Homeowners everywhere are always on the lookout for cost-effective ways to update and improve their home’s interior. If you can find a way to dramatically update your kitchen without the high costs, for example, expect to save money while impressing guests and loved ones alike. One approach that can transform your home is painting the kitchen cabinets. Cabinet refinishing is always a smart choice for homeowners looking to get the most out of their investment without having to pay for the costs of labor and materials involved with full-blown replacement services. If you have been considering cabinet refacing for your Georgia home, now would be an ideal time to reach out to the Detail Design & Remodeling team. For years, our home remodeling contractors have relied on old-world craftsmanship to deliver a high level of quality for all of our clients. We specialize in kitchen cabinet refacing and comprehensive kitchen remodeling services, and we can help you to find a real-wood veneer or paint style to update your system.
Our home renovation pros will deliver the highest level of quality when it comes to refinishing and painting your cabinets. Painting those cabinets yourself can be very affordable and rewarding, but it’s important to remember to follow the procedure closely for a quality outcome. Today, we’ll discuss a few common mistakes homeowners make when painting their cabinets. If you decide to let the professionals handle it, be sure to contact our cabinet resurfacing experts for assistance!
Expecting Perfection
First and foremost, many DIYers look to paint with the idea that this product hides all damages (and character). If you want a smooth finish that hides the pattern of your cabinet’s grain, be ready to be disappointed, as paint often cannot fill in the space to create a perfectly smooth surface. There are ways to fill the grain for a smooth texture, but these methods are often labor-intensive and very costly. Before you begin painting, remember that perfection can be hard to achieve!
Leaving Cabinet Doors and Drawers in Place
The process of cabinet refinishing is intensive in part due to the fact that you will need to remove every piece of equipment for the best long-term results. Many homeowners leave their hardware as-is, painting the doors, boxes, drawers, and even hinges to create fully painted space. Unfortunately, failing to remove your materials for painting can lead to a lack of cohesion in the surface. Painted hinges, for example, will continue to operate, cracking the paint’s surface in the process. If you painted your hardware, expect aesthetic problems in the near future in addition to immediate roadblocks with functionality!
Not Labeling Your Doors and Drawers
Those that do successfully remove the hardware from their cabinets will need to take steps to ensure that each piece goes back to its corresponding place. In many cases, homeowners will excitedly get to work, piling their drawers and doors on the side while getting the boxes ready for paint. Your cabinets will likely consist of two or three different sizes, and each door will be identical enough in size to use interchangeably. Remember, though, that every installation is unique, and choosing the wrong door for those individual hinges may lead to future headaches. We recommend labeling each piece of equipment removed to ensure that everything goes back just as you found it. Painter’s tape or any type of adhesive can be affixed with permanent marker to keep everything organized.
Improper Prep Services
The kitchen is your dedicated space for a wide range of activities, often making it one of the dirtiest rooms in the house. Before you get to work, it’s essential to take the time to scrub and wash all of your cabinets. Even if you are a proud and obsessive kitchen cleaner, remember that films of dirt and grease can quickly coat surfaces. Homeowners who fail to properly degrease their cabinets will be disappointed with the results, as oils can wreak havoc on any water-based paint product.
Skipping the Sanding Stage
The bond between paint and wood is essential for long-term quality and durability in your kitchen. In many instances, homeowners will skip sanding their cabinets because they “look good.” Remember that sanding helps to get enough off of the finish layer to allow a bond to develop.
There are many ways to improve the quality and appearance of your kitchen cabinets when utilizing paint. Homeowners also have a large range of mistakes that need to be avoided to ensure a beneficial outcome. Next time, we’ll continue this series by discussing a few more errors that you should avoid to better enjoy the fruits of your labor. If you want a professional outcome, the experts at Detail Design & Remodeling are here to help with quality cabinet refinishing services. We proudly provide old-world craftsmanship that serves to last with quality for a long time. Contact us to learn more!