Cabinet painting refers to the process of decorating cabinets in the home. Painting a cabinet isn’t as difficult as you might think. In fact, if you follow some simple guidelines, it can be fairly easy and even enjoyable. As with any do-it-yourself project, however, safety is an issue and you should follow any instructions exactly as they are given, even when working with an experienced professional.
A cabinet painting is usually a bit of a “painting by number” job, usually no bigger than two feet by two feet, but most often far smaller. The term is particularly popular for paintings that reveal full-length landscape or full-body scenes on a relatively small scale, instead of a full-size image, such as a head or some other large item painted almost life-size. Cabinet painting differs from other types of the woodwork because it usually only requires two coats of paint, which is why it is so popular for do-it-yourselfers. Because of this, most amateur painters will attempt to do their own cabinet painting.
Preparation Painting cabinets require careful preparation before painting. For example, it’s important to remove all hardware from the cabinet doors, including the screws and any hardware trim. You’ll also want to clean the surfaces of drawers (if there are any) with some kind of anti-static agents, such as magnesium dioxide or borax. This will prevent any electric shocks that may occur if the paint comes into contact with the metal while it is being applied.
Once the cabinets are clear of any debris, you’ll need to decide what colors to use for your kitchen cabinets. Most people stick with dark colors like black or, particularly, mahogany, due to the richness of these colors. However, white may also be a good choice for kitchen cabinetry, depending on the size and color of the kitchen and of course, the available space!
The preparation can be completed with a paint sprayer. Paint sprayers are essential to the cabinet painting process, and it is important to make sure you choose the right one for your needs. Look for a paint sprayer that will allow you to reach corners without having to add more mess to your paint job! A good paint sprayer will have several speeds and settings, to allow you to adjust the speed and depth of the spray for the perfect finish. This will ensure that you get an even, streak-free finish every time.
Painting hinges and knobs should be tackled separately. Hinges should first be prepped by washing them with a solution that is formulated to remove stains and oil. Then, you’ll apply the oil-based paint to the hinge, using an open-ended brush. Use quick movements with the brush, to ensure that the coating of paint doesn’t dry before you’re ready to apply the next layer.
Finally, it’s time to prime your cabinets. To do this, simply apply two-tone cabinetry paint in the same way as you applied the previous coats. Using a two-tone palette makes it easy to match paint shades and even create variations within your color scheme. If you want to get more unique and creative, try incorporating other painting techniques into your project. For example, using stencils or punches to punch holes for door and window inserts.
As you can see, there are several advantages and benefits of a DIY project when it comes to painted kitchen cabinets. If you’re looking for a beautiful new finish for your cabinets, then a DIY project may be just what the doctor ordered. And the results won’t come cheap either!
Painting your own wood cabinets is also a fun project that the entire family can take part in. So your kids can help you paint, or maybe your teenage son is itching to start a new painting project. If so, don’t be afraid to let them have it. Kids tend to love doing anything they’re involved in, and a great way for them to learn and practice painting techniques is to help paint their new wood cabinets. Plus, it’s a great way for you to get a unique look in your kitchen.
Painted kitchen cabinetry is a very popular option for both new homes and remodels. The appeal of painted wood cabinetry is not only that it’s easier to refinish than re-painting, but the natural wood grain makes it a very attractive and warm option for your kitchen. You can bring the whole family together around the table during a family painting session, and it doesn’t have to be a messy, time-consuming project. With a bit of work and some elbow grease, you can easily have beautiful-looking cabinets within weeks, and you’ll find that it adds significantly to the value and enjoyment of your kitchen.
While many professionals recommend avoiding the do-it-yourself approach when it comes to painting your kitchen, the reality is that it’s a DIY project that can be done in a few hours. If you want to save money, you can choose to hire a professional to come in and do the work for you. But the benefits of a DIY project make it well worth the small investment. You’ll save time, avoid costly mistakes, and find that painting your cabinets will add value to your home for years to come.