Refacing & Painting Kitchen Cabinets Cost Guide

How to reface and paint kitchen cabinets? How much does a kitchen cabinet paint job cost? We answer all these questions and much more in our latest guide.

Refacing is handy when you are on a tight budget and want to improve your kitchen. Also, it is way better than replacing your cabinet if the cabinet boxes are in excellent condition. In short, refacing is to your cabinet what a new paint job is to your car. It is interchangeable with resurfacing meaning that the front and the visible parts of your kitchen cabinets are getting a facelift. We advise looking into refacing before you pull down your cabinets. Other cabinetry improvement options you might be interested in are:

Resurfacing – Though it is a tad different from refacing, the two terms are used interchangeably in the surfacing industry, and in essence, they are the same. Resurfacing involves laminating the current cabinet framework or covering with wood veneer replacement material. You get to keep your existing cabinet boxes (as long as they are in sound condition), but also uplift your cabinetry giving it an updated look. You will also replace the side panels, molding, and face frames to harmonize all aspects of your cabinetry. This means replacing your knobs and pulls as well to finish the transformation.

Refinishing – If you want a low-cost option to give your kitchen a new look, you might want to look into refinishing. The difference between refacing and refinishing cabinetry is that you keep all your cabinet components and only change the finish. I.e., the paint job. This beats refacing in that it is more cost and eco-friendly since it contributes very little to the landfill. You can refinish either by sanding or stripping the existing paint job and applying new paint or stain.

Most homeowners report that budget constraint is one of the significant hurdles during the renovation. A kitchen renovation is no exception, and cabinets often take 50% of the kitchen renovation budget. Also, in previous years it was cheaper to move from into a new and better house, but current economic conditions don’t allow that. Renovating your existing space and at an affordable price becomes the next best option. When looking into refacing your cabinets, there are a couple of things you should consider first.

The finishing touch – When refacing, ensure that you complete the transformation with new hardware. Your cabinet pulls contribute to your kitchen style, and replacing them will go a long way in giving your kitchenette a modern outlook. You can also redecorate the interior with veneer or rotating shelves and pull-out drawers.

Functionality – Remember, refacing your cabinets does not mean it improves their functionality. If your cabinetry doesn’t work, refacing though inexpensive will be a waste of money. We advise replacing them albeit expensive.

Quality – Refacing is only an option if the cabinet boxes are high quality. Otherwise, consider replacement. Although it is going to be more expensive, it has long-term benefits. And ensure the structure is of top condition when replacing.

Construction – Don’t throw good money after bad. Before refacing, meticulously inspect your frames for any signs of damage. There are instances where water might have leaked owing to poor plumbing and damaged your boxes. Wear and tear is another factor that reduces the viability of your boxes. You want to identify such issues before you engage a surfacing company seeing as it will be squandering resources as you will be forced to repair your cabinets in the long run.

Age – Consider the age of your cabinets. You might be forced to dig up old records which can be painstaking, but the benefits are unrivaled. After all, what benefit will it be to you to spend on cabinets that are falling apart? However, research by Kitchen Tune-up, a surfacing company found out that older boxes are sturdier than newer boxes and ideal for refacing. Old age, therefore, doesn’t imply that your frames need to be replaced. Consult with your contractor first.

Open shelving – Consider open shelving if your cabinets need a facelift but you are on a tight budget. When refacing, you are forced to replace the doors and the hardware. By just getting rid of the door, you drastically cut the amount it would have taken you to reface the cabinets. You can redirect this amount to refurbishing the shelves or add beadboard backs.

The Process

Cabinetry refacing and painting involves uplifting some parts of the cabinet while replacing others. Case in point, the doors, and hardware. You will have to remove your cabinet doors and replace them. The same goes for the knobs and pulls. However, the drawers will only need a facelift but just if they are in excellent condition. Often most surfacing companies will remove and replace the front options. As for the cabinet boxes, expect the contractor to veneer them with rigid thermofoil or wood, while the sides are skinned with laminate or lumber veneer. You will also need new hinges and other accessories such as handles and pulls. Finally, you can consider additions such as crown molding or custom pot drawers for a unique look.

