Kitchen Cabinets - Remodeling and Updating
By Clinton K. Maxwell

Painting your kitchen cabinets can less costly than refacing or replacing your cabinetry. The most expensive remodeling project is by far replacing kitchen cabinets when doing home improvement. If your cabinets are in reasonable condition, but their finish is bedraggled then painting is a good choice. Instead of forking out a fortune on replacing your cabinets, you can upgrade and renew your kitchen s look for a lot less.

When choosing paint, pick one that is acceptable for your cabinetry. Your local paint store or home improvement store can guide you. Generally speaking, the best paint to use on cabinets is latex, preferably one hundred percent acrylic. It is very durable, sticks easily and is washable.

The best way to apply this type of paint is to use spraying equipment. The finish is much smoother than when applied with a brush. Hardware, paint and home improvement stores rent spray equipment at reasonable prices. However, do plenty of taping to protect any surfaces that you do not wish to paint.

Alternatively, use a good quality brush to paint your cabinets. The higher the brush quality the better. Your local paint store can advise you when selecting the right brush. Basically, synthetic bristles work with some paints and natural ones work better with others. However, avoid using rollers because they leave stippled or roller marks on the surface.

Your first step is to prepare your cabinets, removing each bit of hardware and every door, and marking the location on each one that they came from. Better still, use good quality sandpaper to sand the wood to its bare form. This helps your paint to stick. Also, ensure that you
Remove all remaining residue with mineral spirits.

After doing all the stripping, sanding and cleaning, repair all damages to the doors and cabinets. Putty is great for filling in nicks. However, you will need to let the putty thoroughly dry and sand it well before doing any painting. Then prime the bare wood with an acrylic primer before starting to paint. This will guarantee that the paint will stick to the surfaces.

Usually it is only necessary to use two coats. Let the first one dry thoroughly before proceeding to apply the second coat of paint. Begin your painting with the cabinets first and then your doors. You may wish to use a sawhorse when doing your doors. This will help you reach every edge and avoid drip marks.

Another simple method of improving or updating your kitchen s look is with new hardware. Handles and hinges are generally reusable, but if you are going for a new and updated appearance then you may wish to purchase new ones, but remember to take the old ones with you to ensure the existing spacings and holes match. Newer hinges will be less stiff with use. Newer handles can give your drawers and cabinets a more modern appearance.

Clinton Maxwell usually makes news on themes related to home improvement.

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