There are some home improvement projects that homeowners assume are easy, only to find out there’s much more to it than watching a quick YouTube tutorial video. Cabinet painting is one of those tasks that seems like a simple way to save remodeling dollars, but can lead to unexpected roadblocks along the way. 

So if you do plan to take on a cabinet painting project yourself, here are a few tips that can help save you the headache by making this job so much easier. 

1 – Draw inspiration from an existing color scheme

When painting your cabinets, selecting the right color scheme for your space is crucial. Instead of getting hung up on choosing something completely original, choose a color palette you love from Instagram or Pinterest. This can save you time—plus, you’ll still be able to make those color tones work for your own space in their own unique way.

2 – Don’t cut corners when selecting a primer, paint, and topcoat

Don’t make the mistake of using wall primers and latex paint like many homeowners and even professional painters do. These mixtures aren’t specially formulated for cabinets and have a tendency to degrade quickly—especially in kitchens. Instead, choose acrylic, alkyd, or enamel paints that are made to last for years to come in these areas.

3 – Number hardware, drawers, and doors as you remove them 

As part of the cabinet painting process, you can expect a lot of disassembling. To make the process easier when you put your cabinets back together after painting, use a simple numbering system. Use matching numbers to label doors, drawer front, and hardware that go together to help avoid the headache when reinstalling each piece. 

4 – Clean your cabinets thoroughly before painting

Before you bust out the rollers and paintbrushes, take adequate time to remove grease and grime from your cabinet surfaces. This may seem like a tedious task upfront, but removing this residue will make the primer and paint stick better to your cabinet surfaces. 

5 – If painting cabinets a darker color, tint the primer

If your new cabinets will feature a darker color, it may require several coats to get the richness you want and avoid streakiness. Using a dark primer or tinting it to closely match your paint color can help the process go faster. If you do tint the primer, add a small amount of color at a time. Too much can make the primer lose its bonding power. 

6 – Have a designated painting and drying station

The best place to paint cabinets is typically outdoors, as there’s usually more space and adequate ventilation. However, painting outdoors can be difficult without a proper work station. Make sure you have a sturdy prep and painting surface with plenty of room to set up all the doors and drawers you’ll be painting.

7 – Establish a temporary place for kitchen work

During the cabinet painting process, your kitchen will be out of commission. But the good news is, you don’t have to pay to eat out or avoid cooking at home altogether. Instead, set up a small area with simple kitchen tools—like a microwave, toaster, and a small fridge or cooler. Stocking up on paper plates, cups, and plastic silverware can also help make the process easier. 

The Best Approach To Cabinet Painting In Central Jersey

Looking for an even easier way to tackle your cabinet painting project? Enlist the help of N-Hance pros in the Central Jersey area! 

N-Hance custom color cabinet finishes, the materials used throughout our process, and our state of the art methods are ideal for cabinets that are beautiful, durable and fit within your budget. 

Take advantage of N-Hance custom color cabinet finishes that have been specially developed with you—and your kitchen—in mind. N-Hance of Central Jersey offers a variety of consumer financing options to help make this service work for any budget. 

Schedule a FREE estimate for N-Hance custom color cabinet painting in Central Jersey today!