If you walk down any paint aisle, you’ll likely see plenty of cans labeled as “primer.” Primer is an important step when painting cabinets and is essential for a smooth, even finish.
Look for a cabinet-grade oil-based alkyd paint with a matte sheen (low shine). It hides fingerprints well and dries to a hard finish. Visit Cabinet Refinishing San Jose CA for more information.
Rollers
When it comes to cabinet painting, the right roller can make all the difference. The wrong one can leave behind unsightly streaks or uneven coverage, which will detract from the finished look. Knowing the key factors that go into selecting the best roller can help you achieve a sleek, flawless finish.
Whether you’re working with latex or enamel paint, the choice of roller cover material makes a significant difference. For example, opt for a high-quality, woven Dralon fabric roller cover, which can be used with all types of paints and provides a durable surface that’s easy to clean and will resist shedding and lint.
The nap length of a paint roller also impacts its performance. A shorter nap works best for smooth surfaces, while a longer nap is ideal for textured or grainy surfaces. Foam rollers are a popular choice for cabinet painting, as they provide an even finish and don’t leave any texture. For tight spaces and detail work, try a high-density foam mini roller.
Microfiber rollers are another great option for both latex and enamel paints. These rollers are known for their durability, so they’re a solid investment for both single projects and future touch-ups.
While it is possible to achieve a professional-looking finish with a roller alone, it’s often recommended to pair it with a brush for more detailed work. Choosing a high-quality brush with a fine tip helps minimize visible brush marks and ensures that you’ll have the necessary control to get into the nooks and crannies of your cabinets.
If you’re going to invest in a roller and brush, it’s a good idea to invest in a paint sprayer as well. These tools can speed up your project and help you achieve a more polished finish than what’s possible with rollers alone.
If you’re looking for an experienced team of professionals to handle your cabinet refinishing or painting project, turn to the experts at N-Hance of Hampton Roads. Our talented technicians can exceed your expectations with beautiful, seamless results. We use only the highest quality products and techniques, so you can be sure your new finish will last. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and get started.
Sprayers
Whether you’re a professional who wants to upgrade your cabinet painting skills or a DIYer with high standards, choosing the best sprayer for cabinets is paramount for a smooth and lasting finish. A reliable airless paint sprayer pumps a high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) stream of paint through a tiny hole in the gun tip, creating a fine mist that coats surfaces evenly. This method minimizes overspray and allows you to achieve detailed work on intricate surfaces.
Choosing the right HVLP system also helps you save time and money. For example, some primers are tinted to match the color of your final cabinet paint, reducing the number of coats required for complete coverage. This helps you avoid wasting excess materials and may even save on labor costs, as applying multiple thin coats is more durable than one thick coat.
For a high-end, factory-like finish, many professionals choose lacquer because it dries to an incredibly smooth and hard surface that is resistant to damage and moisture. This finish is also more durable than oil-based paints, which can wreak havoc on your cabinets over time.
Before you dive into your cabinet painting project, be sure to gather the necessary supplies and practice on a test piece. Essential protective gear like goggles, mask, and gloves help you shield yourself from overspray and fumes during the painting process. Protective drop cloths and plastic sheets keep your workspace clean from unintended splatters and spills. And finally, a wide variety of nozzle tips allows you to tailor your sprayer to the intricacies of your cabinetry. Assembling these accessories equips you to take on your cabinet refinishing project with confidence, precision, and results. Then all that’s left to do is enjoy your beautiful new cabinetry!
Brushes
When it comes to cabinet painting, a good brush is a must. The right paintbrush for cabinets can make all the difference in a great finished result, and it is an investment that can last a lifetime. The best cabinet brushes have soft, synthetic bristles that work well with both water-based and oil-based paints. They also come in a variety of shapes, such as angled and flat, to suit various applications. Some of the best cabinet paint brushes include the Pintar Diamond Pro Angular Sash Brush and the Wooster Shortcut Angled Brush, which are both durable and affordable.
The best cabinet paints are formulated to be durable, with an even finish that resists chips and peeling. To help them stand up to heavy use and cleaning, a topcoat of clear polyurethane is usually recommended. Professional wood refinishers know which finishes are best for cabinets and how to prepare them, including priming. They may also choose a color tinted primer to match the final cabinet finish, which can save on coats of paint and add a smooth uniformity.
Some professionals also prefer a mineral-based paint such as General Finishes Milk Paint for its high durability and even surface. It sometimes requires no primer, has low VOCs and dries to a hard finish that holds up to heavy wear. Other pros have switched to modern hybrid alkyd paints, which clean up like water based paints and dry quickly with low VOCs but have the durability of traditional oils.
A good paintbrush is essential for finishing cabinet doors and drawer fronts, as it can reach tight spaces and detail work without leaving streaks or smudges. It is also useful for touch-ups, ensuring that all surfaces are thoroughly coated with paint. It is important to properly prepare the surface before painting, especially if it is wood, by sanding and cleaning thoroughly. This is a crucial step that many DIYers skip, leading to poor results and chipping or peeling later on. If the prospect of preparing and painting your own cabinets seems daunting, contact us to learn more about working with an experienced team of wood refinishers at N-Hance.
Preparation
When it comes to painting cabinets, there are several factors that can affect the final look. One of the most important is choosing the right type of paint for the job. Oil-based paint is a good option for durability, but it can be difficult to use because of the strong odor, long drying time and challenge with cleanup. For this reason, many DIYers prefer latex or hybrid alkyd enamel paints.
These products are easy to use and dry quickly, making them a great choice for cabinet painting. They also provide a tough finish that resists scratches and dings well. However, if you are working with raw wood or existing stained surfaces, you’ll need to apply a stain-blocking primer first.
Once you have decided on your paint, the next step is to choose a tool or technique for application. Rollers are a popular choice because they can cover large surface areas in a short amount of time, and they provide a fairly smooth appearance. They can be used in conjunction with a brush for more detailed work, or as the primary tool for most projects.
If you’re tackling a large-scale project, consider using a sprayer for more uniform results. The process can be challenging to master, but it offers a beautiful, professional-looking finish that is hard to achieve with a brush alone.
Other useful tools include jigs and multimark tools. These handy tools can be used to create consistent measurements across multiple surfaces, making it easier for you to install the hardware once the refinishing is complete.
Regardless of the tools you choose, it’s always best to take your time and make sure the job is done correctly. If you’re not comfortable or confident in your skills, consider hiring a professional to handle the project for you. With a little preparation, the right paints and tools, you can successfully transform your kitchen cabinets!