If you have solid wood cabinets, one of the least costly methods of re-facing cabinets is to paint them. Just as painting a room, a focal wall, or large pieces of furniture in a space can give the room an instant update and a new look and feel, painting cabinets can do the same.
While it is one of least expensive options, it is also a bit more time consuming and requires a good deal of preparation and work. If you’re a beginner when it comes to do it yourself home improvement, you may feel a little apprehensive about painting cabinetry.
After all, cabinets are generally a large feature in a kitchen or bathroom and may be in other areas of the home as well. You want the end result to look professional and attractive. Don’t worry. You can paint your cabinets and achieve a great result.
It does require attention to detail, effective prep work, quality materials, the right tools, and a good deal of time and energy, but it’s well worth it. You can transform your entire kitchen, bath, or other space for very little money if you are willing to put in the time and effort.
While water based paints make for easier clean up, oil based paints are generally the better choice when painting kitchen or bathroom cabinets. When dry, they “cure” to a tougher finish, which can help prevent cracking and chipping. They also tend to be easier to care for. A semi-gloss or gloss will create a nice finish that is simple to wipe clean.
When purchasing paint, you might want to speak to a representative at the home improvement center to determine which rollers and brushes are the best for use with the paint you have selected. When it comes to color choices, take home paint chips to compare with your wall color and other elements. Even whites can be tricky to match, because they have underlying color tones from yellow or pink to green and blue.
*Check out the next article for five tips to help you achieve a great paint job on your cabinets.