Kitchen cabinet painting can refresh your kitchen without the cost and hassle of a full remodel. But what do you exactly need to get this refresh and what steps do you need to take?
Why Choose Kitchen Cabinet Painting?
If you’re considering trying something new in your kitchen, painting is a practical way to do that. It keeps the cabinet hardware that you have but lets you get an updated and stylish look. Unlike full cabinet replacements that require dismantling, measurements, and new installations, painting is a relatively straightforward process that delivers equally stunning results.
Here are some reasons why you should consider it:
- Cost Savings: Cabinet painting is significantly more affordable than fully replacing hardware in your kitchen. You can save in both the cost of new materials and labor.
- Faster Project Completion: Painting your cabinets is faster than getting them replaced. A professional paint job can typically be done within a few days to a week. Meanwhile, a full cabinet replacement might take weeks or months.
- Environmentally Friendly: Choosing to repaint instead of replacing cabinets helps reduce waste and promotes sustainability. By reusing existing cabinetry, you minimize landfill contributions and lessen the demand for new m
How to Prep for Kitchen Cabinet Painting
In any type of paint job, prep-work is a must to achieve a smooth and long-lasting finish. Skipping steps or rushing through the prep work can result in peeling paint, visible brush strokes, and an uneven finish overall.
Here’s how you can prepare for cabinet painting:
Step 1: Disassemble Cabinet Doors and Hardware
To apply paint smoothly, you should first remove the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and all hardware. You can label them when you do so that you can easily install them after the paint job.
Step 2: Clean the Cabinet
Over time, kitchen cabinets will have grease and dirt. So, before you paint, it’s a good idea to clean them. For this, you can just use a degreaser or warm soapy water. Make sure to let them dry completely before proceeding.
Step 3: Sanding
Before you start painting, you should sand all of the cabinet surfaces first. This helps remove the existing finish and makes for better paint adhesion.
Step 4: Apply Primer
Of course, you should finish painting prep with a nice coat of high-quality primer. This lets you avoid any stains from bleeding through the new paint layer. It also helps paint stick properly to the surface.
Choosing the Best Paint for Kitchen Cabinets
You can choose from several different types of paint for kitchen cabinets. For where you’re project is in the home, you should choose one that is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to moisture and grease.
When choosing paint, there are generally four different types to choose from, namely:
- Acrylic Enamel Paint: This paint provides a hard, durable finish. It is also easy to clean.
- Latex Paint: This is water-based and quick-drying. However, to become more durable, it may need a protective topcoat.
- Oil-Based Paint: Many like using this paint because it’s durable. Although, you may have to wait longer drying times and smell strong fumes.
- Chalk Paint: This paint leaves a matte finish, but it’s not as durable as the others. It requires sealing with a topcoat for durability.
How Long Does It Take to Paint Kitchen Cabinets?
The drying and curing process varies depending on the type of paint used.
For example, with latex paint, you would need to wait 1-2 hours for it to become dry to the touch. Meanwhile, oil-based paint takes 6-8 hours to dry and about a week to fully cure.
Patience is needed if you want to avoid smudging or damaging your freshly painted cabinet. It would be good to wait at least 46 hours before you can reassemble them.
How to Maintain Painted Kitchen Cabinets
To keep your painted kitchen cabinets looking fresh, they need regular upkeep. Here are some tips you can follow:
Use Gentle Cleaning Products
When cleaning painted cabinets and cupboards, don’t use abrasive cleaners and chemicals. Those easily ruin your paint when you use them regularly. You should instead use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth to wipe away the dirt and grime.
Wipe Spills Immediately
Did you accidentally splash or spill something onto your cabinet? You should wipe them off as soon as possible. Water, grease, and food spills need to be cleaned immediately if you want to avoid staining or moisture damage. Allowing liquids to sit too long can weaken the paint and cause peeling or bubbling.
Touch Up When Needed
Even with the right upkeep, painted cabinets can get some chips or dents here and there as time goes on. This is why you should keep some of the paint you’ve used on your cabinet on hand. It lets you quickly touch up any imperfections before they become more noticeable.
Reapply a Protective Coat
You should remember to reapply a protective top coat regularly over time. By doing this, you are also refreshing your kitchen cabinet paint’s durability. It’s also a good way to make your cabinets look freshly painted.
Why Hire a Professional Kitchen Cabinet Painter?
While DIY kitchen cabinet painting can be rewarding, hiring a professional ensures the best results. Painting cabinets may seem simple, but achieving a professional-grade finish requires experience, proper tools, and high-quality materials.
Expertise and Experience
Professional painters have the knowledge and skills to handle every aspect of the job. They know how to properly and efficiently prepare surfaces, and apply paint that ensures a smooth, streak-free finish. They also know what type of paint works best for different surfaces.
High-Quality Materials
You will have easier access to premium materials. A professional kitchen cabinet painter will let you choose from premium paints, primers, and sealers. These are stronger and longer-lasting what you can get off the shelf.
Time-Saving
Yes, you can DIY painting your kitchen cabinets. However, that would take significantly longer than expected. It may be even longer if you’ve never done it before.
If you hire a professional, you‘re saving both time and effort.
Proper Equipment
Professional painters use advanced tools, including spray guns and high-quality brushes, to create a flawless, smooth finish. This eliminates common DIY issues such as visible brush strokes and uneven coatings.
Guaranteed Workmanship
Many painting services offer warranties or guarantees on their work, providing peace of mind that the job will be done correctly. If any issues arise, a professional painter can address them promptly.
Kitchen Refresh
Having a fresh coat of paint just on your cabinet can leave your entire kitchen with a brand new look. You can enjoy an entirely different ambience without the cost and hassle of a kitchen remodel.
Are you seeking cost-effective kitchen cabinet painting services? Let Queen City Painting, a Charlotte painting company, help you out. Call us at 704-996-9266 or contact us online for a free quote today!