Pros of Refacing

To start us off, refacing your cabinetry will save you about 40% to 50% compared to replacing it. However, don’t confuse it for a dirt-cheap substitute to new cabinetry. To paint a more realistic picture, new cabinets will set you back around $12,000 while refacing costs about $7,000. So not exactly cheap, but the difference between the two is somewhat a small fortune.

Second, it is eco-friendly. Other than refinishing, refacing is your next best option if you are environmentally conscious. First, it keeps cabinet boxes from the landfill which is a great benefit bearing in mind that most boxes are made of MDF which comprises of formaldehyde a hazardous chemical. By avoiding the disposal of these boxes, refacing reduces the introduction of the dangerous chemical into the environment. Also, it prevents the wanton destruction of forests to construct new boxes.

Another reason to reface your cabinets is the time it saves you. Typically, replacing your cabinets can take weeks. This means you cannot use your kitchen for the said period and you will have strangers in your house for quite some time. On the other hand, refacing will take two to four days, you can use your kitchen as the renovations are going on. A three-day schedule, might involve removing the doors and hardware on the first day, veneering on the second, and install new doors and accessories on the third day.

Another benefit of refacing is you get to maintain your kitchen layout. Though this may be a disadvantage, it is good for homeowners who have appropriately designed cabinetry.

Finally, cabinet facelift doesn’t require you to get a permit. Talk about cost friendly while conversely constructing new cabinets will cost you several hundred dollars in licenses.

Cons of Refacing

Refacing has its shortcoming too, and top of the list is that you are left with the same design which should be good news, but only if you had a functional kitchen. Refacing will do little to help your kitchen design.

Tough to DIY. Not impossible but tough. Refacing your cabinetry is an engaging process. Sorry to disappoint if you thought you could save some extra money by DIYing. This activity needs specialization, and these are skills most homeowners don’t have.

Another disadvantage is that the boxes will remain. You are still stuck with your 20-year-old cabinet boxes.

Finally, there is waste associated with refacing. Despite it being touted as eco-friendly, it will still produce waste, and there is no guarantee that the company you hire will dispose of the waste appropriately.

Refacing Costs Involved

Like any other construction task, some factors will influence the price. First will be the materials used. If your primary reason for refacing your cabinets is the low cost involved, then you will want to avoid extravagant finishes. Also, the materials you use to reface will determine the final value. Your home’s location from chief suppliers can drive up the costs involved. That aside, most homeowners report spending between $4,100 and $9,200 with the national average being $6,663. Nevertheless, there are instances where the amount can exceed $10,000 or be as little as $1,500 but these are exceptions.

Costs Based on Material

There are various material options available to use. Note though, that some are going to be expensive than others.

Wood Veneer

If you are looking for real wood patterns and a smooth surface finish, you might want to consider wood veneer. Not only are you spoilt for choice, but it will last for years once sealed, and with very minimal care. Expect a price between $2,500 and $6,000 depending on the size of your cabinets. For a better understanding, wood veneer are strips of very extremely thin wood that you install on exposed areas.

This is good news as you don’t have to incur the absurd costs of purchasing wood. It is also available in many wood tones such as oak, cherry, birch, maple, etc. Though it costs 10% to 25% higher than laminates, it is an attractive option to look into. Some shortcomings of wood veneer are that it is quite heated sensitive and the edges and corners will start chipping over time. Also, it needs to be sealed to be water resistant. Other than that, it is quite durable and will serve you for years.

Plastic Laminate

If you are looking for refacing material that is more affordable, plastic veneer is a good prospect. These will set you back between $1,000 and $3,000 depending on the scale of the project and the type of laminate you use. Plastic laminates are available in two forms. First, we have melamine which is a low-pressure laminate. It has the advantage of being cheaper, but cannot handle abuse. You might want to think long term here and invest in Formica laminate. Formica can withstand a lot of abuse seeing as it is high-pressure laminate.

