Mistakes Painting Kitchen Cabinets
No one is more meticulous than professional cabinet finishers, so here are some key pointers to consider:
Proper Environment: Avoid painting in cold or dirty spaces. Use a controlled environment like a spray painting shop.
Cleaning and Sanding: Thoroughly clean cabinets to remove all grease and grime. Always sand off old varnishes to create a good base for paint adhesion.
Priming and Painting: Use shellac as a primer for oak and other open grain woods to seal in tannins. Hand rub sanding sealer into the oak grain to fill it without closing it completely. Use non-grain-raising primers and topcoats with acrylic paint.
Sealing and Filling: Properly seal crowns, corners, and wall openings. Fill and caulk cracks in the correct order, allowing products to cure between coats. Do not caulk or fill cracks that need to remain flexible.
Labeling and Reassembly: Remove and label everything that can be logically removed from the kitchen, but never remove the boxes from the walls. Label everything to ensure easy reassembly.
New Hardware: Replace old hardware with new for a fresh look.
Professional Finish: Ensure painted cabinets match spray finishes for a professional appearance. Protect and deliver freshly painted cabinets flawlessly.
