Kamis, 11 September 2014

Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Kitchen Cabinets

If you are interested in giving your kitchen a new look without spending a great amount of money, painting the cabinets in your kitchen is a good way to go about doing it. This project is relatively simple and won't cost much, so let's take a look at what you will need to do:


Materials

Paint
Primer
A degreaser such as trisodium phosphate (TSP)
Painter's tape and plastic sheeting
Goggles
Tack paper
Sandpaper or a sander
Rubber gloves

Step 1: Choose your paint

You may be interested in a certain type of finish. However, many experts advise using a paint that contains a semi-gloss finish. The semi-gloss will provide a slick surface that will make it simple to wipe down the cabinets. If you don't use semi-gloss, the cloth you use for wiping will probably get stuck. Also, the surface of your cabinets will have a chalky feel to it, instead of feeling smooth. Do not use any high-gloss paint. This is not recommended because every mark that your paint roller and brush make will be very plain to the naked eye, giving your cabinets an unattractive appearance.

When it comes to deciding which color to paint your kitchen cabinets, white remains the most popular. This is mainly due to the fact that is can blend in with many different kitchen styles. White is also a color that people naturally associate with a kitchen. One of the biggest advantages to painting your kitchen white is the fact this color allows a homeowner to include various accent colors after the initial painting is finished.

Step 2: Clean and cover

The most work you will do for this project is during the preparation process. Remove everything from your cabinets and place plastic sheeting on your floor and the tops of the counters. Secure the plastic sheeting with tape. This will help you prevent staining anything. After you have done this, use a degreaser such as TSP to clean the surfaces of your cabinets. This can be purchased at the majority of hardware and paint stores. Grease can often be found under the cabinet door's bottom edge, under the cabinet and around the handles. Make sure you pay special attention to these areas as you are cleaning. By taking the time to wash and clean these areas, you will ensure that the paint will stick to the cabinet.


Step 3: Sand, prime and re-sand

After you have cleaned your cabinets, use sandpaper that is 220 grit to lightly sand the surfaces. 400 grit might be necessary, but this will depend on your cabinet's finish. Sandpaper with a heavier grit should be used if your cabinets have a finish that is open grain. Take off your cabinets after sanding and apply the primer while they are laying flat. After it has completely dried, turn it over and apply primer to another side. Once you are finished, lightly sand the cabinet to eliminate brush strokes. Remove debris by vacuuming and wiping them down with a cloth.

Step 4: Paint

Use a roller or brush that is high-quality. After a thin coat has been applied, allow the cabinets to dry while laying flat. Wait until it is dry, then flip the cabinet and continue painting. Before you apply a second coat, allow several hours to pass.

Tim Smith writes for Modernize.

Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Kitchen Cabinets Rating: 4.5 Diposkan Oleh: Dean