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