Rigid Thermofoil

RDF is the most economical option on MDF (medium density fiberboard) available and will set you back between $1,000 and $3,000. Weird seeing as plastic laminate costs the same, right? Well, rigid thermofoil comes with extra benefits that plastic laminate doesn’t provide. First, you will have a clean painted look without the brush strokes. Also, it can be shaped over any range of doors from cathedral to arched doors, seeing as it the material is a malleable pressure molded material. Finally, you can have the amiable look of wood without having to pay an arm for it. The only shortcoming is that it will chip over time more so on the corners and edges and it is heat sensitive.

Solid Wood

The last option available is solid wood. This will apply to the doors but cannot be used to cover exposed areas. Also, it is not for homeowners on a budget as it will set you back upwards of $5,000. However, it is a sound investment as it can last for years once installed. Though wood could dent and scratch, it can be repaired and refinished. Finally, the warm look of wood is unequaled.

Finally, do not forget the extras. When revamping your cabinetry, you might want to install new hinges, pulls and handles. These make a statement and will give your kitchen an ultra-modern look. As for the price, they can be as low as $2 or as high as $50 for high-end accessories. Also, ensure your contractor will be okay putting in individually purchased fittings. Some companies will not agree to install fixtures that aren’t purchased through them. Also, budget an extra 7% to 15%above the contractors estimate to cover any occurrences. There are instances where the actual amount required exceeds the quoted sum. The additional 15% should be enough to cater for this. Finally, you will need an in-house consultation to ascertain how much you will need.

Pros	Min	Max
Wood Veneer	$2,500	$6,000
Plastic Laminate	$1,000	$3,000
Rigid Thermofoil	$1,000	$3,000
Solid Wood	$5,000+

DIY Refacing Costs

It is possible to DIY your cabinet refacing. Although it’s going to be tough, it is not entirely impossible. With the right experience and tools, you can have your cabinets as good as new. Before we get into the materials and equipment costs, you will have to figure out how much your time is worth. It is essential to calculate the material costs as well as the cost of the time you will have to put in the project.

Typically, depending on your experience and the number of people helping you, you are looking at 3 to 5 days. Cost wise, assuming your time is worth $20 an hour, you are looking at $500 to $800 on labor. That aside, you will need to invest or borrow some construction tools. They include a caulk gun which will set you back around $6, a circular saw for $40, a file ($6), Forstner drill bits for around $20, a drill ($50, we advise getting a cordless drill as it will be easier to work with), a miter saw which is the most expensive tool at about $95, a brad nail gun which will set you back $25, and finally a screwdriver. It’s best you get a four in one screwdriver for only $10.

Tools aside, you will have to purchase some materials. We advise staying away from RTF as it requires a lot of technicalities. For homeowners with arched cabinet doors, we recommend hiring a pro as only they are equipped to handle RTF. Otherwise, you will need a self-sticking veneer ($25), adjustable cup hinges which will set you back $40 per box. The total cost will, therefore, depend on the number of boxes you have. You will also require a 2 part wood filler ($35), denatured alcohol for about $8, brad nails which will set you back $12, veneer scrapper ($11) to get rid of worn out veneer, and plywood which will set you back about $9.

Before you DIY, you ought to gauge your skill. If you believe you are handy, then break a leg, otherwise, engage a professional. However, if you are interested in DIYing but lack the requisite skills, we advise working alongside your surfacing company.

Labor – First, you can provide labor which will save you the amount you would have spent on the company’s employees.

Finishing touches – You can put in the final fixtures such as knobs and handles. Also, you can ask your contractor do the painting. Any combination of professional and DIY is set to work.

Additional Considerations

These will apply to only when you engage a professional.

First, arrange for them (surfacing company) to discard the materials. Ensure this is stipulated in the contract to avoid conflict with the contractor about who is responsible for dumping the elements. Also, ensure that it is not disposed of in a nearby landfill.

You might take this opportunity to upgrade your moldings. Ensure they are matching with the new cabinet look.

