Painting kitchen cabinets is a great way to update your kitchen without having to spend a lot of money on a complete makeover. When done right, it can turn old cabinets into a striking, contemporary accent. But it's a project that needs to be carefully planned and carried out. Even small errors can result in an unprofessional finish or necessitate a total redo.
The most frequent errors individuals make while painting kitchen cabinets will be discussed in this tutorial, along with tips for avoiding them. You can make sure your cabinets look great and last a long time by using these recommendations.
1. Skipping Proper Preparation
Mistake: Painting Without Cleaning
Particularly in a kitchen, cabinets gradually gather dust, filth, and grease. These leftovers can cause uneven finishing and poor adherence when painted over.
Solution:
- Using a degreaser or a warm water and mild dish soap solution, thoroughly clean the cabinets.
- Areas near handles should receive extra attention because this is where grease likes to collect.
Mistake: Ignoring Surface Repairs
Tiny chips, cracks, and dents might not look like much, but after painting, they will be noticeable.
Solution:
- Before painting, use wood filler to fix any flaws and sand smooth.
- For accurate application, make sure the surface is flush and use a putty knife.
2. Not Removing Doors and Hardware
Mistake: Painting Cabinets Without Disassembly
A messy finish with paint drips and missed spots might result from leaving doors, drawers, and hardware in place.
Solution:
- Take off all drawer fronts, doors, and hardware (hinges, knobs, etc.).
- Label every component and its location to guarantee a seamless reassembly.
- To prevent losing them, put small hardware and screws in marked bags.
3. Skipping the Sanding Process
Mistake: Painting Directly on the Existing Finish
The shiny sheen of many cabinets makes it difficult for paint to adhere. Chipping or peeling may occur if sanding is skipped.
Solution:
- To get rid of the sheen, lightly sand the cabinets using medium-grit sandpaper (e.g., 120-150 grit).
- After that, use fine-grit sandpaper (such as 220 grit) for a smoother surface.
- Before painting, dust with a tack cloth or vacuum.
4. Choosing the Wrong Paint
Mistake: Using Regular Wall Paint
The wear and tear that cabinets experience from regular cleaning and moisture exposure is not something that wall paint is made to tolerate.
Solution:
- Make use of premium paint that has been specially blended for furniture or cabinets.
- Choose finishes that are easier to clean and more durable, such as gloss, satin, or semi-gloss.
- For simple cleanup and minimal odor, use water-based acrylic paints; for a more durable finish, use oil-based paints.
5. Skipping the Primer
Mistake: Painting Without Priming
Ignoring the primer may result in uneven paint application, stains that seep through, or gradual peeling.
Solution:
- Apply a primer made specifically for wood surfaces or the type of material your cabinets are made of.
- Use a stain-blocking primer to stop bleed-through when painting dark cabinets a lighter colour.
- Using a brush or roller, evenly apply primer, then let it dry completely before painting.
6. Applying Paint Too Thickly
Mistake: Using Thick Coats
Thick layers of paint are prone to drips, uneven textures, and long drying times.
Solution:
- Instead of applying one or two thick coats, apply several thin ones.
- To get a smooth, even finish, let each layer completely dry before applying the next.
- For corners and edges, use a high-quality brush; for flat surfaces, use a roller.
7. Using the Wrong Tools
Mistake: Relying Solely on One Type of Applicator
Uneven finishes and streaks might arise by using the incorrect equipment, such painting a brush on large, flat surfaces.
Solution:
- For finer details, use premium brushes; for larger, flat areas, use rollers.
- For smooth, streak-free finishes on drawer fronts and cabinet doors, think about using a foam roller.
- For a professional-looking finish, try using a paint sprayer if you can, but practice first to prevent uneven application.
8. Skipping Proper Drying Time
Mistake: Rushing the Process
The finish may be harmed by reattaching hardware too quickly or by not allowing paint to completely dry between applications.
Solution:
- Observe the drying intervals suggested by the manufacturer before reassembly and in between coatings.
- Before reattaching doors and hardware, let cabinets cure for a minimum of 24 to 48 hours.
- Have patience; hurried work frequently necessitates touch-ups or redos.
9. Not Protecting Surrounding Areas
Mistake: Getting Paint on Walls, Floors, and Appliances
Paint splatters on objects you didn't plan to paint can result from a lack of preparation.
Solution:
- Where cabinets meet walls, ceilings, or counters, cover the edges with painter's tape.
- To protect flooring and the surrounding area, spread out old newspapers or dust sheets.
- To protect appliances from unintentional splashes, cover them with plastic sheeting.
10. Underestimating the Project’s Time and Effort
Mistake: Thinking It’s a Quick Weekend Job
Kitchen cabinet painting is a laborious task that calls both patience and close attention to detail.
Solution:
- Allow several days for the endeavor, accounting for drying, painting, and preparation.
- If you're pressed for time, break the work up into smaller, more manageable chunks.
11. Overlooking Cabinet Interiors
Mistake: Neglecting to Paint the Inside
Particularly for glass-front or open-shelving units, leaving the interiors of cabinets untreated can give them an uneven and unfinished appearance.
Solution:
- Cabinets with glass-front doors or those that are visible while open should have their interiors painted.
- For a playful design element, use complementing or contrasting colours.
12. Not Ventilating the Area
Mistake: Painting in Poorly Ventilated Spaces
An uncomfortable working environment and heavy fumes can result from painting in a closed kitchen.
Solution:
- To guarantee adequate airflow, open the doors and windows.
- To help ventilate the space and hasten the drying process, use fans.
- If you're using oil-based paints or strong-smelling primers, put on a mask.
13. Failing to Test Colours
Mistake: Choosing Colours Based on Small Swatches
Colours often look different on large surfaces or under varying lighting conditions.
Solution:
- Use a piece of scrap wood or a little, discrete area of your cabinets to test paint samples.
- Examine the colour in both artificial and natural light at various times of the day.
14. Neglecting to Seal the Paint
Mistake: Skipping the Topcoat
Without a protective topcoat, painted cabinets are more susceptible to chips, scratches, and stains.
Solution:
- For extra durability, use a clear polyurethane or acrylic topcoat.
- Select a finish (such as gloss, satin, or matte) that goes well with the paint colour you've chosen.
15. Overlooking Maintenance
Mistake: Believing Painted Cabinets Are Maintenance-Free
Painted cabinets can show wear and tear over time, especially in a high-traffic kitchen.
Solution:
- Spills and stains should be cleaned up right away to avoid damage.
- To preserve the finish, use mild, non-abrasive cleaning solutions.
- To keep your cabinets appearing brand new, use leftover paint to touch up minor chips or scratches.
Final Thoughts
A satisfying do-it-yourself job that may significantly improve your kitchen is painting kitchen cabinets. However, obtaining a polished, long-lasting finish requires avoiding frequent blunders. Your cabinets can become the main feature of your ideal kitchen with the correct planning, the appropriate supplies, and a little perseverance.
Take your time, heed these suggestions, and relish the satisfaction that comes with a stunning, reasonably priced kitchen renovation. Have fun with your paintings!
For more information about Bryan Turner Kitchen Furniture and accessories, give us a call at 01953 660762 and speak to a member of our expert team today or Email us at enquiries@bryanturnerkitchens.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
