Painting your kitchen cabinets can be an exciting way to revitalize the look of your kitchen, but the process can also be overwhelming if you’ve never done it before. Are you getting ready to take on this project, but don’t know where to begin? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Below, this kitchen cabinet painting contractor in Naperville, Illinois is going to discuss the top four things you should know before getting started.
What Type of Paint Should You Use?
There are many different types of paint out there, and you will want to decide what type will be best for your project. There are latex, oil-based, and water-based paints available, and each has its pros and cons.
Latex paint is less expensive and dries quickly, but it does not provide as much protection as oil-based or water-based paints. Oil-based paints are more durable but more expensive and take a long time to dry. Water-based paints are environmentally friendly but not very durable, so they are not the best choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens.
What Is the Prep Work Involved?
Painting your kitchen cabinets can be an intimidating task, but it does not have to be if you start with the right prep work. If you are planning on painting your kitchen cabinets yourself, we recommend starting by removing all the doors and drawer fronts from their hinges. After this, you must take out the drawers and unscrew the knobs.
Make sure you clean your cabinets thoroughly before painting them, even if they are already pristine. This is necessary because the paint will not adhere correctly if there are any remnants of old glue or varnish on these surfaces. Wipe the surface down with a damp rag and then dry it off with a clean cloth to remove any excess dirt and grime.
The next step is sanding down any rough edges, corners, or spots where there may be splinters or chips for a smoother surface. Once this has been completed, you can then take your time and apply primer and paint in whichever colors you have selected.
Your kitchen cabinet painting contractor in Naperville, Illinois will also recommend covering your floors with drop cloths to prevent any spills from affecting them.
How Much Time Will It Take?
Consider setting aside a few weeks in advance if you plan to paint your cabinets. Not only will you have to prep and paint the cabinets, but you will also have to wait for them to dry. One thing to remember here is that you don’t want to rush the cabinet painting process.
If you choose to hire a professional kitchen cabinet painting contractor in Naperville, Illinois, it will take them a lot less time (often under a week) due to their experience and proper tools, so be sure to consider that as well.
What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid?
- Painting over varnish and stain: If you want to repaint your cabinets, either strip the old finish or paint on top of it. Otherwise, you will just be creating a thick coating that will peel off when you try to remove it later.
- Putting too much paint on at once: This is the most common mistake people make when painting their kitchen cabinets because they like the consistency of thick paint and think it will cover better than thin layers.
- Painting in direct sunlight: Painting your cabinets in direct sunlight can cause them to dry too quickly. It will also make mistakes harder to correct while they are still wet.
- Trying to sand all the nicks out before painting: No matter how careful you are, there will always be nicks or scratches on your cabinet doors. Trying to sand these away before painting means risking damage to the doors themselves.
Final Thoughts
If you are considering painting your kitchen cabinets but are unsure where to start, these are four questions you should ask yourself before you go out and buy the paint and supplies. By answering these questions and putting together the right strategy, you can end up with great results. Remember: if you do not have the time to complete this type of project on your own, you can always contact a professional kitchen cabinet painting contractor in Naperville, Illinois.
Looking for the Top-Rated Kitchen Cabinet Painting Contractor in Naperville, Illinois?
Are you interested in repainting your kitchen cabinets, but can’t find the time to get it done? If so, Prime Time Painting, Inc. is the company to call. As the top-rated kitchen cabinet painting company in Naperville, Illinois, we are thoroughly familiar with the best practices when it comes to painting cabinets. Contact us today to request a free quote.
