When it comes to painting cabinets, getting that silky smooth finish is all about thorough preparation and meticulous application. Applying thin coats and allowing each to dry completely prevents drips, streaks, and textured finishes.
Modesto Cabinet Painters will also ensure that your finished project looks professional. Follow these expert tips to achieve a flawless paint job!
Preparing the Surface
The key to a flawless paint finish is the surface that it’s applied to. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or repainting your whole house, proper prep is the difference between an average DIY look and a professional result. With disciplined surface prep and the right materials, you can create a smooth, factory-quality finish that will last for years to come.
Surface Prep
Start with a clean, dry surface to prevent any unwanted reactions from the new paint. Wash the walls with a mild detergent or a cleaning solution like tri sodium phosphate (TSP) and rinse thoroughly to remove any dirt or grime that’s present.
Once your walls are clean, lightly sand them with 150 to 220 grit sandpaper to roughen up the surface and give the new paint something to adhere to. Be sure to sand over any glossy or waxed areas as well. Skipping this step can lead to uneven color or peeling later on.
Next, you’ll want to choose the right type of paint for your project. Matte or satin finishes work best for wall surfaces to hide imperfections, while semi-gloss and gloss paints are ideal for trim and doors to create a polished, durable surface that’s easy to wipe down and clean.
When applying your first coat of paint, it’s important to apply a thin layer and avoid going over it too quickly. This allows the paint to adhere better and will prevent drips and runs. Be sure to follow the paint manufacturer’s recommendations for thinning ratios.
As you continue to add layers of paint, try to maintain a “wet edge.” This means brushing over the previous stroke slightly while the new coat is still wet to blend the edges and reduce the appearance of brush marks. When painting recessed or narrow spaces, it’s also helpful to use a smaller brush to ensure you’re getting all the corners and crevices.
To help you achieve a smooth, flawless finish, make sure to always work in a well-ventilated area and use a high-quality paint with additives that promote self-levelling for a smoother finish. It’s also important to apply multiple thin coats rather than a thicker one and to let each coat dry completely before adding the next.
Preparing the Cabinets
Cabinets are exposed to daily wear and tear, grease and moisture, so a fresh coat of paint is essential for protecting them. However, improper painting preparation can result in your brand-new paint flaking or chipping. This is why it’s important to follow proper painting techniques and use high-quality materials to achieve a flawless finish.
Begin by emptying out your cabinets and removing the doors, drawers and hardware. Take note of where each item goes, and number them so you can put them back in the correct places once they’re ready to reattach. Use a trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner to remove oil and grease from the surface of the cabinets, and make sure you clean the hinge holes as well.
If your cabinets have been previously painted, you’ll need to strip them with a chemical stripping product and sand the surface to ensure quality adhesion for your new paint job. Sherwin-Williams recommends using Extreme Bond Primer for superior adhesion and a smooth, flawless topcoat.
Before proceeding with priming, apply a small area of primer to an inconspicuous part of the cabinet to test for adhesion. If the product holds up, it’s safe to proceed with the rest of the kitchen cabinet surfaces.
Applying the Primer
If you want a smooth finish that will hide brush marks, apply a coat of high-quality primer. This is an important step in any painting project, and it’s especially vital when refinishing cabinets. It creates a surface that’s ready for the topcoat and helps ensure a long-lasting, smooth, durable paint job.
A good primer will also prevent stains from staining the finished product and give you a great base for your color choice. You can choose an oil-based or water-based primer depending on the type of paint you plan to use. Water-based primers dry more quickly and are easy to clean up, but they may not offer as much adhesion as oil-based ones.
Before you apply the primer, sand the cabinet surfaces to smooth them and ensure the surface is ready for painting. This can be done with 120-grit sandpaper, and you should also sand between coats of paint to remove any rough spots and achieve that smooth finish you’re after. Once you’ve sanded, wipe the cabinetry down to get rid of any sanding dust.
When selecting a primer for your cabinets, opt for one that’s specially formulated for cabinetry. A quality acrylic primer, like Fresh Start High-Hiding All-Purpose Primer from KILZ, is a favorite among professional painters. It offers excellent hiding power, seals and suppresses stains, and contains mildew-resistant properties, which are important in a moisture-prone area like the kitchen.
Apply the primer with a soft, even stroke, and let it dry. Then, sand the cabinetry again with a slightly finer grit of sandpaper (around 220-320). This is important for a smooth, seamless finish and to reduce the appearance of any brush marks. Be sure to wipe down the cabinets with a damp cloth before applying the next coat of primer and sanding again.
Once the primer is dry, you can begin painting your cabinets. It’s best to work on one cabinet at a time and use thin, even strokes. You can choose to use a brush or a sprayer, but either way be sure to keep your coats light and uniform to avoid drips and runs. It’s also a good idea to practice your technique on some scrap wood or cardboard before you tackle the real thing!
Applying the Paint
Painting your cabinets is a rewarding DIY project that can transform the heart of your home. But achieving a polished look that rivals professional results requires the right tools, techniques, and patience. One of the biggest challenges with cabinet painting is avoiding brush marks. By following these tips, you can achieve a smooth finish that is free of streaks and other imperfections.
Before you begin painting, make sure all surfaces to be painted are clean and dry. Using a degreaser like KILZ Cabinet Coating Cleaner helps to eliminate grease and oil that can cause the paint to chip or peel over time. It is also a good idea to remove all doors and hardware before beginning the painting process, as this will allow for easier access to the surfaces to be painted.
When it comes to applying the paint, it is important to use a high-quality product that is specifically formulated for cabinets. These types of paints are designed to lay down more evenly, which will help to minimize brush marks. If you are unsure about what type of paint to use, consult the manufacturer for recommended thinning ratios. It is also a good idea to practice your brush technique on a piece of scrap wood before tackling your cabinets, as this will give you a better feel for how the paint flows and how to apply it with precision.
Once the primer has dried, you can begin applying your paint. It is recommended to apply several thin coats, allowing each to dry completely between each application. You will want to make sure to cover any areas with a brush that are difficult to reach, such as corners and crevices.
For an even smoother finish, it is a good idea to lightly sand between each coat of paint. Using fine-grit sandpaper will ensure that any remaining paint is smooth and free of scratches. After sanding, make sure to wipe down the surface with a damp cloth before applying the next coat.
If you are still having trouble achieving a smooth finish, you may want to consider using a sprayer instead of a brush. This can be a more efficient way to paint, but it will require some practice and thorough masking to avoid overspray and other issues.