It is no secret that outdated or drab wood cabinets detract from your home’s value, especially when you’re trying to sell. However, replacing them can be a costly and time-consuming project, especially if you have to factor in the cost of labor for the removal and installation of new cabinets, countertops, backsplash, millwork, painting and possibly flooring. This is why kitchen cabinet repainting is such an appealing option.
Using the right paint, you can give your existing cabinets an updated look that will make them feel brand-new and add a huge impact to your kitchen. To ensure the best results, start with the cabinet boxes (outside of the face frames) and move to the doors, then the drawer fronts and lastly the interiors. This will help you work more quickly, avoiding any drips or smudges on the most important areas of your kitchen.
Before you begin, clear the workspace and lay down drop cloths to protect your floors and countertops from spills or splatters. Masking off areas that aren’t going to be painted is also a good idea, as is the use of a liquid deglosser and 100-grit sandpaper on the existing finish.
Once the paint has cured, you can reinstall your doors and drawers. Before doing so, be sure to clean the hardware holes and remove any screws that have become loose. You may also want to install new knobs or handles to match your updated cabinet color, though be aware that doing so will require removing the old ones and filling in the holes. If you’re considering this option, be sure to choose a solid bar handle style that will cover up the existing holes and avoid a mismatched look.
If you aren’t ready to replace your cabinet doors, consider cladding the fronts of your cabinets in something like beadboard or reeded or leaded glass. This will give your cabinets a custom, high-end look for a fraction of the cost of a full replacement.
Another way to give your kitchen a unique and unexpected look is to apply wallpaper to a feature wall, the backs of your glass-front cabinets or even the insides of your drawers. This will create a captivating focal point and add personality to your kitchen, while still being practical enough to be wipeable (which is important when working in the kitchen). To learn more about cabinet painting consult a local cabinet painting contractor in your area.