| Kitchen cabinets are one of the most expensive | | | | properly. Use a roller for larger areas and a brush for |
| items in home remodelling. Cabinetry costs more than | | | | small areas. Be sure to coat all areas, including the |
| replacing the kitchen furniture in many cases. If you | | | | underside of the cabinets. Consider using sawhorses |
| can afford the expense, there are a wide variety of | | | | for priming and painting the doors, for an easier time |
| designs and styles available to update your cabinets. | | | | and a more even coverage. |
| You can add extras like a kitchen island, lazy susan, | | | | Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before you begin |
| or built-in appliance centers. | | | | to paint. Overnight is generally sufficient for the |
| If replacing the cabinetry is too expensive for your | | | | primer to dry. Apply the paint in thin coats. It's better |
| budget, refacing is a less expensive alternative. | | | | to apply a few thin coats than to use one thick coat. |
| Refacing involves replacing only the cabinet doors and | | | | Allow twentyfour hours between coats for the paint |
| exposed wood areas of the cabinets. The insides are | | | | to dry completely. Sand with a fine grit sandpaper |
| left as they are to save money on the job. Painting is | | | | between coats. |
| the least expensive option and can give the room | | | | When the paint has dried completely, you are ready |
| new life. The job can be easily done over a long | | | | to put the doors back on and replace the hardware. |
| weekend with the right preparation. | | | | Consider updating the hardware to match your new |
| You will need to decide if you will paint the entire | | | | look. Door handles and hinges are inexpensive and |
| cabinet, inside and out, or just the outside and the | | | | can make a big difference in the look of the room. |
| doors. To save time, consider leaving the inside of | | | | Choosing Paint for Kitchen Cabinets |
| the cabinet alone, you won't be able to tell the | | | | Don't skimp on the paint. Use high quality paint that is |
| difference. | | | | right for the surface being covered. This will be |
| Preparing the Cabinets | | | | different for wood or metal cabinets. If you're not |
| Start by removing all hardware from the cabinets and | | | | sure, ask for help at the paint store. |
| remove the doors. Mark the doors, so you will | | | | In general, you will want to use enamel paint. You |
| remember which door goes on which cabinet. This will | | | | have a few choices in the finish. Gloss, semi gloss or |
| save you time and prevent aggravation later. Protect | | | | satin finishes are most commonly used. The higher |
| the countertops and floor with drop cloths, old bed | | | | the gloss, the stronger the finish and the easier it will |
| sheets or plastic sheeting. These can be taped in | | | | be to clean. If you want less shine, consider the semi |
| place, especially on the floors. If you will be replacing | | | | gloss finish. |
| the flooring, paint the cabinets first. | | | | Safety When Painting |
| Clean the cabinets thoroughly before painting. This is | | | | Be sure to paint in a well ventilated room. Do the job |
| important. Grease and oils from cooking will prevent | | | | when the weather is warm enough and leave the |
| the paint from adhering properly. You could end up | | | | windows open. |
| with an uneven color. A wood cleaner with orange oil | | | | Wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt to protect |
| works well for breaking down grease residue. Be sure | | | | your skin from the paint. Plastic gloves can be worn |
| to let the surface dry thoroughly before you begin | | | | to protect the skin on your hands. |
| to apply the primer. | | | | Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from |
| Primer is an important step in the process. It provides | | | | paint and fumes. |
| a smooth, even surface for the paint to adhere | | | | |