[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There are many things to take into consideration when you pick up a DIY kitchen cabinet painting project for your Batavia home. This includes details such as the color you will use, to the tools that will help you get the job done. But perhaps the most important aspect of the process is the preparation. Many painting professionals will tell you about the importance of good prep work—not only to the finished product, but to the painting environment as well. When done incorrectly, you will end up wasting a lot of time and money. However, when done correctly, you will have a durable finish that will look amazing. So, what does the preparation process entail?[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”1. Batavia Kitchen Cabinet Painting — Cleaning the Cabinets” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”post_inner_title”][vc_column_text]It all starts with a thorough cleaning of the cabinet surface. If this surface is dirty or greasy, the primer and the paint will not bond to it properly, and you will end up dealing with bubbles, peeling, and other imperfections. Make sure that you pay special attention to cabinets that are above the stove or below the sink, and then start by removing the doors and the hardware.
In terms of products, you have many options available, including liquid de-glosser, trisodium phosphate (TSP), denatured alcohol, and de-greasing liquids. You can also use more powerful brands of dish soap if you think the cabinets are not too dirty. However, be careful, as these soaps are not able to completely remove thicker grease.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”2. Sanding” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”post_inner_title”][vc_column_text]While you could get away with skipping this step if you use certain products or methods, it is generally a good idea to sand your cabinets before adding any primer or paint, especially if this is your first painting project. You have two options here: using the electric sander, or using sandpaper manually. This step ensures that the current layer of lacquer is removed, and that the primer and paint bonds properly to the surface of the cabinet.
The ideal grit for the sandpaper is in the 120 to 150 range, but you can go as low as 100 grit. Anything lower than this could damage the wood. You can also sand the cabinets after the first layer of primer has dried up in order to ensure that the second layer sticks better. Here, you should use a much finer grit of about 220. Once you are done with the sanding, make sure to thoroughly remove the dust from the area so that the layers of primer and paint stick properly. For this, you can use a vacuum cleaner, followed by wiping with a damp cloth.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”3. Caulking Any Cracks on the Panels” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”post_inner_title”][vc_column_text]If your cabinet doors or panels have any cracks on their surface or on the edges, you can improve the quality of the finish by using caulk to fill in these imperfections. In general, the best option here is quick-dry white paintable caulk. Make sure to sand the area and remove all dust and debris before caulking, otherwise the caulk will not attach properly. You’ll also want to avoid clear caulk, which will not net a quality finish. And that’s pretty much the preparation process. You will then move on to priming and painting, both of which are processes that we’ve covered in other articles on our blog.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Need Help with Your Kitchen Cabinet Painting in Batavia?” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”post_inner_title”][vc_column_text]Professionals know that the preparation is perhaps the most important step in a painting project. If you have any questions, or would like to hire a professional kitchen cabinet painting company in Batavia, contact us today!
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