After I built my dream home, I realized that there were a few changes we needed to make to the interior. For starters, I knew that I needed to do something to make the interior decor special, so I started focusing more and more on making the space special. I started working with a professional painter and wallpaper hanger, and he really did wonders in making my home look and feel different and unique. I wanted to create a blog all about creating a gorgeous home, so I made this website. I hope you find articles that will inspire you to make your space better.
5 Steps For Painting Kitchen Cabinets
If all new kitchen cabinets aren't in the budget, don't despair. You can still update your kitchen with a coat of paint. Cabinets are easy to paint, although care must be taken to do it right so that the final coat is durable and attractive.
1. Clean All Surfaces
Grease is an issue on kitchen surfaces, as it tends to leave a light film everywhere. Combine this with the normal level of grime from daily living, and cleaning becomes a must if you want paint to adhere to the cabinets properly. Use a kitchen cleaner that will cut through grease easily and thoroughly scrub down the cabinets to make sure they are clean.
2. Remove Doors and Hardware
Most painters will remove the doors and hardware prior to painting, and for good reason — it's much easier to do a quality job with these removed. Paint goes on more evenly when applied to the doors as they lay horizontally. Plus, you don't have to worry about doors closing and getting stuck shut once the paint dries.
3. Sand Thoroughly
Paint won't adhere well to a smooth surface. If your cabinets are painted without sanding first, then the paint will likely peel or bubble within a few months. This is especially true if the old finish was a shiny varnish or other high sheen finish. Sanding provides a slightly roughened surface that the paint can grip more easily. An even sanding done prior to painting ensures a long-lasting paint job.
4. Choose the Right Paint
You can choose any color of paint for your kitchen cabinets, although many people opt for timeless neutrals so that the cabinets won't look dated too quickly — white, espresso, and buff shades are popular options. As for finish, a nice semi-gloss works well. It can be wiped down easily but it isn't so shiny as to cause glares or show fingerprints. You can also opt for anti-microbial paints, which help ensure cleaner kitchen surfaces.
5. Apply Multiple Coats
You can't paint cabinets successfully with just one coat of paint. First, a primer is usually applied to further help paint adhesion. The primer coat is lightly sanded and then two more coats are applied, with each coat allowed to dry completely before the next is put on. The result is an even and durable color that will last for many years.
Contact a residential interior painting service for more information if you plan to paint your kitchen cabinets.