If you're planning on painting your kitchen cabinets, here are a few things you should know before you get started. There are three basic steps to cabinet painting: choosing a primer, paint, and techniques. Before you begin, however, you should determine how much you're willing to spend. There are many different types of paint, and each type can be quite expensive. Read on to learn how to pick the best one for your kitchen cabinets.
Primers for cabinet painting have many different functions, and you need to know which one is best for your project. Oil-based primers have traditionally performed better than their water-based counterparts, but these are not required for a great result. The primary role of a primer is to adhere to the surface of a cabinet well and readily accept the finish that will be painted over it. Primers are useful on both bare wood and manufactured composites such as MDF. While oil-based primers tend to fill the grain of wood best, water-based primers can do the same thing and dry just as quickly.
Oil-based primers are essential for kitchen cabinets because they help cover up stains and increase the adhesion of the paint. You should always avoid painting over a peeling paint job unless it has been properly prepped with sandpaper and the correct primer. If you do not prepare the surface well, the paint will continue to peel and chip and can damage the cabinet. The best way to protect your cabinets from peeling paint is to use oil-based primers and sand them before applying the paint.
Oil-based paints used to be the best choice for many home projects, but now water-based latex paints are more environmentally friendly. Water-based paints can be tinted to any color and are less toxic than their oil-based counterparts. The Sherwin-Williams Ovation Plus line is a popular choice, as it boasts anti-microbial properties and offers low odor results. This line is also affordable.
Apply the primer over the cabinet face frame, working across the grain. If the cabinet is heavily stained, you may want to choose a stain-blocking primer, as it will help the paint adhere to the wood and seal surface defects. 100-percent acrylic latex and oil-based primers work well. Use a paint tray to load the primer into, then brush on the cabinet face frames, drawer fronts, and any raised or routed features. Use a roller for large flat surfaces.
First, prepare your cabinets for painting. Before you start, make sure to remove any cabinet doors. This will prevent any drips and allow you to paint the entire cabinet. Keep the doors out of the way so they don't get knocked during drying. Secondly, make sure to use a brush or roller to paint open areas. You can back-brush paint to make sure that it's evenly applied. And lastly, remember to protect the cabinet's wood veneer from scuffing.
After applying the primer, prepare your cabinets for painting by sanding them lightly. Make sure to use a dry brush, particularly in the corners and crevices. Once you've sanded the cabinets, you can begin painting. Always remember to apply a primer first, as this will work as a bonder between the paint and the cabinets. It will also help you achieve a smooth finish while blocking out any existing color. Primer also requires fewer coats of paint.
Cabinet painting is a common task that requires several steps, depending on its complexity. Costs increase as complexity increases. For example, certain color options may require more coats, which means more time and product. Hiring a professional to paint your cabinets is a better option, as a painter can help you navigate the process and steer you toward the best alternatives. Read on to learn how to avoid overspending on this service.
Whether you decide to hire a professional or paint your cabinets yourself, you should know the exact cost of your project. Professional cabinet painters can charge anywhere from $350 to $800 for a job, but most homeowners can paint their cabinets themselves for just a few hundred dollars. While many homeowners try to estimate the cost of cabinet painting themselves, the results are often erroneous. For example, popular price comparison websites like Thumbtack and Angie's List can give an inaccurate range, and in some cases, are not even close to the actual cost of a job.
The price of cabinet painting depends on how you prepare the cabinets and which paints you choose. An experienced painter will charge more than someone who has just started painting cabinets. Additionally, you should research the reputation of the painter and check for reviews. These reviews will increase the peace of mind you will receive as a result of your new cabinet painting project. As always, get professional advice and consult customer testimonials before you make any final decisions.
The highest price we found was in Washington. This is largely due to Seattle's booming housing market and high wage levels. In addition, the demand for contractors is very high in Seattle, so prices are higher there. Also, home improvement websites tend to underestimate the cost of cabinet painting. We surveyed 85 contractors and found that the average price was $4,900, a significant increase from the original estimate of $3,000! So, it makes sense that these prices are higher than advertised.