Having a professional paint your kitchen cabinets is a great way to extend the life of existing cabinets but still give your kitchen a much-needed facelift. If your kitchen cabinets are in good condition but the color is faded or outdated, a fresh coat of paint is a great option. If you want the best finish possible, there’s no alternative to hiring a professional team.
Our guide will help you make an informed decision when it comes time to bring in the professionals. When you’re browsing companies, it’s essential to consider their painting methods and practices. By being better informed about the cabinet finishing process and the end results, you can make an educated decision about the best option for your needs.
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Spray Painting vs. Brush Painting
There are two methods for painting cabinets: brush painting and spray painting.
Brush painting is exactly what it sounds like — using a paintbrush or roller to apply paint. On the other hand, spray painting kitchen cabinets involves using a paint sprayer to evenly apply each coat of paint over the cabinet doors. Although the terms are similar, spray painting, in this case, has nothing to do with using cans of spray paint.
Cabinets should always be repainted with cabinet paint, which is a paint specifically designed to stand up to the demands of kitchen life, including repeated touching as doors are opened and closed, food and liquid spills and encounters with steam and heat coming from your oven or stove. Cabinet paints are specifically formulated to dry harder so that they can hold up to constant use and wear over time.
No other paint variety can provide as much resistance to kitchen wear as the type specifically designated for cabinet finishing. For example, latex paint has a tendency to streak and peel with lots of use, and in a short time, may ruin the painstakingly planned look of your beautiful kitchen.
You don’t have to go far to find arguments for and against both methods. But there are some obvious benefits, as well as drawbacks, to using either method in a cabinet facelift.
The Professional Painting Process
When it comes to painting or repainting your kitchen cabinets, first you have to decide whether or not you like the appearance of a paint finish. Consider your decor, kitchen counters and appliances and other aesthetics before deciding on a paint color. Quality paint jobs mean choosing the right color, variety and application — and the best professionals for your needs.
So, how do professionals paint kitchen cabinets?
A lot of people don’t realize that there’s more to finishing cabinets than simply slapping on a coat of paint. When professional painters take on a kitchen cabinet project, they follow a process.
First, they prepare your cabinet surfaces by cleaning them and removing any hardware, such as hinges and knobs. Then they remove the drawers and doors to paint them separately.
Once they’ve disassembled everything, they look for any imperfections or damage. If they find dents, cracks or scrapes, they will fill them in to even out the surface before applying paint. Professionals sand and prime the cabinets, and then the cabinets are ready for color.
The painting will take the most time, as the professionals will apply multiple coats, and each coat needs time to dry before they cover it with the next layer. You’ll also have a choice in how they go about painting — spraying or brushing — depending on your needs and the surface type and area of your cabinets.
After the final coat, they’ll be sure to clean up around the edges and inspect for any inconsistencies or missed spots. They’ll make any additional revisions, then reassemble your cabinets, leaving you with a new style and a beautiful kitchen space.
Although the general steps are the same whether you brush or spray the paint into place, there are some clear pros and cons to each method that are worth considering long before you hire a painting company.
Pros of Brush Painting
There’s something to be said for good, old-fashioned brush painting. When painting cabinets, brush painting can be helpful because it allows for:
Faster Preparation
Whenever professionals paint cabinets, they have to prepare the kitchen in several ways. Regardless of the location or subject, every painting project requires a clean application surface and masking. Masking defines the edges of the cabinets and protects walls, counters and other surrounding surfaces from accidental paint application. With brush painting, masking takes much less time and tape, as professionals can create straight lines by hand without risking overspray.
Longevity
When using a brush, painters can apply thick or thin coats, depending on how they blend and apply the cabinet paint. While the paint that goes into a sprayer has to be thin enough to create a fine mist, brushes are excellent for any paint viscosity. Because of this, painters can apply thicker coats in a single application, helping improve the longevity of the paint in as little as two layers.
Reduced Paint Costs
Even with professional care, a gallon of paint will typically go further with hand brushing than it does with spraying, meaning lower paint expenses. Brushing allows the painters to apply the color directly to the surface of the cabinets, only wasting the small amount left on their brushes at the end of the project. Spraying atomizes the paint, meaning some of the droplets inevitably float away, and any paint left in the tubing of the sprayer goes to waste.
Cons of Brush Painting
Although some people still prefer brush painting, there are a few definite downsides to using this traditional method, including:
Longer Painting Process
Brush painting cabinets takes an extended amount of time, especially if your kitchen has many cabinets and doors to paint. Each surface will require at least two coats of paint, and each coat needs to dry completely before painters can apply the next. Brush painting requires close attention to detail to ensure even layers and no missed spots, and since it’s all completed by hand, the process is more drawn out than with spraying.
Also, the layers naturally go on thicker, meaning longer dry time in between coats and after the project is finished. And, considering your kitchen will basically be unusable while you’re doing this, every day is another day you’ll be eating microwave dinners or takeout.
