Contrary to popular belief, cabinet painting can actually be a very difficult project that requires more expertise than watching a YouTube tutorial video.
There’s a long list of considerations to be made during the cabinet painting process—like how to prep your cabinets and the best techniques for paint application. It’s important to really take your time, as one wrong move could derail your entire project.
It’s important to know that many cabinet painting mistakes can be fixed. Here are some of our expert tips for avoiding mishaps to begin with, and correcting them if/when they do occur.
Fix #1: Start From Scratch With Cabinet Painting
When painting your cabinets, mistakes can be unforgiving and flaws and imperfections can be tough to hide. That’s why it’s vitally important to prep your cabinets thoroughly and roll the paint on using the correct technique. The tools you use matter, too, when it comes to avoiding brush stroke marks and drips.
If your cabinets suffer from some of these blemishes, it may be your best bet to start over from the beginning. While this is the most time consuming option, it’s also the one that provides the greatest probability of a flawless finish.
If you do decide to repaint your cabinets, follow these best practices to avoid the same mistakes again:
Sand Cabinets Before Painting Them
Sanding can help ensure the paint adheres properly to your cabinet surfaces and that you end up with a flawless finish in the end. Don’t worry—you don’t need to sand all the way down to the bare wood. Simply sand until surface blemishes and imperfections are no longer visible.
Repair Damaged Areas On Cabinet Surfaces
Repair more serious gouges, scratches, and damage using a water-based wood filler product. Once dry, sand over the area then clean it thoroughly before painting.
Clean Cabinets Thoroughly
Grease, wax, particles, or other build-up can prevent paint from going on to your cabinet surfaces smoothly, and can cause the paint to peel or chip in the near future. Prevent this by using an actual paint prep degreaser on your cabinets before painting them.
Prime Cabinets The Right Way
Skipping the priming process is one of the biggest mistakes people often make in the cabinet painting process. Take your time with prep, and use water or oil-based primers. Latex-based primer is intended for walls and isn’t durable enough for cabinets.
Use The Correct Cabinet Paint Application Technique
Use a roller or sprayer for painting cabinets to avoid visible strokes or drips left behind. Use a small brush only for hard to reach areas and touch-up.
Fix #2: Touch Up Small Cabinet Painting Mistakes
If your end result looks great but there are a few small blemishes that need repair, remove only the doors or drawer fronts with the imperfections and follow the process of priming and painting them over again. You can also try swiping a small amount of paint over the flaw and blending it gently.
Fix #3: Follow Tips For Avoiding Common Mistakes
Whether you decide to start over with your cabinet painting process or just touch up small areas, keep this expert advice in mind:
- Don’t overload the roller with paint. This can cause drips and prevent paint from going on evenly.
- Don’t cut corners or skip important steps in an effort to save time. Follow the example of professional cabinet painters and take your time when it comes to prep so you can enjoy the best results.
- Allow adequate time for your cabinets to dry before replacing doors and drawers. This may take days or longer.
Fix #4: Have A Professional Paint Your Cabinets
There are clearly a lot of mistakes that can be made in the cabinet painting process. In many cases, it really pays off to enlist the help of a professional cabinet painter in Mt. Shasta, California.
Don’t take a chance when it comes to your cabinets. Instead, choose a cabinet painting company that offers proven results and affordable financing options.
N-Hance cabinet painters can not only help you save precious time and money on your cabinet painting project, but offer a revolutionary cabinet curing method that allows you to use your cabinets right away. We can finish your cabinets in less time, with better results, and all for a price you can afford.