Should I Paint My Kitchen Cabinets?

Painting your kitchen cabinets to give them a new look certainly isn't a new idea. With hundreds of products and materials that claim to cover old and dated cabinetry, it can be difficult at best to know which materials are right for your cabinetry. Before you decide to paint your old and dated cabinets, you'll need to know what your cabinet materials are made from. Wood, wood laminates and most metals can easily be painted using these basic techniques listed below. Plastic laminates need special attention and may not work with all cabinet painting materials. Be sure to ask your local painting supply contractor what materials and procedures you need to paint plastic laminates.

• Step One: Materials- Choosing the right materials for the job begins with assessing the projects details. Flat faced cabinets are easy to paint and will need a small roller cover or light brush to complete. Detailed drawer faces with multiple facets, raised panels or routed edges must be painted using a foam brush or spray can to get into tight spaces.
• Step Two: Disassembly- Remove the cabinet doors, drawers, pull knobs and any hardware that you don't want painted. Label and store the parts in a plastic bag so they don't get lost.
• Step Three: Cleaning- Because kitchen cabinets are often involved with food substances, they must be cleaned prior to painting. A simple degreaser should be applied, and then wiped clean with fresh water and a sponge.
• Step Four: Sanding- A basic sanding is necessary for the paint to adhere to the surface of the laminate or wood. Finish grade sandpaper should be applied to the cabinet faces so that surfaces are as smooth as possible. It isn't necessary to remove all the old paint unless it's flaking or damaged.
• Step Five: Primer- A good primer or sealant can help to allow the final coat of paint to adhere to the surface better. It can also prevent future staining from grease and enzymes that may damage the final coat of paint.
• Step Six: Final Coat- Once the primer has been allowed to dry for at least six hours; you can then apply the final coats of paint. A quality water based semi-gloss will work just fine. Apply the paint with minimal strokes and light coats. Allow each coat to dry for 4-6 hours before applying the next one. A small roller cover can help prevent lines and brush strokes during multiple coats.

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