Cabinet Painting Sacramento is the process of repainting kitchen cabinets. The best way to start is with a clean workspace. Remove everything from countertops, cover appliances and floors with drop cloths and make arrangements for kids and pets to stay out of the work area.
Use a good wood filler to patch holes and gouges, then sand the surface smooth before priming. Some cabinet woods, like pine or oak, need a primer designed for cabinets to prevent bleed-through of the old color and to block moisture.
A good painting job starts with prep work, and cabinet painting is no exception. Before you start brushing on new color, you’ll need to sand the existing finish off, which will make the surface much smoother and more absorbent. It will also prepare it for priming, a step that is incredibly important. “Primer acts like a sealer, but it’s specially designed to bond really strongly both mechanically and chemically to the paint to create a uniform look,” Gillespie says. It also protects the cabinet material from moisture and mildew, which could damage or discolor the surface over time.
You can use a hand sander or a power sander with a coarse-grit pad, but be careful not to go overboard and remove too much of the existing finish. If you don’t sand properly, your new coat of paint won’t adhere. You’ll need to prime again, and if you don’t sand between primer applications, the result can be bubbles or ridges in your finish.
Before you start sanding, wipe down all the cabinet boxes, doors, and drawer fronts with a gentle grease remover or trisodium phosphate (TSP). This will remove any grime that might interfere with the adhesion of your primer and later paint.
Once the cabinets and drawers are dry, you can begin removing the hardware and marking each door or drawer with a number to keep track of where they go when you’re finished. This will help you reinstall the doors and drawers in their correct places with ease, too.
Next, sand the cabinet boxes and doors with a medium-grit sander. Again, be gentle but thorough to avoid damaging the wood or finish underneath. Wipe away the dust with a damp cloth, then sand again with a fine-grit sander to smooth everything up. After sanding, wipe down all surfaces again with a clean, damp cloth and let them dry completely before proceeding to the next step. Before you apply any primer, test it on a hidden area of your cabinet or even the back of one of your doors to see how well it adheres and to get an idea of what color you’ll end up with. A primer with a low sheen is ideal for kitchens, and you can use either a water-based or oil-based product.
Primer
The primer is like the glue that connects your cabinet paint to the surface it’s on, and it preps the surface to accept the top coat. Without a good primer, you can have problems with the cabinet paint flaking or peeling later on, so it’s well worth taking your time to do it right.
Before applying the primer, you’ll need to protect your workspace with tape and drop cloths. This will ensure that you don’t get any primer or paint on areas you don’t want it, and it will help keep your work area clean and organized. You’ll also want to remove the handles and hardware from the cabinets before you start priming. This will give you more room to work and make it easier to focus on the task at hand.
There are a number of different kinds of primer, so choose one that will work with your cabinet material. For example, if you’re working with wood cabinets, a shellac-based or alcohol-based primer will work best. They provide the strongest adhesion and seal and can hide any stains that might be present on your cabinets. However, these primers do emit strong odors and require special cleaners to use. If you’re looking for something less toxic, a water-based primer might be a better option for you.
A water-based latex primer like KILZ 2 (available at The Home Depot and Amazon) works well with both oil- and water-based top coats, making it a versatile choice. It can be used on bare wood, laminates and manufactured composites, and it hides previous finishes well. If you’re concerned about odors, go for a low-VOC primer, such as a VOC-free water-based product from Zinsser.
A high-bonding primer is ideal for slick surfaces, such as glossy paint or laminates, and it will create a strong bond between the surface and the new finish. However, this type of primer may not hide stains as well as stain-blocking or adhesion primers. If you’re unsure what kind of primer to use on your cabinets, ask a paint specialist at your local hardware store for advice. They should be able to recommend the perfect primer for your specific cabinet material and desired look.
Paint
There are a variety of paints available that will do the trick for cabinet painting projects. You can choose from a wide selection of colors at a home center or try something more specialized like milk paint or chalk paint for a unique finish. Whatever kind of aesthetic you’re going for, it’s important to use quality products to ensure the best results.
It’s also a good idea to apply a shellac-based primer before you start your project. This will help protect the cabinets and prevent bleed-through. It’s recommended to sand between coats with a medium-grit sander and wipe down the surface to remove any dust. This will create a rough surface that is more durable and will give you the best results.
The most important factor when choosing a paint for your cabinets is its durability and ability to stand up to the kitchen environment. If you plan to cook or have kids, you need a tough, scrub-able paint that won’t scratch or stain easily. A good choice is a hybrid alkyd enamel paint like Benjamin Moore Advance. This hard finish holds up well to frequent scrubbing and resists yellowing better than traditional oil-based paints.
If you want a more modern look, water-based paints are an excellent option. They’re easy to clean, dry quickly and emit fewer odors than oil-based paints. They also adhere well to most surfaces, including softwood. However, they may not be as durable as an enamel or alkyd finish.
Regular wall paints offer a wide range of color options and finishes and are generally less expensive than cabinet paint. They can hide imperfections and come in a variety of sheens to fit any style. They can be applied with a brush or roller and work well for most DIYers. If you’re looking for a professional finish, a high-quality paint sprayer is a great investment.
Specialty paints like chalk or milk paint offer unique finishes but can be more expensive than standard wall paints. If you’re able to afford the higher cost, they can be worth it for an upscale look that stands up to wear and tear.
Curing
Cabinets are used on a daily basis and are subject to constant wear and tear from banging against dishes, pots, pans, and other kitchen appliances. Because of this, they need a strong, durable finish that will resist chipping and peeling. To achieve this, homeowners often repaint cabinets. While it is easy to apply a coat of paint, it is just as important to allow time for the paint to dry and cure properly before touching or using the cabinets.
The amount of time it takes for cabinet painting to dry and cure depends on the application technique, temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors. However, there are ways to expedite the process without compromising quality, allowing you to get back to using your newly painted cabinets sooner.
First and foremost, be sure that the cabinet painting area is well-ventilated. Opening windows and doors, using exhaust fans, or strategically positioning air movers will help promote airflow and accelerate drying times. Also, make sure to use a low VOC (volatile organic compound) water-based primer when painting cabinets. This type of primer will block bleed-through and allow your cabinet paint to adhere better to the surface for a stronger, more durable finish.
Once the primer has dried, you can apply your first coat of cabinet paint. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application. Start at the top and work your way down to ensure that you cover all areas, including corners and edges. It is recommended to lightly sand between coats for a smooth, consistent finish.
For the final coat, be sure to allow enough time for the paint to dry completely before sanding and applying a second coat. Again, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and sanding.
Once the second coat of paint has dried, you can reattach the hinges and drawer pulls to your cabinets. Then, wipe down the surfaces to remove any dust or dirt that has settled and enjoy your new-look cabinets! Unlike wall paint, cabinet paint is designed to be more durable and resistant to scuffing, chipping, and staining. This is because of the different surface materials and how they are treated during preparation, sanding, and priming.