Brush Marks
While they are excellent for thick application, unfortunately, standard paintbrushes also make getting an even coat more difficult. Even the most precise of brush painters will end up with some brush marks or drips on the cabinet surface.
Additionally, the first coat of paint determines how the following coats look. Painters can sand drips and marks out after the first layer, but they can’t do that on the final layer, which could mean your cabinets and doors have visible marks on them from day one.
Pros of Spray Painting
Spray painting offers several benefits when it comes to painting cabinets, including:
Faster Application
Once professionals get past the preparation stage, paint application is much faster with sprayers than brushes. They can cover a greater area in less time and, since the layers go on thinner, there’s less drying wait time between applications.
Smoother Coverage
When professionals use a paint sprayer to paint cabinets, there’s no worry about leaving behind those unsightly brush strokes that come when they use a paintbrush or roller. Paint sprayers leave a nice even finish that doesn’t typically require touch up or sanding after the fact.
Additionally, sprayers can get paint in every nook and cranny, even over uneven surfaces and behind objects. When it comes to indoor cabinets, little mistakes and missed spots become very noticeable, and fixing the mistakes can be a lengthy project that might ruin your finish. With sprayers, the painters can apply an even layer without bubbles, missed spots or brush strokes.
Reduced Labor Costs
Hiring professionals is a must for painting interior cabinets, but you should consider the labor expenses. Spray painting can apply twice as much of a coating as compared to a standard paintbrush and can save you money on labor. It takes less time to cover a larger surface area, so professional painters that know they can finish the project faster, meaning lower labor costs.
Cons of Spray Painting
There are some definite benefits to painting cabinets with a paint sprayer. But is there a downside to spray painting cabinets?
Overspray
Paint sprayers have a wide reach. This is good because it means they can cover a lot of surfaces quickly, but they do have a reputation for leaving a paint mist on objects nearby. Luckily, overspray is easily preventable. Professionals carefully cover any objects or surfaces within several feet of the painting location to prevent paint mist from ruining floors, furniture or other nearby items.
Longer Preparation
The risk of overspray can potentially damage surfaces surrounding your cabinets, such as countertops, wall paint or furniture. While it is preventable, the preparation it requires takes much longer than with brush painting. Rather than just taping off edges and laying down drip sheets, the painters will have to completely cover everything within a few feet of the cabinets to ensure the paint spray only hits the cabinets.
Why a Fantastic Finish Matters
Regardless of which method you choose — spray or brush — the biggest challenge of painting cabinets is obtaining a fantastic finish. Both methods leave room for human error, which can result in streaks or strokes that mar the fresh, new look you’re going for. The finish depends on properly prepping and priming the cabinet surfaces before painting, applying even layers, allowing for ample dry time and paying attention to detail throughout the entire process.
An even, colorful finish will help bring your dream kitchen vision to life. Cabinets are a significant focal point of any kitchen, and this area of your living space is often a prime location for social gatherings. You deserve a space worth showing off to friends and family. When you invest your time and money into renovations, you should expect and aim for no less than the best.
If one thing is certain, it’s that trained professionals are a necessity if you want to ensure a beautiful finish. They often have years of experience, and they can finish the job in a fraction of the time as compared to an untrained individual. They have an eye for imperfections and will know how to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Ultimately, your cabinets will be in good hands, and you’ll be back to cooking and hosting in no time.
Hiring a Professional
When it comes to interior painting projects, hiring a professional painting contractor is a worthwhile investment. Besides adding to your home’s value and appearance, it protects your health and your sanity before, during and after the painting process.
Here are some of the top reasons to hire professionals:
Efficiency
Professional painters do this every day. They know what they’re doing and can get the job done quickly, so you can get to enjoying your kitchen faster. They also have all the equipment necessary to complete the task and provide a professional finish.
Experience
Professional painters know the differences between and proper applications for sprayers and brushes. They know how many layers a job will take, how to ensure a smooth, mark-free finish each and every time, which paint to use and how to cover up areas that don’t need painting. They also know how to troubleshoot when they encounter problems, such as dents or dings that need filling or smoothing before paint is applied.
They can also assist you in the early stages of your project, such as selecting the right paint and considering which painting method would work best for your cabinets. You’ll have access to professional advice throughout the process.
Insurance
No one plans for accidents to happen during a home renovation project, but, unfortunately, accidents can happen. Choosing professional painters who are insured means that you’ve hired professionals who can pay to fix a door or cabinet if it breaks in the painting process. And, if the cabinet paint does run or streak accidentally, a good company will come out and fix the problem at no extra cost to you.
