There are a few different methods for cabinet-painting, but they all have their advantages and disadvantages. For the most part, you can use a roller or brush to apply paint to cabinets. Brush and roll methods are more affordable, but they do not guarantee a smooth finish. However, you can still get great results with this method. Read on to learn more. This article also includes information about what tools you will need and what the process will cost.
Primer
Before you can begin your project, you’ll want to use the right primer for cabinet painting. There are several types available and all have their own benefits. Water-based acrylic primers tend to be the easiest to apply, and many people prefer them over oil-based or shellac-based primers. Water-based primers are not as durable as oil-based, but they can be cleaned with soap and water after application.
Tools
A good paint brush is essential to a successful cabinet internet painting job. While rollers can work well for large panels, a good quality brush is much more efficient. A three to four-inch square brush is ideal for large flat panels, while angled brushes in the two to three-inch range are better for coating entire door frames in one pass. Latex paint requires a synthetic-bristle brush while oil-based paint requires a natural-bristle brush.
Cost
Cabinet painting costs vary from one to two dollars per square foot, but you can expect to pay an average of $3 to $10 per linear foot, depending on the size and complexity of your cabinets. Hiring a professional will typically cost between $350 and $700 per cabinet door. This estimate includes sanding, primer and two top coats of paint, and can range from $300 to $500. Professional painting services usually charge about $200 per hour, but if you’re a DIYer, the cost could be as low as $400. If you’re looking for a quick fix to upgrade the look of your kitchen, consider a DIY project.
Reliability
If you want your cabinets to look great, hiring a professional cabinet painter is important. This contractor must have a proven track record of quality cabinet painting and valid insurance. A contractor must have liability coverage as most do, which will cover any damages or injuries that result from the work. Without insurance, you would be responsible for these costs. In addition, contractors who employ employees must have workers’ compensation insurance to protect your property.
Antiqued look
For a more worn-in, antiqued look, consider painting your cabinets in a distressed finish. Depending on the style of your home, an antiqued look can be achieved by two methods: crackle painting and glazing. Crackle painting involves applying two different types of paint to your cabinets. First, you apply a base coat, then a crackle glaze, and finally a final top coat. As you go, the top coat of paint will begin to crack and sand away, giving your cabinets a worn-in look. Be sure to choose a water-based crackle paint, as oil-based paint will not adhere to it.
Refaced cabinets
Refaced cabinets are cabinets that have been previously repainted, refinished, or stripped. Before they can be refaced, they must be removed from the cabinets and their drawer fronts replaced. The doors and drawers should be replaced with a new veneer that highlights the cabinet details and covers the exposed sides and bottoms. Many refacers choose to use laminates or rigid thermofoil to replace the cabinet’s existing doors and drawers. These materials will lower the quality of the final product and may not be a good choice if you want to keep the layout and feel of your existing kitchen.