Is your kitchen looking tired and dated? Give your cabinets a facelift and a new lease on life by picking up a brush and giving them a coat of paint!
A kitchen renovation is not only a daunting task rife with difficulties, but it is often an expensive expenditure few have the budget for. How do you even start? Instead of looking at luxury fixtures and new stainless-steel appliances, why not make do with what you already have? Just painting your kitchen cabinets and adding new cabinet knobs alone adds plenty of value and an updated look to your kitchen; you’ll be gathering friends and family in no time at all!
You may think that painting your cabinets is hard, and to a certain extent, you’re right. However, what you really need are the correct tools for the job and some basic know-how skills. The paint is really what takes this project to the next level, so here is a guide just for you to get started!
Getting The Right Paint
Your kitchen is the heart of the home, but it also often feels akin to a battlefield. From wine spills to toddler food messes, your kitchen sure takes a beating! This means you will need a hard-wearing and highly durable paint that will repel stains and messes. The perfect cupboard companion is the Dulux Cupboard Paint. It produces a nice durable finish, dries fast, and doesn’t need a primer!
While on the subject of great paint options, the Dulux Quick Dry Satinwood is another great choice. It contains a low-odor formula so it’s not just healthier, but won’t overpower the room with chemical smells. This paint produces a great semi-gloss finish that makes it easy to wipe down, and more importantly, it ages well without yellowing.
Ready, Set, GO!
Are you ready to tackle your kitchen painting project? Preparation is the key to achieving the perfect finish, and here are six steps to paint like a pro:
- Declutter And Remove
The first step is to take out everything from your cabinets. Plus, this step is perfect for decluttering what you don’t need! Make sure to use masking tape for protection in areas that may get affected by paint such as countertops and backsplashes and put down a drop cloth to keep the floor clean. This is also the right time to remove all knobs and hardware.
- Wipe It Down
Before you begin painting, you need to ensure you have a clean canvas without caked on dirt, grease or grime. Use your favorite extra strength dish soap to scrub all surfaces clean and make sure to wipe them dry. It is also important to ensure no soap residue is left behind for the next step.
- Prep The Surface
All kitchen cabinets require some amount of prep work before they are ready for painting. You need to ensure that the surface is not only clean, but free of chips, cracks or uneven finishes. In most instances, you will need to do some light sanding and use something like Polycell All Purpose Filler to even out imperfections. Just sand the filler and you can get started with a brush!
- To Prime Or Not To Prime
If you choose to use Dulux Cupboard Paint, you can skip priming altogether, however, for other paint brands, it is usually recommended. A wood or melamine primer can help the paint permanently adhere to the surface. Large doors or kitchen cabinets can greatly benefit from a paint roller to ensure a smooth even finish.
- The First Coat
The first coat of paint is the hardest because you fight for the right coverage and consistency in the finish. The key to achieving a high-end finish is always waiting for each coat to dry. Once your first coat dries, lightly sand for a smooth finish.
- Finishing Up
You will generally need a second coat, so make sure it dries completely before re-installing knobs and hardware. You can also carefully remove masking tape and place the items back in their respective cabinets during this step. You’re guaranteed not to want to clutter your kitchen now!
