Ready for a change to your kitchen or bathroom cabinets? Cabinet painting can dramatically transform the space, while also improving the charm inside your home, boosting value in the process.
However, to get the most from all your hard work, the right approach is key. If you make a mistake, you could wind up damaging your cabinets, not to mention the overall aesthetic inside your home.
Unfortunately, there are so many DIY TV shows, videos, and articles out there that make cabinet painting seem simple. But in reality, it can get complicated. To make sure you don’t blow it – and that you love the final result – avoid these mistakes that are all-too-common and easy to make.
Mistake #1: Not Cleaning Cabinets Before Painting Them
When you’re getting ready for a cabinet painting project, there are some steps you have to take before the actual painting begins. The more you prepare, the easier the project will go, and the better the outcome will be. This includes cleaning your cabinets to ensure fingerprints, wax, build-up, and general grime is thoroughly removed. If there are any contaminants left behind, paint won’t properly adhere to your cabinets, causing issues with peeling and chipping.
Mistake #2: Not Taking the Hinges Off
It’s tempting, but don’t take this shortcut during your cabinet painting project and simply tape over the hinges. While you want to save time and do the job as quickly as possible, this small step can create big problems down the line. With tape around the hinges, you’ll have to put an extra coat around them, which can easily peel off or get damaged over time.
Mistake #3: Not Propping Up Cabinet Doors Properly
Lay your cabinet doors and drawer faces flat on paint cans, painter pyramids, woodblocks, or something that keeps them off the ground. Otherwise, if you lay them flat on the floor, you’ll cause smudges and other issues when you flip them over to paint the other side.
In addition, keep in mind that paint does not dry evenly. One area might feel dry, while another is still in the process of drying. So it’s best to wait a few extra hours before you flip doors and drawers over to ensure thorough drying.
Mistake #4: Not Labeling Cabinets & Hardware
Before you dig into the painting part of your cabinet project, make sure you label each door and drawer, so you know where they go when you’re ready to hang them again. You might think you will remember. But chances are you won’t and hanging them incorrectly can cause issues both visually and functionally. Instead, create a chart where you number each cabinet and then stick a small piece of painter’s tape on every door and drawer with their corresponding number.
Also, store screws and hardware inappropriately labeled Ziploc bags so they’re easily accessible and you know exactly where they go. This will minimize frustration and headaches, helping you complete the project faster.
Mistake #5: Not Priming
Even if you aren’t making a big color change to your cabinets, don’t skip this all-important step. Priming is key and it will make the end result look flawless. On the other hand, if you don’t prime:
- Your cabinets won’t be as durable, which is problematic considering the amount of use they get.
- Any stains or other flaws can easily bleed through, taking away from all your hard work.
- Paint won’t stick as well to the cabinet doors and drawers, causing it to more easily peel off over time.
Mistake #6: Using the Wrong Paint
The paint product you choose will have a huge impact on the durability of your cabinets. That’s why it’s important to choose wisely and invest a little extra to ensure the highest quality outcome and a beautiful transformation.
When it comes to painting, skip latex and use something specifically made for cabinets, like a water-based polyurethane paint, which provides a stronger finish. Latex-based paints are for walls, which don’t get heavy use, unlike cabinets. If you use latex paint for your doors and drawers, you’ll notice wear and tear more quickly.
Mistake #7: Hanging Them Too Quickly
Once you’re done painting your cabinets, you want to hang them as quickly as possible. That’s understandable. But don’t rush the curing time. If you do, you could damage the painting job you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Even if they feel dry to the touch in a few hours, don’t give in to temptation. Painted wood actually takes days, not hours, to fully cure. Even though the dry time can be frustrating, you’ll be glad you waited when you hang your freshly and perfectly painted cabinets.
Mistake #8: Not Consulting with Cabinet Painting Experts
The state of your kitchen or bathroom cabinets has a big impact on the overall value of your home. What’s more, they take a lot of abuse and have to stand up to heavy use, all while looking beautiful.
That’s a tall order, but one that N-Hance of Central Jersey can easily fill. We are cabinet painting experts and know how to renew and revamp your cabinets in a way that will provide gorgeous and long-lasting results, quickly and affordably. So if you’re ready for an easier path to completing your cabinet painting project, consider N-Hance for the job instead. Just read some of our cabinet painting reviews to find out first-hand what we can do for you.
Call N-Hance of Central Jersey at (848) 210-6675 today to learn more about our services and request a FREE estimate.