As far as DIY kitchen projects go, painting your cabinets is one of the most wallet-friendly ways to give the room a makeover. Painting cabinets requires more skill and time than walls, but the complexity only leads to a more significant transformation once finished. Red Star Paint has everything you need, including Benjamin Moore ADVANCE® Interior Paint, to make your cabinets look brand new.
Choose a Color
Since painting cabinets is much more involved than other DIY projects around your home, you want to select a color that you’ll enjoy for several years. This may seem daunting and nudge you toward choosing a neutral shade but don’t be afraid of using more bold hues. Use whatever color feels right, and you could even include a few, making use of a new accent color to make your cabinets pop.
Prep Your Work Area
An adequately prepped workstation is essential for good results. Remove all shelving, hardware, and doors from your cabinets, and give them a deep cleaning. Don’t forget to clean those frames, too. You can restore luster to your hardware by soaking it overnight in vinegar. Use a drop cloth or newspaper to cover your countertops and floor, and apply painter’s tape to any hard-to-reach areas, such as corners. Create a level surface using caulk to fill in any cracks or dents and let it dry thoroughly before moving on.
It’s Time to Sand
Sanding the cabinets and frames is essential for the smooth application of paint. Grab some 120-grit sandpaper and go with the grain to gently smooth the surface. If you’re working with hardwood sand down to the bare wood, while engineered wood needs just enough sanding to create a character for the primer to adhere to.
Setting the Stage with Primer
A flawless paint job can’t happen without properly priming the surface. Use a multi-surface primer, such as Fresh Start High-Hiding All Purpose Primer, to set your cabinets up for a spotlight-stealing finish. Allow the initial coat to dry before lightly sanding the cabinets again. It’s a tedious but essential step, trust us. Also, altogether remove any dust before proceeding to the next stage.
Pop the Top on the Semi-Gloss
Nobody wants to end up with a “good enough” paint finish. We suggest using a 2-inch angled brush and a mini microfiber paint roller to get the best results. Start with the frames and apply two coats for superior coverage. When you’re ready for the doors, know that this will be the most time-consuming part of the entire project. This is because you must paint both sides and let each coat dry thoroughly before continuing. Paint the backside of the door first and allow 24 hours of dry time between coats. Once you’ve completed the front side, leave your cabinets undisturbed for at least 48 hours before replacing the hardware and doors. Now, sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Contact Us
Are you ready to refresh your cabinets? Let our friendly, knowledgeable team help you choose the perfect Benjamin Moore paint color to coordinate with the rest of your kitchen. We’ve been in the premium paint and window treatments business for over 20 years, and we love what we do. Call us at (973) 746-2468, and we’ll get your order ready for convenient curbside pick-up. We’re located in Montclair, NJ, and are pleased to serve the surrounding areas, including Montclair, Glen Ridge, Livingston, and Bloomfield, NJ.