If you have decided that lockdown is the perfect time to spruce up your kitchen cabinets and just need to know where to start then read on
First thing you’ll need to make sure you have the right primers and paints.
- Primer – Depending on the surface you are going over you will need a specific primer to do the job. Best all round primer is Zinsser B-I-N
- 2 pack filler
- A tube of caulk
- Methylated spirits
- Tack clothes
- Undercoat – If using a waterbased finish then best to use waterbased undercoat
- Finish coat – More often than not the finish will be either Satinwood or eggshell. These come in waterbased or oil based.
You will also need to have all the tools necessary to complete the job from start to finish.
- Degreaser & green scouring pads. This is essential!
- Rad rollers with mohair sleeves.
- Small paint tray or scuttle
- 2.5 inch synthetic brushes, at least 2 of these.
- Sandpaper – 180 & 240 grade
- Filling knives & caulk gun
- Some clean rags
- Lining paper
- some masking tape and low tack tape.
- Screwdriver
Steps to take from start to finish.
- Cabinet doors should be removed. Make sure to number each door and its corresponding place.
- Handles should be removed and kept with screws in a safe location.
- Kitchen cabinet doors & carcass need to be cleaned down with the degreaser. Once clean they should be washed with clean water.
- Using the lining paper and masking tape, cover the floor and counter tops around the cabinets. This is to protect the surfaces from paint drops or spillage.
- Once clean the cabinets should be rubbed down by hand using 180 to 240 sandpaper sand paper.
- One coat of primer should be applied evenly.
- Once dry, all gaps, cracks and holes should be filled with a combination of fillers ie caulk and a 2-pack wood filler and sanded where necessary.
- Cabinets & carcass should be spot primed where ever filled.
- Once preparation is complete apply 2 coats of undercoat allowing time to dry between coats.
- Between coats give a light rub down with 240 sandpaper and then wipe down with tack clothes.
- Next 2 coats of eggshell/satinwood should be applied, again allowing to dry between coats.
- Once dry, doors and new handles/knobs will be reattached.
Our Technique
The technique we use when applying paint is key to getting a good finish.
You should use your rad roller to apply an even amount of paint and then use your brush to lay it off.
Juts make sure not to apply too much paint.
In this video you can see how we do it, its very straight forward.
It helps to plan ahead and have an area set out for your doors to dry!
