Reclaim the heart of your home with a renaissance of kitchen cabinetry. With the alchemy of spray painting, it is possible to transform a tired kitchen into a stylish statement without the costly upheaval of a complete remodel.
Modesto Cabinet Painters key to a stunning cabinet paint job is meticulous prep work. This includes using a good quality primer that can block stains and prevent mildew growth, as well as filling any wood grain variances.
Many of my clients are looking to update their cabinets without the cost of a full remodel. Choosing a new color, for example, is a quick way to give their kitchen a fresh look that still keeps the existing cabinets.
But in order for the paint job to last, it must be done properly. That includes sanding the surface and applying a primer. While sanding has gotten a bad rap lately, it’s essential to any painting project in order for the finish to hold up for years.
For wood cabinet surfaces, sanding to a smooth finish is required for the primer and paint to adhere properly. This creates a durable coating that will stand up to moisture and daily wear. However, you must be careful not to sand too much or you’ll end up with a dull and worn finish. A light sanding with 320 grit paper will help you get to the perfect level of smoothness.
If your cabinets are laminate, you may be able to skip the sanding and go straight for a primer and paint. This is possible as long as you’re using a laminate-specific product and you use a primer that will bond to the slick surface. Otherwise, you’ll need to sand the laminate down to the raw material before priming and then painting.
Regardless of the material, it’s always important to use a high-quality paint. An oil-based alkyd will provide the most resilient finish and is an excellent choice for kitchen cabinet painting. This type of paint is also easy to clean and will resist scuffing well. However, it can be toxic to work with and must be used in a well-ventilated area.
Latex paints are an alternative option for wood cabinet surfaces and have come a long way in terms of durability. Some even feature a scrubbable finish that stands up to scrubbing and everyday cleaning. However, these types of finishes aren’t as durable as an alkyd paint and they can be more prone to scuffing and peeling.
Final Sealant
Once clad in the vestiges of bygone styles and the marks of time’s relentless march, these sentinels now embody a symphony of color and texture that beckons a new chapter for your kitchen’s aesthetic. Thanks to the alchemy of cabinet spray painting, you can breathe life into these architectural gems without the high-cost and headaches of a complete remodel.
Before you even think about pulling out your paint sprayer, there are a few crucial prep steps that must be taken. Start by removing all contents from your cabinets and giving them a thorough cleaning. You’ll want to remove every spice jar, box of cereal, and other miscellaneous item. This will ensure that your cabinets are a clean, squeaky-clean canvas for your new coat of paint.
Next, sand the cabinets to smooth out any rough areas, and prime the surface. You’ll want to choose a primer that’s specifically designed for cabinetry, as it will help your paint adhere to the surface.
When your cabinets are finally painted, apply a final sealant. This will help protect the surface from scuffing and general wear and tear, as well as give your cabinets a glossy sheen that oozes luxury. You can use a polycrylic that is formulated for cabinetry, or a standard polyurethane. Just make sure you choose a water-based product as opposed to an oil-based one, which may have amber undertones that can affect your painted color. Once the final sealant is dry, your kitchen cabinets will be ready to be the centerpiece of your culinary sanctuary’s renaissance.
