7 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Painting Their Kitchen Cabinets

Painting your kitchen cabinets is one of the easiest ways to give your kitchen a whole new look without having to completely remodel it. From all-white cabinets to an on-trend sage green hue with brass hardware, an eye-catching blue, freshly painted cabinetry will transform any room. When you tackle this project yourself, it can be a surprisingly economical (but time-consuming) DIY. You want to avoid some common cabinet painting mistakes to avoid peeling paint and constantly dirty cabinets down the line. To learn how to avoid the most important cabinet painting mistakes, we asked professionals and shared lessons learned from first-hand experience. Here's what not to do the next time you paint your kitchen cabinets.

1- Not Removing the Doors

It can be tempting to brush on a new coat of paint without removing the cabinet doors first, but removing the doors is a necessary step for best results. This will prevent drips while allowing you to paint all cabinet surfaces inside and out. Plus, if you keep cabinet doors out of the way, such as in a garage or separate workspace, you'll be less likely to hit them once the paint dries.

2- Skipping the Proper Prep Work

"The biggest mistake is not taking the time to fully understand what's needed to prepare a cabinet for painting," says Thumbtack House expert David Steckel. "Repainting kitchen cabinets may seem like a fitting DIY job, but it's a difficult and time-consuming project, and if not done right, can go awry in just a few months."

Before you begin painting, most cabinets require you to sand the surface, fill in any cracks or uneven areas with wood filler, and allow them to dry. Once sanded, use a damp cloth or lint-free cloth to remove all dust and debris. Any small particles that are not cleaned can penetrate the paint and damage the cabinet's pristine surface.

If you have the patience and DIY skills, this is a project you may be able to do yourself. However, depending on the complexity of the cabinet design and your expectations for the final product, it may be worth hiring a professional.

3- Failing to Label the Hardware and Doors.

Even if you don't have a ton of cabinetry, once all the doors and hardware are removed, it can be difficult to remember what goes where. To make it easier to put the doors back on later, number each cabinet door when you remove it. Place the hardware for each door in a small bag and label each with the coordinating cabinet number.

4- Applying Thick Layers of Paint.

When painting kitchen cabinets, the goal is to create a durable surface that can survive everyday use. The best way to make up the surface is to use several coats of thin paint instead of one thick coat that can stick more easily. Patience and waiting the recommended dry time between coats will pay off with a tough finish.

5- Not Using Primer.

Whether you start with a wooden cabinet or a dark one, the primer will create a barrier for your chosen paint color to shine through. If the surface you're starting with is smooth and shiny, a primer can also provide some traction for the paint to adhere. Just make sure you use the right primer for the cabinet you're painting.

"Old cabinets are usually painted with oil paint. However, the most common paint today is latex paint. If you're applying latex paint over oil-based paint, the paint will peel off slowly and you'll need it more quickly than you expect. Will have to repaint from there," Stekel says. "Use an oil-based primer instead, then apply latex paint to your cabinets," he advises.

6- Using the Wrong Paint finish.

To make the cabinet easier to clean, a slightly glossy paint finish is ideal. Forget matte paint in favor of semi-gloss or satin paint.

7- Not Letting the Cabinets Dry for Long Enough.

Painted cabinets may be dry to the touch in a few hours, but the curing process can take several days. Unless cabinets are completely hardened on a hard, durable surface, they will be more vulnerable to chips and marks. It's best to wait at least 48 hours before replacing cabinet doors and hardware, then be careful not to slam or scratch the door for the first week.

8- Tips for Hiring a Pro.

If you decide to hire an expert rather than DIY the project, Steckle has some recommendations for finding the best painter for the job:

• Check the painter's experience: Painting cabinetry requires great attention to detail and experience in removing cabinet doors or drawers without damaging the cabinet.
• Ask About Time: Ask for an estimate of how long the project will take so you have a good idea of??what you're planning before you start. You may need to move furniture and other items ahead of time.
• Ask About Equipment: Find out if a professional is comfortable buying paint and other materials yourself, or if you have to do some of these tasks.

Hello, I am Michael from Wichita KS, Usa. I am a Marketing Manager in United Painting & Remodeling Contractors. https://uprcwichita.com/