Professional Cabinet Refinishing
If your existing cabinets are in good condition, professional cabinet refinishing is a great way to update your kitchen and secure your investment without spending a lot of money. It’s also a great way to reuse what you already have instead of throwing out perfectly good cabinets. Shoreline Painting knows that you’ve spared no expense on beautiful kitchen finishes — countertops, flooring and more. That’s why our professional painters are trained and experienced in using the right methods and right products to give your cabinets a gorgeous makeover that will complement your existing finishes.
Family-owned and Stamford-based, Shoreline Painting is committed to providing you with top-notch painting services. If you have a vision in mind for your cabinets, we can turn that vision into reality. In some cases, our clients know it’s time to update their kitchen cabinets, but they don’t know what color or finish to choose. Our color consultants have the knowledge and experience to help you choose the right color for your kitchen — bright or subtle, trendy or traditional. But it’s not just about trends. Our color consultants take the time to get to know your personal preferences and how your kitchen is used so that they can offer personalized suggestions you’ll love for years to come.
Ready to transform your kitchen cabinets? Contact us today.
Prime your laminate cabinets for the perfect paint job with these tips for surface preparation, paint selection, and application.
Photo: fotosearch.com
Short of committing to a more costly replacement of outdated kitchen storage, repainting laminate cabinets is an affordable way to turn the eyesore into eye-catching, modern cabinetry. But while you may be well-versed in painting most any old wood furnishings, from side tables to pantry doors, laminate is another beast altogether. Not nearly as porous as its wooden lookalike, this type of surface requires unique preparation, paint, and paint application. Follow these best practices to reinvigorate your laminate cabinetry with a fresh face that lasts!
DON’T PAINT OVER DAMAGED LAMINATE
If laminate is cracked, warped, or peeling, that damage can interfere with the bonding of paint to the cabinet. Ensure that the laminate is in good condition by repairing minor laminate damage or re-facing cabinets before applying paint.
DO REMOVE CABINET HARDWARE
Remove knobs, pulls, and other visible cabinet hardware before painting laminate cabinets for smooth paint application without obstructions. You can mask metal on the hinges with painter’s tape and paint the doors in place, or, if the hinges are visible and removable, take the doors down from the cabinets and paint them separately on a work bench or sawhorse.
Photo: Zillow Digs home in New York, NY
DON’T LEAVE DIRT AND GRIT BEHIND
It may be tempting to eyeball your cabinets and decide that any dirt is minimal enough to conceal with a paint job, but your dirty secret will get out when the color fails to adhere well to the laminate. Before you start painting laminate cabinets, gently wipe away settled-on grime and grease using trisodium phosphate. Then, rinse with fresh water and dry the cabinets completely.
DO SAND THE CABINETS
To create a strong bond between the paint and your cabinet, you’ll need to roughen up the slick laminate with the help of a gritty companion: sandpaper. (For better coverage of a large surface area, consider upgrading to a motorized orbital sander. Your upper body will thank you.) Thoroughly scuff the surfaces of the cabinet with 120-grit sandpaper—enough to get a dusting, but not so much that you tear through the paper-thin laminate surface—and clean up any dusty remains with a handheld vacuum and a damp cloth.
Best Paint Brush For Painting Cabinets
DON’T USE ANY OLD PRIMER AND PAINT
Laminate doesn’t play well with all primers and paints, only those specially formulated to adhere to its picky surface. If you opt for a primer, choose a bonding primer tenacious enough to stick to laminate (view example on Amazon), and then top it with an oil- or latex-based paint after the primer has cured. If you select a paint that can be applied directly over laminate (view example on Amazon), you can skip the primer—just know that this qualification may limit your color choice.
Photo: Zillow Digs home in Altanta, GA
DO PUT YOUR PAINT TO THE TEST
Paint in hand, you’re almost ready to get to work. But first, double-check that your stock is well suited for the job. Testing its bonding capabilities before diving into an entire paint job could save you from a case of peeling paint down the road—and the need to redo hours of work. Apply your paint to a small, inconspicuous area of the cabinet (like the back of one you hardly ever open), let it cure, then inspect the bonding. If you spot some bubbles in the coat, that means it is not adhering well; consult a paint dealer at your hardware store to pinpoint a more suitable paint for the job.
DON’T LEAVE BRUSH STROKES BEHIND
If your first-choice paint applicator for the traditionally flat surface of laminate cabinets is a brush, take a moment to reconsider. These popular paint tools tend to leave an unsightly trail of brush strokes in their wake. Opt instead for a roller, sprayer, or a paint pad for a streak-free finish.
DO MINIMIZE YOUR EXPOSURE TO FUMES
Due to the powerful fumes released from the primer and paint (and your close proximity to them when painting laminate cabinets), increase ventilation in the room and keep out children and pets. Lastly, pull on a pair of chemical-resistant work gloves before you go off to paint the town—or perhaps in this case, your cabinets—red!
Best Paint Brush For Painting Bathroom Cabinets
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