Cabinet Painter - How to Prepare Your Cabinets for Painting

Repainting your cabinets can be one of the most cost-effective ways to give your kitchen a new look. However, it's important to be sure you're getting a professional job.The painting process involves removing doors, hinges, and hardware before applying the paint. This helps ensure the most accurate coverage possible.PreparationWhether you’re painting your kitchen cabinets yourself or hiring a pro, it’s important to prepare the surfaces properly. This will ensure that the paint adheres well and doesn’t chip or peel off. Moreover, it will make the process easier and faster.Once the prep work is done, the cabinet painter should then apply a quality coat of paint to each cabinet. This will provide a durable, smooth finish that will last for years to come. It will also protect your kitchen cabinets from daily wear and tear, splatters and scratches.To start, clean all cabinet surfaces with a degreaser to remove any oil or grease. This will help the primer stick better to the wood, making the paint application more uniform and efficient.If the surface has a scuff marks, use 120-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge to smooth it. This is especially important for removing a scuff mark left by an old paint job or poor varnishing job.Once the surface is smooth, apply a stain-blocking, oil-base bonding primer to all cabinet surfaces, including the edges and tight spots, with a high-density foam roller or brush. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Next, lightly sand the doors and drawer fronts with 120-grit sandpaper. This will give you a smoother finish and will remove scuff marks from the recessed areas of the door.This step is particularly important for hardwood cabinets that have a glossy or satin finish. You must de-gloss these surfaces to allow the paint to stick properly.Regardless of the type of wood or laminate that is used for your cabinets, it’s essential to fill in any gouges, dents, dings or other imperfections. You can use a putty knife or sandpaper to fill them in, and you can also purchase paintable wood filler that works on both wood and laminate surfaces.You can also use a caulk to fill any gaps between molding and the ceiling, cabinet boxes and walls or any other small holes that may be present in your cabinets. Lastly, you can purchase an aqua coat grain filler or spackle to help fill in any areas where the wood appears to be missing.PrimerWhen painting cabinetry, the primer you use is an important part of the process. It can help prevent stains and odors from bleeding through the paint, hide surface imperfections, and help your new color stick to your cabinets better. It also helps keep the surface from flaking or peeling when you apply a top coat.A good water-based acrylic or latex primer is a DIY favorite. It's easy to work with, dries quickly, and emits a low odor. It can be sprayed or rolled on, so you can get the job done in a variety of ways.Before you start priming, make sure your cabinets are clean and dry. You don't want to apply any primer to a dirty, dusty or grease-covered surface, as this could end up causing the primer to peel or stick to your cabinets.Another thing to remember is that some wood types have open pores, which can be visible under paint. This is especially noticeable in oak, so it's a good idea to fill those pores with a high-build primer before you begin your painting process.Sanding is another essential step for a smooth, uniform look to your new painted cabinets. Using 100- to 150-grit sandpaper, sand down your surfaces a bit — not completely, but just enough to give the primer a little more grit to stick to.Once you've sanded, use a damp cloth to wipe down any remaining dust and dirt. Then, follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying your primer.Then, apply two or three coats of the primer to your cabinets, making sure each layer dries thoroughly. Then, you're ready to paint your cabinets!There are several different types of primers for your kitchen cabinets, each with their own unique pros and cons. You'll need to choose one that's suited for the type of surface you're painting, as well as the kind of paint you're using.The best primer for your cabinets will be one that adheres to whatever material they're made of, is affordable and versatile, and offers a great range of colors. For example, Kilz interior bonding primer works on a wide range of surfaces, including melamine and laminate, and its adhesion properties mean it's ideal for painting cabinets. It's also great for hiding stains and previous colors. It's fast-drying and can be used with both water- and oil-based top coats.PaintPainting cabinets is a complex process, and it requires professional skill. It's a great idea to get an estimate from a cabinet painter before you begin the project. They can give you an accurate price for the job and ensure your home is safe during the process.They will also give you advice on the best type of paint to use for your specific project. Different finishes require different types of prep-work and paints work better on certain kinds of wood. Having experience allows them to know what works and what doesn't for your particular kitchen.To start the process, clean the cabinet surfaces thoroughly with a degreaser like Krud Kutter. This will remove oils and grease that could interfere with a quality finish. It's especially important in kitchens that are near the stove or sink, where spills can lead to a buildup of grime and oil.Once the cabinets are clean, apply primer and sand the surfaces to make them smooth and ready for paint. This will give a smoother surface and help keep the paint from bleeding through the surface of the cabinet. Then, apply a coat of paint.Depending on the amount of coverage you need, it may take two to three coats of paint to get the finish you want. This is typically done with a brush, but sometimes it's easier to spray the paint directly onto the cabinets.After the paint dries, we'll carefully replace the doors and hardware. This allows for full, accurate coverage of your cabinets while minimizing mess and the amount of time spent on the project.A cabinet painter will often charge per hour for labor. This rate is a reflection of their experience and the number of hours it will take to complete each step of the project.They may also charge more for larger projects. This is due to the additional prep-work and materials needed for bigger jobs. A typical kitchen may have 33 cabinet doors, 18 drawers, an island, and a wine rack that will need to be painted.A good painter can turn a dull kitchen into one you'll love. They will also be able to recommend the best paint for your specific kitchen.FinishWhen you hire a cabinet painter, you want to make sure that they use high-quality materials and techniques. If you don’t, your finished cabinets may look nice at first but will quickly fall apart or require replacement.Fortunately, there are several ways to achieve a beautiful finish that lasts. The most common method is to simply coat the wood with a durable paint, but there are also other options that can enhance the look of your cabinetry and provide additional durability.Stain is a popular choice because it can highlight the natural beauty of the wood while giving it color. However, if you’re looking for an even more durable finish, an oil-based paint is recommended. It takes longer to dry and is more difficult to clean, but it can offer better durability over time.An important step in the finishing process is testing your chosen paint on a piece of scrap wood. This can ensure that you get the desired look instead of a discolored, streaky mess that requires extensive sanding.In addition, you’ll want to consider the wood species and finish type of your cabinetry. Close-grained wood species, such as maple or poplar, typically take paint well. On the other hand, open-grained wood, such as oak or ash, can absorb paint, making it more difficult to create a smooth finish.Before you apply the final coat of paint, sand the surface to a smooth finish. This will help the new coating adhere to your cabinets and prevent flaking or scuff marks from showing through.A cabinet painter should also sand the edges of their work area and make sure that the cabinets are thoroughly cleaned and prepared. This can be done using a degreaser solution that will remove any grease or oils from the surfaces.Next, you’ll want to use a primer that is specifically designed for cabinets. Some painters use latex-based primers, but an oil-based version is preferred because it can produce a more even bond between the paint and the wood.Once the primer has dried, you’ll be ready to start painting your cabinets. Depending on the type of paint you choose, it may be necessary to apply multiple coats. The final product should be a smooth, attractive finish that will stand up to light to moderate daily use and clean easily.