Tips on How to Hire a Proficient Surfacing Company

Market Research

When you are looking to hire a contractor to be it for cabinet refacing or any other project, you want to ensure you only employ the best and most affordable company. This is can be painstaking but conducting some due diligence comes in handy when it comes to getting a reliable contractor. Seeing as we live in the digital age, most homeowners rely on search engines to get prospects. Search engines are useful only if you know what to look for. First just because a company appears at the top of a search list doesn’t mean they are good at refacing. You will need to check the reviews and ratings they receive. These reviews from past clients will give you a feel for their work. Avoid the testimonials on an institution’s website, as they have the motive to fill it with positive remarks.

You might want to speak to people about their experience with local refacing companies. People’s opinions, remarks, and experiences will help you in shortlisting credible companies. Finally, there are institutions dedicated to ensuring homeowners hire reliable contractors. One such organization is Angie’s List, where you can get the work history of any company. You can also look up a company on Better Business Bureau (BBB) for their work history, and legal complaints taken against them. We advise you use a combination of these when selecting prospects.

Market Reputation

Market reputation goes hand in hand with market research. You want to use a reputable institution to reface your cabinets. For an organization to get to a point where they are regarded as market leaders in their industry, it means they have put in a considerable amount of money and time, to educate and improve themselves and their employees. We advise working with such institutions. Yes, they might be expensive, but you are assured of quality work.

See them Work

You will only get the best feel of a cabinet servicing company’s work when you see them work. Of your prospects, ask if you can catch them in action. The odds are you will get a feel of what they are about, and the quality of their work when you see them in action. While at it, speak to their employees. Talking to them will help you gauge their level of expertise and see if it is a company you can work with. Ask pertinent questions and see how they respond to them. Though following companies around is tasking, it will pay off.

Experience and Methodology

It beats logic to hire a novice to handle such delicate work in your home. Remember, cabinet refacing is a demanding task, and that is the reason you are hiring professionals. Hiring a beginner beats the logic of the entire process. Ensure the institutions you are considering have at least five years’ experience in the industry. It does not always hold true that the older a company is, the better their services (there are instances where recently established businesses outdo old institutions), but you can rest assured they are legit and have streamlined their services.

Estimates

As a rule, you should always ask for at least three quotes when you are hiring any contractor. First, though you ought to have narrowed your list to the three most reliable contractors you can come across. When asking for bids, ensure they are bidding on the same job. You, therefore, know what to expect. However, though the quotes might fall in the same category, expect a variance as different businesses have different overheads and operational expenses.

That aside, watch out for quotes that are either too high or too low. When the estimates are too low, there is a likelihood that the institution just wants to get a leg into your home and charge you later on. Also, if one of the three estimates is way above the other two, there is a possibility that you are dealing with a con. Avoid such quotations. The bids should be free, and they should first conduct an in-person inspection. Kitchen cabinets are not made the same, and a phone guestimate will not work.

How to Avoid Scams

Most home improvement industries are riddled with cons. The cabinet surfacing industry is no exemption. First, as a homeowner, you need to know who their targets are. Fraudulent contractors often target the elderly as they tend to be more trusting. Also, first-time homeowners are easy prey as they haven’t had such undertakings before, and don’t understand how the industry works. Watch out, if you are a first-time homeowner. However, this doesn’t mean that other persons aren’t susceptible to home improvement scams. Everyone is a target, but there is a likelihood that you will catch most frauds with the steps outlined below.

Use local contractors, with an address, and a professional to answer calls.

That’s a mouthful, but the above are the first steps in ensuring you are hiring a professional. First, most cons are from out of state making them hard to track should anything go wrong. By avoiding them and using local contractors, you reduce the risk of being duped. Also, it is difficult to check the work history of out of state businesses, let alone catch them in action. Local contractors, on the other hand, are easy to track, and easy to find them in action, and you can verify their work history.

