Cabinet painting is a huge job. While online DIYers and how-to articles make it sound simple, the reality is quite different. What seems like it will only take a couple of days can bleed into weeks, or months, if you’re not a professional. Instead, when you hire an experienced cabinet painter, you can breathe easier knowing your project will be handled in just a few days and produce smoother, longer-lasting results. Here’s a look at what goes into the process of updating kitchen cabinets.
Picking a Color You Love: Cabinet Painters Will Guide You Through the Selection Process
Choosing the perfect color for your cabinets can be overwhelming, but with professional guidance, you can make an informed decision that enhances the beauty and functionality of your space. For instance, an experienced painter will help you choose decide on the best cabinet finish based on your style preferences, kitchen size, and lifestyle. They’ll also help you understand sheen level, color undertones, and how the paint will look with natural or artificial light. This level of expertise ensures you avoid costly mistakes and end up with a finished product that truly complements your home’s aesthetic.
Proper Cabinet Prep Before Painting: Removing, Cleaning, and Priming
Proper cabinet prep is key for a beautiful and long-lasting paint job. Before any color goes on, careful steps must be taken so your cabinets are clean, smooth, and ready for the paint or stain. This prep process includes:
Removing Cabinet Doors and Drawers
Once you’ve made your choices, the next step cabinet painters take is to remove the doors and drawer fronts. Thatis way, your cabinets will get an even, flawless finish without paint getting onto hinges or other hardware. Removing the doors and drawers also allows for a more detailed application of the primer and paint products because it’s easier to reach into the nooks and crannies.
Cleaning and Sanding the Surfaces for Excellent Adhesion
Over time, cabinets accumulate grease, dirt, and grime from daily use, which can impact how well the new paint adheres. Professional cabinet painters use industrial-strength cleaners and degreasers to remove stubborn buildup on doors, drawer fronts, and boxes, providing a pristine surface. This step is vital to ensure proper paint adhesion and a long-lasting finish.
Sanding is also often performed to smooth out imperfections and create a slightly rough texture that allows primer and paint to bond more effectively. In addition, any areas with chipping, scratches, or dents are repaired at this stage to deliver a smooth, flawless finish.
Priming to Protect Against Bleedthrough
Priming the cabinets helps to prevent chipping, peeling, or wearing out unevenly over time. In addition, primer helps to block any existing stains or discoloration on the wood, so the final paint color looks rich and even.
Applying Cabinet Paint to Deliver a Beautiful, Factory-Like Finish
The quality of the products used in your project will play a significant role in how well your cabinets look and hold up over time. The cabinet painters you hire should use paint products formulated for cabinetry. Unlike standard wall paint, cabinet paint is designed to withstand daily wear and tear, grease, moisture, and cleaning while being resistant to stains, chips, and peeling.
Hiring a professional cabinet painter also means you’ll get an even, streak-free finish. Painters know how to properly apply paint (with a sprayer!), allowing for stronger adhesion and increased durability. They also understand drying times and how long to wait between coats, preventing issues like bubbling or uneven texture.
Clear Coating and Curing: For Long-Lasting Results
To protect the new cabinet finish and improve durability even further, a clear coat is applied. At N-Hance®, we use our proprietary Lightspeed® Nano technology, a state-of-the-art UV curing process that instantly hardens the protective coating. This revolutionary technique eliminates the need for long drying times, so your cabinets are ready for use in a fraction of the time compared to traditional curing methods.
What To Do Before Cabinet Painters Arrive at Your Home
Before the painting process begins, you need to take a few steps to get your space ready. This includes emptying cabinets, removing all items from countertops, and clearing the area around the cabinets to allow for easy access. Any fragile or valuable items should be safely stored away to prevent contact with dust or accidental damage.
In addition, we cover nearby furniture and flooring with protective materials to prevent paint splatters. If the kitchen is still in use while painters are working on your cabinets, set up a temporary prep station in another room. Taking these few steps ahead of time means that your cabinet painters can get right to work when they arrive at your home.
Ready for a cabinet refresh you can afford? Contact your local cabinet painters at N-Hance at (855) 642-6230 to request a FREE estimate.