Cabinet refinishing is an excellent option for homeowners looking to update their kitchens without spending the money on a complete renovation. However, this process requires some planning.
A quality Cabinet Refinishing Modesto Anchor job can add a significant amount of value to your home. It can also make your cabinets feel brand new.
A coat of primer may seem like an extra step, but it’s the best way to ensure your finished project looks its very best. It is also the only way to protect your cabinets from damage and stains in the future, particularly in moisture-prone areas such as your kitchen.
Cabinet paint, which is specially formulated to hold up well in a moisture-prone environment, requires a smooth surface for proper adhesion. Without it, the paint will peel and chip easily. The best way to prevent this is with a quality primer, such as KILZ 3(r) PREMIUM Primer. It not only lays down an excellent foundation for your new finish, but it also provides mildew-resistant protection that is important in a steamy kitchen.
There are many different kinds of primers, so choose one that is compatible with your cabinets’ material (such as wood or laminate) and any staining or other damage they have sustained. Shellac-based primers, such as BIN Shellac Based Primer, work very well for cabinet surfaces and provide strong stain blocking abilities. If you’re painting over a dark color, consider using a high-hiding primer, such as Fresh Start(r) High-Hiding All-Purpose Primer. It’s the go-to choice of many professional painters for drastic paint color changes, and it hides even the most stubborn stains.
Adhesion primers are good for slick surfaces, such as glossy paint or laminate, and provide a solid base for your new finish. They can be more expensive than other primers, but they also provide the best bond to your existing finish and won’t peel or chip as easily.
Latex primers are good for most surfaces, including wood and laminate. They’re a good choice for most DIYers because they’re less expensive than oil-based primers and can be used with a wide range of paints, including low-VOC latex paints.
Once your cabinets have been primed, you can begin the painting process. Be sure to use a mask to protect your face and eyes from spray paint fumes, and always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for respiratory protection, ventilation, and clean-up steps. Paint can be applied with a brush and roller or a paint sprayer.
Stain
Refinishing adds a splash of color to your cabinetry and enhances the natural wood grain. While stain saturates the surface, it still allows some of the natural wood to show through, depending on your chosen shade. Lighter stains create open and airy looks, while darker finishes add depth and coziness to your kitchen design.
Before you start staining, remove the handles and knobs from the cabinets and wipe down the cabinet surfaces. Clean them thoroughly to ensure the new finish adheres well. You may need to scrub the surfaces to remove grease and other scuff marks. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) mixed with water works well for this task and is readily available as a spray, powder or liquid. Follow all manufacturer recommendations for preparing the surface to be stained.
Thoroughly stir the stain product to distribute the color pigments evenly throughout. If you’re using a gel stain, pour it into a plastic container rather than the can it came in, as this makes it easier to dip the paintbrush bristles into. Starting on the bevels and textured areas of cabinet doors and drawer fronts, apply the stain, working in the direction of the wood grain. Wipe away excess as needed, then move to flat sections of the surfaces. Avoid applying too much stain at once, as this can lead to uneven coloring and blotching.
Allow the stain to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, allowing sufficient ventilation to speed up drying and reduce odours. Once the stain is completely dry, you can reattach the cabinet doors and drawer fronts to their hinges. Consider sealing your cabinetry with a polyurethane sealer to enhance durability and protect the finish from damage.
Staining your cabinets is an affordable way to give them a fresh, updated look. However, it’s important to keep in mind that refinishing won’t completely change the appearance of your cabinets. Depending on the original condition of your cabinets and the quality of the work, you may need to refinish them again sooner than you might expect due to pre-existing damage or normal wear and tear.
Topcoat
A topcoat provides a clear, glossy sheen on cabinet surfaces that helps protect paint and wood from damage. It’s best to use a water-based topcoat that is compatible with your painted cabinets. If you’re unsure which type to choose, test the product on a small area of your cabinets or on a piece of wood before applying it to your cabinets.
A high-quality topcoat is a necessary step to ensure your new cabinet paint job looks its best and lasts longer. Look for a product that is specifically designed to be used on cabinets, such as General Finishes High Performance topcoat. This product is durable and fast-drying, and it comes in both oil-based and water-based formulas. It also requires little cleanup after application and is easy to apply with a brush or roller.
Before applying the topcoat, it is important to remove all hardware from your cabinets and prep the surface for painting by removing any sticky residue or debris. Masking tape is recommended to isolate areas that will not be painted, and a drop sheet or other protective covering should be placed underneath your workspace to catch any paint splatters. Once the cabinet face frames and drawer fronts are protected, they can be sanded with medium-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface and improve paint adhesion. After sanding, wipe down the cabinets and clean the sanding dust with a damp cloth or paper towel.
Polyurethane and varnish provide a hard, durable coating that is resistant to moisture damage, scratches, and UV rays. They are typically applied with a brush or roller, and several thin coats are required for maximum durability. Oil-based polyurethane has a slight amber tint and is typically used on wood, while water-based products dry clear and can be used on other surfaces.
Wax and furniture polish can be used as an alternative to polyurethane or varnish, but it doesn’t offer the same level of protection and must be reapplied regularly for optimal results. It does, however, add a natural sheen to the wood and can help prevent moisture damage.
Cleaning
Cabinets are one of the first surfaces that attract messes. Dirty knobs and handles can be a health risk, harboring bacteria such as salmonella, as well as an eyesore. Regular cleaning is important to keep them looking good and preventing build-up of grease, grime and other contaminants.
Use a mild liquid dish soap and warm water to clean cabinets, or combine equal parts of vinegar and water to create a natural cleaning solution that is effective and safe for wood cabinetry. Vinegar is great for removing grease and disinfecting surfaces without damaging the finish. Be sure to rinse with water to ensure no acid is left behind that could cause discoloration over time.
Avoid using harsh cleansers, such as ammonia, bleach, solvents, harsh scouring pads and paint thinners, on finished wood. These can damage the surface and void your warranty. If you find a particularly stubborn stain, try mixing baking soda with a little water to make a paste. Apply this to the stain and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then wipe it away with a damp cloth. Rinse the surface with clean water, and dry with a soft cloth.
If you notice a sticky residue on cabinet hardware, soak the knobs and handles in warm soapy water for a few minutes. Then wipe them with a clean damp cloth and let them dry completely before reattaching them to the cabinets.
A non-drying oil, such as olive, coconut or tung oil, can be applied to wood furniture to help protect it from moisture damage and discoloration. When using these oils, be sure to wipe up any excess afterward, as they can leave a film that attracts dirt and dust. Avoid using waxes or other self-polishing products on cabinetry, as they can build up over time and create a dull appearance.
