Getting a fresh coat of paint on your kitchen cabinets is like getting your hair done. It’s sleek shiny, and you can’t wait to show it off. However, if you don’t get it right the first time, you will have to live with the shame for weeks!
Okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic.
But the reality is DIY painting your kitchen cabinets can be disastrous if you haven’t done it before. So, to get it right the first time (and earn bragging rights for life), here are ten of the most common mistakes to avoid.
- Not having a realistic budget
When most people think DIY, they think cheap. Unfortunately, the project will only be as good as your budget.
If you are painting your cabinets to add value to your home, you might need to spend a lot more. On the other hand, if this is a pet project, you should avoid the temptation of being too cheap.
Get a good range for the paint, primer, polyurethane, and tools, then set a realistic budget.
- Painting with the doors on
You can always tell when someone painted cabinets without taking them off the hinges. You can see bare wood or old paints between the joints, and frankly, the finish isn’t great!
Painting kitchen cabinets is not a project to be rushed. Yes, it takes a bit of time, but it makes it easier to paint without flaws, and your cabinets will dry quicker and without blemishes.
- Not labeling the doors and drawers
We get it, you know your cabinets like the back of your hand, but still, it can get tricky if you don’t label them. The same goes for the hardware.
Label each door and drawer before you remove them. Place their respective hardware in a bag with the same number or letter. Arrange the doors in order and use another label to mark their spot.
- Forgetting to prepare the surface
There are three main parts of painting kitchen cabinets: preparing, priming, and painting. If you don’t nail the first part, the rest of it won’t matter because you’ll be back in a few months with a professional.
The first thing you need to do is clean the cabinets with TSP. Next, you need to sand the surface. This is particularly important if you are working on old cabinets or if you’re going to paint over polyurethane or some other topcoat.
Sanding will ensure proper adhesion and a smooth surface. You also need to seal any holes with wood putty, then sand again.
- Not using primer
As gorgeous as it looks, paint wasn’t actually made for wood. As a result, it doesn’t adhere or stick to the wood properly, which is why you need to apply the best primer for cabinets before you paint.
The only time you shouldn’t use primer is if you are using all-in-one paint or a paint + primer. Otherwise, your paint may yellow from the wood tannin, peel, or chip.
- Using the wrong tools
One of the secrets to a professional finish is finding the right tools. For example, to a novice, all paintbrushes are the same. However, you need to choose a paintbrush based on the type of paint you’re applying.
Oil-based finishes are best applied with natural brushes, while synthetic brushes are best for water-based paints.
However, the best applicator for cabinets is an airless paint sprayer. It might take some getting used to and costs a bit more (you can hire one from a hardware store), but it gives a smoother, more even finish.
- Ignoring safety precautions
Paints, especially oil-based options, contain a lot of chemicals, some of which are harmful, especially to children and small animals. Two things you need to be mindful of are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and phthalates, as they have been associated with a long list of health problems.
Painting can cause headaches, dizziness, skin irritation, and breathing difficulties. The good thing is the side effects stop as soon as the paint fully cures.
It is important to use protective equipment and keep children and pets away from your workspace during and after application.
- Using the wrong paint
There are so many different ways to get this wrong. First is the color. If you are painting your kitchen cabinets because you want to sell your home, now is not the time to experiment or express your artistic side.
White kitchen cabinets or a tuxedo look are preferred when listing a property. However, if the remodel is for your pleasure, then you can go with bold, trendy colors.
Next, you need to choose the right base paint. Oil-based paints are easier to apply and last longer, but they have high VOCs and take ages to dry. Latex paint is recommended for kitchen cabinets because it will dry faster, and some have no VOCs.
You also need to think about the gloss you want. Again, this will depend on who the redecorating is for.
- Not giving the paint time to cure
Nothing will derail your hard work quicker than being in a hurry. Water-based paints need about three weeks to cure, although you can begin light-use after three days. Oil-based paints need a month to cure or at least seven days before light use.
Remember that before the paint cures, it can be harmful to your health. From an aesthetic point of view, the paint will smear or rub off if it hasn’t cured.
- Forgetting the topcoat
Last but definitely not least, you need to plan ahead. I’m sure you’re going to love the painting process, but not enough that you’d want to do it every six months.
A top coat will protect your new paint for a long time. Some, like polyurethane, can keep your kitchen cabinets looking new for over a decade. Yes, you read that right.
For best results, use a clear coat that is water, scratch, and scuff-resistant. That way, your beautifully painted kitchen cabinets will always look that way… well, at least until the next time you want to remodel.
Conclusion
You can avoid a lot of these common mistakes if you know how to paint kitchen cabinets like a pro. It takes a bit of time and effort to paint kitchen cabinets, but the results are worth it.
