Kitchen renovations are expensive. New cabinets alone can run anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000. Luckily you can refresh an outdated space for just a fraction of the price.
Painting your cabinets is an easy job that won’t break the bank. Hoping to tackle a paint job soon? We’ve got five tips for painting cabinets from Toronto cabinet refinishing pros.
1. Consider Your Surface
Cabinets come in a variety of materials and you can refinish them all. Paint adheres best to solid wood. But that doesn’t mean you can’t paint MDF or laminate.
A good sanding and the right primer will yield great results. If you are painting laminate, choose a primer with adhesion-promoting properties. Something water-based that sticks well to glossy surfaces should do the trick.
2. Prep, Prep, Prep
We get it. You’re eager to dive right into your project.
But prepping makes the difference between a mediocre finish or a glossy one that rivals the pros. Before beginning, take your time on these steps:
- Remove the cabinet doors, hinges, and hardware
- Degrease
- Degloss
- Sand
- Clean
- Fill cracks and holes
- Prime
It sounds like a lot of work, but this is not the place to cut corners. In fact, you should expect to spend more time prepping than painting.
3. Splurge on a Quality Paint
Tempted to purchase the cheapest paint you can find? Now is not the time to be frugal. After all, you are saving thousands of dollars by not replacing your cabinets.
High-quality paint yields better coverage and flawless-looking results. Plus, you’ll spend less time on your paint job.
Latex wears away quickly over time. Instead, opt for an oil-based or water-based product. What finish should you choose? Something hard that’ll stand up to frequent cleaning over the years. Think semi-gloss, gloss, or satin.
4. Don’t Stress Over Color Choice
Choosing cabinet paint colors can be a daunting process. You want to be mindful of your appliances and counter-top, and pick something that won’t clash. Luckily, there are plenty of great options.
A white-on-white kitchen is a classic that never goes out of style. Looking for some contrast? Dark neutral colors pop against light counters. You can even go for a two-toned look, with dark bottom cabinets and light uppers.
Popular cabinet colors include:
- White, off-white, or cream
- Black
- Grey
- Navy
- Dark green
- Red
5. Painting
When you finally get to painting, be sure to take your time.
Thick heavy coats may get the job done faster. But thick paint drips and takes twice as long to cure.
Instead, apply your paint in thin, even coats. Be sure to let each coat dry fully. A light sanding may be required in between coats. You’ll need a minimum of two coats for full coverage. Although if you’re going from a dark to light color, you may need three or four.
These Tips for Painting Cabinets Will Give You Professional Results
This easy project will instantly transform your space. By following these tips for painting cabinets, you’ll have a brand new kitchen.
Want the results without the work? Enlist the help of professional cabinet painters in Toronto. Check out our services and contact us today.
