Cabinet Painting Sacramento can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your kitchen. It is one of the most popular DIY home improvement projects.

Before you paint, clear out cabinets and label drawers and hardware. Protect floors and walls with rosin paper, plastic drop cloths, or 5 gallon paint buckets.

A good primer is like the glue layer that connects your cabinets to the paint. It’s specially formulated to adhere really well, and it provides a better base for the top coat. Without it, the paint may rub off or even peel.

Primer is also important because it seals the surface, preventing stains from bleeding through your paint job. Cabinets receive a lot of wear and tear, opening and closing, spills, and moisture, so they need a strong, tough paint job to stand up to it all. A high-quality primer such as BIN Shellac Primer or a latex primer will help your paint to last a long time and hold up to the elements.

Choose a primer that is suitable for your cabinet material, such as bare wood or manufactured composites like MDF. Oil-based primers tend to fill the wood grain best and dry more quickly, but water-based products can work just as well. Some hybrid acrylic urethane primers combine the benefits of both oil and water-based primers, making them a good choice for most situations.

Apply the primer with a brush along edges and tight spots, or use a roller on large surfaces. Let the primer dry completely before you start painting, and lightly sand the surfaces to smooth them and improve paint adhesion. Especially in the kitchen, where grease can drip and stick to the cabinets, it’s important to make sure your surfaces are clean before you start painting.

When you’re ready to start, cover any areas you don’t want primed or painted with painter’s tape and drop cloths. This protects your walls, furniture and flooring from paint spatter and makes cleanup easier. You may also want to remove handles and hardware before you begin so you can work more easily, and to reduce the risk of getting paint in places it shouldn’t go.

Start with one coat of primer, then sand again to smooth it. Then apply the second coat, sanding lightly after each coat. If you are painting over a light color, only one coat of primer is usually necessary, but two may be required for a darker color.

Sanding

The surface of your cabinet doors and drawers need to be smooth and free of grease and grime before you can successfully paint them. If you skip this step, the new paint will not adhere well and may flake or bubble. A degreaser and a damp cloth are your best bet for cleaning the surfaces of your cabinets. You can also use a cabinet-specific cleaner to help ensure the paint will stick.

Once your surfaces are clean, you will need to sand the cabinetry to roughen up the finish and prepare it for paint. Using medium-grit sandpaper, begin by scuffing the surface to remove any sheen and give the primer something to grab onto. Once you have roughed the surfaces, clean them with a lint-free tack cloth to get rid of any remaining dust or debris.

When sanding, make sure you use light pressure to avoid damaging the surface of your cabinets. It is helpful to use a sanding block instead of a hand sander when possible, as it is more efficient and provides a better grip on the wood for a more even finish. You should also swap out the sandpaper frequently for a fresh sheet as you work, making sure to always clean the surface after each switch. If you want a more even finish, you can opt for finer-grit sandpaper such as 180 or 220.

If you have any dents or gouges in your cabinetry, you can fill them with a quality wood putty that will allow you to apply a smooth coat of paint over the top. You should let the wood filler dry according to directions before proceeding with your project.

It is a good idea to label your hardware as you remove it from the cabinet doors. This will make reattaching the hardware much easier and prevent you from accidentally putting the wrong piece back in its place. You should also take the time to number each piece of hardware and write down where it goes so you can remember when you are reassembling your cabinets.

Paint

Cabinet paint comes in a variety of colors and finishes. There are matte finishes that give off a classic look, glossy ones that really make your cabinets pop, and more. You can also find specialty products like chalkboard and milk paint that offer unique looks.

It’s best to take a break between coats, giving each one time to fully dry. If you need to speed things up, it’s easy enough to put on a second coat after the first dries. Just be sure to sand again in between to get a smooth finish.

Once your paint is dry, it’s time to reattach your doors and drawers. Before you do, you should wipe down all surfaces with a damp rag to remove any dust or dirt that has settled on them. If you don’t do this, your new paint won’t stick and could come off easily.

While you’re at it, you should clean your cabinet boxes and doors with de-greasers or a deglosser to remove any grease or other oily residue. This is especially important in kitchens where food is prepared and stored. Oil will cause your paint to peel over time, so it’s essential to remove any excess before you begin painting.

If you want your new paint to last, it’s a good idea to use an alkyd oil-based product. Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore both make alkyd paints that will hold up to moisture better than other types of wall paint. They also won’t yellow as quickly as oils do.

You can also use a water-based enamel for your cabinets if you’d rather not deal with oil-based fumes. Just be sure to sand with 220-320 grit sandpaper between coats and let the surface completely dry before you apply another.

As with refinishing, there’s a lot of prep that goes into cabinet painting, so it’s best to have a professional do the job for you. They’ll know what type of paint to use based on the material your cabinets are made from and what kind of finish you’re looking for. They’ll also have access to special equipment that allows them to spray a large area quickly and evenly without drips.

Finish

Painting cabinet doors is a fun way to add a splash of color, update hardware, and give your kitchen an instant facelift. However, before you get started, you must prepare the surface and choose the right finish. There are plenty of options, from matte to high-gloss, so it’s important to find a look that fits your home and personal style.

The first step in preparing your cabinets for paint is sanding. This removes the glossy top layer, exposing bare wood for primer and paint to adhere. A medium-grit sandpaper will work, or you can use an electric sander to make the job go more quickly. After sanding, wipe the surface down and remove dust with a tack cloth.

Next, you can apply the primer to the cabinet doors. This helps the paint adhere better and creates a smoother surface, which is important for a quality finish. After the primer dries, you can apply two coats of your chosen paint, applying one-third of an overlap with each application.

Once your cabinet door paint has dried, you can apply a clear varnish or coating to protect it from water damage and other elements. Be sure to use a product that is safe for your wood, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

When choosing a clear coating, consider the amount of traffic your cabinets will receive. If your cabinets are in an area that will see a lot of wear and tear, a glossy option is best to protect against smudges and finger marks. If your cabinets will mostly be used indoors, a satin finish can provide an attractive shine without being too slippery.

Once your cabinet doors are painted, you can reattach the hinges and hardware and enjoy your new look! Be sure to allow the cabinets to cure for a few days before handling them, and avoid slamming or scraping them until they’re completely dry. If you’re unsure of the proper curing process, consult a professional.