Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Kitchen Cabinets

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Painting kitchen cabinets is the best proof that decorating your kitchen does not have to cost a fortune. Then again, you want to get everything right in order to steer clear of costly and unsightly mistakes. Namely, rest assured that things are more complicated than just grabbing a brush and paint and putting your DIY energy into it. Therefore, it is a good idea to plan ahead of time and anticipate the potential problems. What is more, you need to familiarize yourself with all the steps, especially those that guide you through the prep phase. Here are some mistakes to beware of.

Unfortunate colour choice

When picking a colour, many homeowners decide to follow their hunch or simply opt for their favourite tone. But, what if the colour does not end up looking that great after all or it does not match the rest of the palette in the kitchen? Well, these mistakes could lead to instant redoing of the cabinets. Therefore, think twice before going for something overly bold or bright. You can carry out a small experiment by painting the poster board with a tester can. Put it next to the backsplash and other furniture to confirm it is really something that will elevate the aesthetics.

Going for cheap paint

Trying to trim the costs of the project should not compromise the quality of the final result. One thing you do not want to skimp on is paint. For most kitchens, two gallons does the trick, so it is not like you have to break the bank anyway. Besides, quality paint tends to produce a much smoother finish. Just be mindful not to create visible brush marks. Pay attention to the technique and smooth things out with a foam roller if need be. A spray gun may also come in handy, provided that you know how to wield it.

Unrealistic expectations

Giving your cabinets a facelift can improve their visual appeal considerably, yet do not expect miracles. The surface may not end up looking as smooth as glass, especially if the cabinets feature a visible open grain. As long as the stain is fresh, this is not that noticeable, but when it dries, it certainly becomes so. On a brighter note, you can fill the grain with putty or consider applying polyurethane coating. The latter solution gives you a blemish-free finish and emphasizes the natural beauty of wood.

Not giving yourself enough time

This brings us to another point: painting can easily become a labour-intensive, time-consuming process. So, this is definitely not your lazy Sunday project. On average, it lasts four to seven days. Much of that time is spent not painting, but prepping the surface. For instance, one of the first things to do is to wipe everything off with a grease remover. Otherwise, the water-based paint may not stick to the oil-riddled surface. What is more, you have to remove all the doors, drawers, knobs, and hinges beforehand.

Lacklustre prepping

Many people presume cabinets in perfect condition do not need sanding. This is not true. You have to use sandpaper to turn the surface from glossy to matte. That way, the paint will stick much better. Moreover, before you grab the brush, it is also necessary to ensure the surface is dust-free. A handful of small particles can ruin the whole project and result in a gritty finish. The final key step of the prep stage involves priming the wood. It will help you avoid pesky blotches once the wood cures.

Cover all your bases

Painting the kitchen cabinets may seem like a no-brainer at the first glance, but there are many pitfalls that prey on the unsuspecting. So, do not rush into this or any other DIY project, as it can easily become an expensive nightmare. There are many moving parts to keep a close eye on and each one can make or break the whole thing.  Like it or not, you have to do your homework and arm yourself with knowledge and proper tools. This will maximize the chances of completing your project with flying colours.

By Lillian Connors