Cabinet refinishing is an inexpensive way to give your kitchen a stylish upgrade. This effortless process can breathe new life into your cabinets and increase the value of your home.
Consider using a spray painter for an ultra-smooth finish. This technique requires some practice but offers a professional finish that is hard to achieve with brush strokes. Contact Cabinet Refinishing Modesto for more information.
1. Use a High-Quality Primer
A quality primer can make all the difference in your cabinet refinishing project. It ensures that paint adheres properly, and it can block stains, even out texture, and prevent mold. If you’re painting slick surfaces, such as aluminum or vinyl, use a smooth surface primer that’s specifically formulated for these types of materials. If you’re refinishing rusty cabinets, you can also use a rust-resistant metal primer to help protect the steel underneath.
To achieve a high-quality finish, you’ll also need to select the right type of cabinet paint. A durable latex or oil-based paint is ideal, especially if you want something that’s easy to clean and resists water, grease, and fingerprints. If you’re unsure which paint to choose, talk with a professional about your options. They can recommend a product that’s both durable and affordable.
While some people believe that you can skip the priming step when repainting cabinets, it’s important to do this for any home improvement project. Priming ensures that your new paint will adhere to the existing surface and prevents peeling and cracking down the line. If you’re refinishing your cabinets for the first time, it’s also a good idea to lightly sand the surfaces to prepare them for paint. This doesn’t have to be a back-breaking task—you can simply run a piece of 220-grit sandpaper over the cabinet surfaces. This will give the surface a little bit of “grit” that makes it easier for your primer and topcoat to adhere.
When selecting a primer for your kitchen, look for one that’s tinted to match the shade of your cabinet paint. This will ensure that the finished product looks seamless and professional. You can also find primer-and-paint combo products that can provide lasting protection and add a pop of color to your cabinets.
For cabinets in high-moisture areas, consider using a mildew-resistant primer like KILZ 3 Premium Primer. It dries quickly and provides excellent adhesion. It’s also a great option for blocking smoke or pet odors, covering heavy stains, and hiding dark paint colors. However, be sure to check the VOC regulations in your area before choosing a product with higher VOC levels.
2. Avoid Overspending
Cabinet refinishing is a cost-effective way to update your kitchen and breathe new life into dated cabinets. However, there are many factors to consider to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. Here are some tips to avoid overspending on your cabinet refinishing project:
Invest in high-quality products and professional services. Low-quality refinishing products are likely to fade or chip quickly, leaving you with an unsightly mess and a costly replacement bill. It is also a good idea to sand the surface of your cabinets before painting them to promote better adhesion and create an even appearance. When sanding, be sure to wear a dust mask and wipe down your cabinet doors with a damp cloth or lint-free tack cloth to remove any residual grease or grime.
Paint
The most common and affordable option for refinishing cabinets is to simply apply a fresh coat of paint. You can choose a lighter color to brighten up your space, or opt for a darker shade for a more dramatic look. Two-tone cabinets are a popular trend that can add visual interest to your kitchen. However, it is important to select a high-quality paint designed for kitchen cabinets and use a reputable brand to guarantee durability.
If you opt to apply a gloss finish, be sure to seal the surface with a protective varnish or polyurethane to reduce the risk of moisture damage over time. Gloss paint is also easier to clean than flat paint and can withstand the abuse of everyday cooking and cleaning.
Low-quality refinishing kits are available that allow homeowners to complete the task on their own. However, these products are often low-quality and will begin to show signs of wear and tear within a few months. The refinishing product may soften around the handles of your cabinet doors, and once this occurs, it is nearly impossible to get these areas looking clean again.
The key is to find a quality refinishing product that has been tested for durability by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) or the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI). Both organizations test cabinet coatings to ensure they perform as advertised, allowing you to be confident in your purchase.
3. Look for Discounts
If your cabinets are in good shape but need a freshening up, painting and staining are budget-friendly options. However, if they’re in poor condition, refacing or replacement is the best choice. This type of cabinet upgrade can cost up to $11,000 or more, depending on the style you choose and additional kitchen remodeling costs for flooring, paint, plumbing, electrical, drywall, tile and more.
When choosing a professional for your cabinet refinishing project, ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. Getting personal recommendations gives you valuable insights into the contractor’s experience, quality of work and estimated cost. You can also check online reviews to find out if the contractor has been reviewed by other customers and what their experiences were like.
Refinishing your cabinets involves several steps, including sanding, vaccuuming and tack-up. This process helps to ensure smooth surfaces and improves the adhesion of the new finish. The sanding process also removes grease and residue, which can affect the durability of your finished product. Using a high-quality sanding sponge or an orbital sander makes the job easier.
In addition to sanding, vaccuuming, and tack-up, you’ll need to use a high-quality primer to protect your cabinets from chipping, peeling, and staining. Choose a water-based primer that’s low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) to minimize the impact on your indoor air quality.
Another option to consider is applying a natural shellacking finish to your cabinets. This will give them a warm and welcoming appearance and will protect your cabinets from scratches, stains, and water damage. However, this type of project requires a lot of patience and can take up to six days to complete.
Lastly, you can add personality to your cabinets by attaching removable wallpaper or contact paper to the insides of your cupboards. This DIY option is also perfect for renters who can add flair to their home without having to worry about removing and repainting the material later on. You can also protect your cabinet shelves from dust and spills by installing waterproof drawer and cabinet liners. Ultimately, these affordable and fast cabinet refresh ideas can make a dramatic difference in your kitchen.
4. Hire a Professional
Cabinet refinishing is an affordable way to give your kitchen a new look without having to invest in a full renovation. However, refinishing requires careful planning and attention to detail to ensure that the job is done properly. If you aren’t confident that you can complete the project on your own, hiring a professional can be an excellent option. They can provide you with a quality finish that enhances the appearance of your home and increases its value. Additionally, many professionals offer warranties and guarantees on their work that can give you peace of mind.
When choosing a professional, it is important to find one with experience in cabinet refinishing. They should be able to explain the process and answer any questions you may have. They should also be able to provide you with references and reviews from past clients. This will help you determine if they are the right fit for your project.
Hiring a professional for your cabinet refinishing needs can be a great investment for your home. They will have the skills and equipment needed to get the job done quickly and effectively, saving you time and money. Additionally, they can help you choose the perfect color and finish for your cabinets, ensuring that they match the rest of your home’s decor.
Before you begin painting your cabinets, it is important to remove all hardware and clean the surfaces using a degreaser such as trisodium phosphate. This will help to ensure that the paint or primer adheres well and leaves a smooth surface. It’s also crucial to make sure that you use a high-quality primer that is easy to apply and dries fast. A slow-drying primer can cause the paint to bubble or crack over time, which will reduce the life of your cabinets.
When choosing a professional to handle your cabinet refinishing, be sure to check their credentials and qualifications. It is also important to ask for a written estimate and to compare prices between different companies. You should also make sure that the professional has the proper insurance coverage and is licensed to perform the work in your home.