Preparing For Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Before you can start painting kitchen cabinets, you need to prepare them properly. For best results, begin by cleaning them thoroughly. Remove any non-painting parts and vacuum them thoroughly. It is recommended that you spend about five minutes on each cabinet, starting with the inside edges. Then, move onto the outer cabinet sides and face frames. Repeat these steps on all the cabinets. This way, you will be able to quickly fix any mistakes that might occur.

Remove the hinges and door handles of cabinet doors before painting them. You may also want to remove the adjustable shelves if you plan to use them later. You can do this work in another room where you can move around and not disturb the other area. Then, use the predrilled holes to attach the shelves. Using a small paint bag, you can keep track of all the hardware and reinstall them. This will prevent paint from smearing on the interior surfaces.

Before you paint the kitchen cabinets, you need to prepare a workspace where you can work without the door being in the way. Set up a worktable on which you can place the doors of the cabinets. Make sure you have a worktable nearby to avoid paint splashes. You should also have eye hooks on the upper cabinets’ doors so that you can hang the doors. Alternatively, you can simply remove the cabinet doors to avoid paint splashes.

Oil-based paint is the most common option for painting kitchen cabinets, since it has great coverage and is often more durable in high-traffic areas. However, oil-based paint tends to fade over time and requires frequent touch-ups. Also, it is not environmentally friendly, and its fumes can be overwhelming. Latex paint, on the other hand, is more convenient and is usually more affordable. Latex paint is often less expensive but requires more coats, which increases the risk of peeling and swelling.

While painting kitchen cabinets, consider the color of the countertop, flooring, and other furnishings in your room. Cabinets should complement your chosen color scheme, not clash with everything. Keep in mind the climate you live in when selecting the color. Dark paint is a heat magnet, and pale and very dark shades will show more wear and splatters. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid dark colors when painting your cabinets. You can also try faux finishes for a more rustic or farmhouse look.

Depending on the paint color you choose, you should also consider primer. Primer can prevent discoloration and seal surface defects. Oil-based primers are the best option for heavily stained cabinets, but these are outlawed in many states. However, if you’re going for a light color, you should select a primer that will not show through. Similarly, if you’re going for a dark color, choose a primer that won’t peek through. Most manufacturers provide this information on the label of their products.