you will be replacing the
flooring, paint the cabinets first.
Clean the cabinets thoroughly before painting. This is
important. Grease and oils from cooking will prevent the paint
from adhering properly. You could end up with an uneven color.
A wood cleaner with orange oil works well for breaking down
grease residue. Be sure to let the surface dry thoroughly
before you begin to apply the primer.
Primer is an important step in the process. It provides a
smooth, even surface for the paint to adhere properly. Use a
roller for larger areas and a brush for small areas. Be sure to
coat all areas, including the underside of the cabinets.
Consider using sawhorses for priming and painting the doors,
for an easier time and a more even coverage.
Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before you begin to paint.
Overnight is generally sufficient for the primer to dry. Apply
the paint in thin coats. It�s better to apply a few thin coats
than to use one thick coat. Allow twentyfour hours between
coats for the paint to dry completely. Sand with a fine grit
sandpaper between coats.
When the paint has dried completely, you are ready to put the
doors back on and replace the hardware. Consider updating the
hardware to match your new look. Door handles and hinges are
inexpensive and can make a big difference in the look of the
room.
Choosing Paint for Kitchen Cabinets
Don�t skimp on the paint. Use high quality paint that is right
for the surface being covered. This will be different for wood
or metal cabinets. If you�re not sure, ask for help at the
paint store.
In general, you will want to use enamel paint. You have a few
choices in the finish. Gloss, semi gloss or satin finishes are
most commonly used. The higher the gloss, the stronger the
finish and the easier it will be to clean. If you want less
shine, consider the semi gloss finish.
Safety When Painting
Be sure to paint in a well ventilated room. Do the job when the
weather is warm enough and leave the windows open.
Wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt to protect your skin
from the paint. Plastic gloves can be worn to protect the skin
on your hands.
Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from paint and fumes.
About The Author: Ken Morris works for the
works he is mostly focusing on information about remodeling and
kitchen design.
