Painting your kitchen cabinets by yourself is not a small undertaking. It requires a considerable amount of planning and strategy, as you’ll need to ensure that the kitchen is still able to function to some extent.
Plus, you’ll need patience to endure the chaos and disorder until all the pieces are put back together!
In this post, we’ll discuss some tips for painting the kitchen cabinets in your Lisle home:
1. Choose the Right Paint
Generic paint used for walls is not suited to paint cabinets. It will not stand up to regular cleaning, and it will tend to chip and wear down faster. Therefore, it is better to choose an alkyd enamel-based paint. Even though this type of paint costs more, it is self-leveling and will leave the cabinet with a smoother finish in the end.
2. Make a Good Color Choice
It is important to choose the color of the cabinets by taking into account the color of the appliances and the other colors in the kitchen. You’ll also want to consider the size of your kitchen, and the amount of lighting available, to decide on a shade that sets the mood you want for the space.
3. Prepping is as Vital as Painting
Start out by emptying the cabinets, then clean them thoroughly to ensure that you have removed all dirt and grease. Remove all hardware such as handles, knobs, and hinges. Next, tape off the countertops and appliances to keep them paint-free.
4. Organize the Hardware
Take some time to organize the hardware. It can be helpful to use a number system to label each cabinet and corresponding hinge. This way, everything will line up perfectly when it’s time to reassemble the cabinets.
5. Use Oil-based Primer
Oil-based primer is recommended over water-based primer, as it’s less likely to discolor. Oil-based primer also provides better adherence to the paint.
6. Choose Proper Paint-rollers
Before purchasing paint rollers from your hardware store, make sure you buy rollers that say, “mirror finish” or “smooth cabinet finish”. These high-density foam rollers are best for oil-based primer. Also, buy a separate roller (preferably a low-nap roller) for applying the paint.
7. Prepare the Cabinets
The first step here is to sand all the cabinets. You can then paint the fronts and the backs of the cabinet doors with primer and paint so that they’ll have additional time to dry. Keep the front-facing side of the cabinet doors as the last thing you paint in order to minimize the risk of potential smudges or scratches.
8. Apply Multiple Coats of Paint
Avoid applying too heavy of a coat at one time. If there are visible drip marks, they will need to be sanded and re-painted. Therefore, it is best to apply light coats of paint as you go.
9. Apply a Polyurethane Topcoat
A polyurethane topcoat is an extra coat that will act as a barrier for the finish, protecting it from wear and tear. For this last coat, we recommend using either an “enamels and clears” low nap roller, or a high-density foam roller to apply an even coat.
Do You Need Help Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets in Lisle?
We can help! We have skilled professionals who can get your kitchen cabinets painted professionally and quickly so that your kitchen is fully operational in no time.
Our experienced painters are ready to serve you in Lisle. If you would like to learn more about our cost-effective kitchen cabinet painting services, or would like to request a free quote, contact us today!
