Repaint the cabinets for a fresh kitchen look
A repainted cabinet gives the kitchen a fresh look
What you need to know:
The kitchen can be a tricky place to renovate for a fresher look because it is used almost every day. Since they are usually the most outstanding in the kitchen, you can choose to repaint the cabinets only for a new look.
It might be easier to hire someone to repaint your kitchen cabinets when you want to change your kitchen decor. But what is the fun in that? Doing it yourself gives you the experience to do it another time and the fulfilment of changing the kitchen yourself. Just follow the steps below:
1. Remove the utensils from the cabinets
James Kizito ,a painter with Anatolia Furniture Company limited says it is better to remove the utensils from the cabinets and clean the interior of the cabinets. Use a sponge and soapy water to remove any kind of dirt before any process starts.
2. Remove cabinet doors
The second thing you should do is take off the cabinet doors using a screw driver. Place them aside to allow you a proper job. “Removing the cabinet doors makes the work easier and faster than when they are attached,” he says.
3. Sand the cabinet
Carefully sand the whole cabinet and the doors with sand paper of type 60, 80, 100, or 120. The numbers represent the thickness of the sand paper. Later, wipe away any dust from the surface with a towel.
4. Apply sanding sealer
Sanding sealer is used after sanding. It cleans off the dust that is caused during the sanding process. It also helps the painter to identify the developed cracks or dents that are filled during the re-sanding process. Sanding sealer also helps the paint to stick when applied to the wood. With this, high gloss paint is recommended for a better finishing.
“Use a disposable foam brush and apply an even coat of sanding sealer to the inside and outside parts and the doors beginning in the centre and following the grain of the wood,” Kizito says. Sand sealer is mixed with thinner to make it light. This dries between 30 minutes and 24 hours depending on the type used.
5. Re-sand to give a smooth surface
Re-sanding according to Kizito helps to smoothen the wood surface hence making it easy during the painting process. Use filler (a clear liquid usually used to cover up deep scratches on wood) to fill the dents before painting. The kind of sand paper used at this stage differs from the one used at the beginning. This is a black coloured sand paper, type 180 or 220.
6. Paint to the cabinets
With furniture paint, Kizito advises that you use a good non disposable brush or spray gun to apply the paint. He adds that it is better to start with the cabinet doors, then the other parts and do not rush while painting. “Painting needs two or three thin coats in order to achieve an excellent finish,” he says. Kizito explains that the many thin coats create fewer brush strokes and allows better drying time and adhesion. Allow the paint to dry properly before adding another layer, both out and inside the cabinets including the doors. The drying period will depend on the type of paint or colour used but it normally takes between two to four hours.
7. Apply varnish
Varnish prevents the coloured wood from absorbing any water that may come in contact with the cabinets. It can be of any type depending on one’s taste. There are two types of varnish; glossy varnish and matt varnish (non-glossy). The varnish takes between two and 12 hours to dry depending on the type used.
8. Put back the cabinet doors
Once all the work is done and the steps are properly followed, put back the doors and the utensils.
However, while fixing the cabinet doors, hold them firmly for easy screwing and also to prevent them from falling on you. There you have it, a fresh look for your kitchen just by repainting the cabinets. Remember to store what you used properly for another day.
