Inexpensive Redecorating Option: Painted Kitchen Cabinets
Perhaps you have investigated all the popular options for the refurbishment of your kitchen cabinets: custom-made, ready-made -- everything is too expensive. If you feel like there is no hope for you, we have good news for you - you don't have to settle for those grungy-looking kitchen cabinets! Painted kitchen cabinets are a great, inexpensive redecorating option. Why Painted Kitchen Cabinets Will Cost You Less If you choose to have your kitchen cabinets repainted, you will spend much less than if you had new ones installed, that's for sure. This is because painted kitchen cabinets do not normally need to be taken down from your kitchen walls -- you can leave them standing and just paint them. Should You Sand Before Getting Painted Kitchen Cabinets? When you begin this project, you will need to decide whether or not to have your cabinets sanded. You can choose to have them sanded down first, or you can just opt to have painted kitchen cabinets right over the existing finish. Which should you choose? To decide, you will need to take a good look at your cabinets. If they are greatly discolored, distressed (nicks, scratches, etc.) then you should choose to have them sanded down first -- if you do not, you will still see all those nicks and scratches over your newly-painted kitchen cabinets. If You Do Elect To Sand Before Getting Painted Kitchen Cabinets If you choose to sand before getting painted kitchen cabinets, you will need to remove all the hardware from your cabinets first -- all the door knobs, hinges, etc. The doors can be removed and sanded in another location, if you desire. But be aware: sanding kitchen cabinetry is a big job, involving lots of work. If you are not up to it, hire a professional (perhaps the same people who will be painting your kitchen cabinets can also do the sanding beforehand). Painted Kitchen Cabinets: When Painting Day Comes On the day you elect to paint your kitchen cabinets, make sure that you can open your kitchen windows to let the fumes out as the paint dries. Painted kitchen cabinets require time to dry thoroughly (cure), so you will not be able to use your kitchen for at least a day or two. You will need to make other arrangements for feeding your hungry family during that time (did I hear someone say takeout?) Since your kitchen cabinets take a good amount of punishment over the years, painted kitchen cabinets require the application of a hard-wearing coat of paints -- perhaps several. You might also want to consider the application of a hard-shine finish or glaze for added protection. Some woodworkers will advise you that having painted kitchen cabinets requires that you put down at least 2 coats of paint, and I think that's very good advice. One thing that is very important: Do NOT begin putting items back onto your kitchen cabinet shelves until you are absolutely certain that all the surfaces are dry. The weight of cans and dishes can leave a mark on the finish if you load up the shelves before your painted kitchen cabinets are dry. |