It would be folly to take a contractor’s word that he is from within the state. You are just setting yourself for disappointment if you don’t put the extra effort to verify his address. Any credible contractor should have a verifiable address. It does not have to be an elaborate commercial setting but converting a room in his/her house to an office will suffice. The will to put in resources in time and money to create an office speaks tons about an individual, and this is a contractor to be trusted. Again, don’t take his/her word for it but pop in to verify.

Finally, any credible cabinet servicing institution should always hire a professional to answer calls. Going that extra mile to hire professionals to answer their calls means they are in it for the long-term.

Check a company’s history.

This is an old business trick, and as a homeowner, you are advised to ask how old a company is if you are looking to engage them in construction or home improvement job. An older business doesn’t mean you are going to get quality work. Matter of fact is most new businesses will perform a better job. However, since you are looking to avoid scams, it’s best you engage an established company. Ask how many years they have been operating and under what names. You can look them up on BBB to certify they gave you the correct information. Never take a company’s word for it. While at it, you can check the number of legal complaints filed against the institution and how the responded to it. However, review the allegations against the number of cabinets refacing tasks a company undertakes in a year. We advise engaging a company with say 6 to 20 charges but handles over 1000 cabinet servicing tasks a year than one with a spotless record but handles only 50 to 100 contracts.

Payments.

Remember, most cons are out to defraud you. Therefore, the best way to ensure you get value for your money is to ensure you track every cent. First, never make full payments at the beginning of the job. There is no guarantee that the cabinet servicing company will come to complete the task once payment has been made. Most companies will ask for a deposit that will be used as down payment for the materials they purchase. Ensure the discount doesn’t exceed 20% of the total budget. Otherwise, the rest of the fees should be made according to the agreed schedule which should be stipulated in the contract. Also, the final amount should only be released when you have inspected the work and are comfortable with your new cabinet look.

Also, avoid making cash payments. Any credible institution, contractor will ensure you make payments through the proper channels. Avoid any contractors who insist on cash payments. For one, cash payments are difficult to track and thus you can be subjected to double fees. Cheques or bank transfers leave a paper trail which shows evidence of payments made. Also, there is some comfort in knowing that a credible company with a valid address exists on the other end of that payment.

Avoid offers and special discounts.

In conclusion, we all love paying less for home improvements, and the thought of saving that extra dime can make you sign detrimental contracts. Most of these special offers are only designed to benefit the company, and you will be faced with much higher charges than previously stipulated. Also, the price can be higher than competitors and is only made so that you don’t consider other contractors.

Kitchen Cabinet Painting

Cabinet painting is another cost effective way to give your drawers a facelift. You can have your cabinets looking all new without having to spend a fortune.

Costs to Paint a Kitchen Cabinet

Often the question is whether to DIY or not to DIY. You can paint your cabinets, but remember it is labor intensive and not exactly free. First, there is the time it will take you to paint and you might end up purchasing materials that the contractor already has. You can hire a contractor but you will end up paying more for labor.

Nonetheless, below are the costs associated with hiring a contractor, but first the factors that influence the final amount.

Location

Just like everything else, rent, groceries, transport, etc., you will pay more if you reside in a big city than you would if you reside further out.

Materials

The cost of paint and other job supplies is the largest variable cost. There are paints that will set you back well over $50 per gallon, while others only cost $25 for every gallon. Given the huge difference, you might be tempted to save on supplies, but the result will not be as desired. You get what you pay for in materials so don’t skimp out.

Layout of the Kitchen

The layout here refers to the size. Bigger kitchens with more cabinetry will be more expensive to paint. Larger cabinetry means more person-hours, and more resources. A pro can charge on a square foot basis or according to the number of doors and drawers. Say, $100 per door, and $25 per drawer.

As for the costs, most homeowners report spending about $1,000. However, this is subject to the above factors. The cost of job supplies and related materials will set you back around $200. These materials include masking tape and paper, primers, surface repair, and clean-up supplies. Painting your cabinets should take between 8 and 10 hours but the average time is often 8.9 hours. Expect to pay between $277 and $675 for labor with favourable site conditions. The cost covers everything from preparations (that is, removing doors and hardware, masking adjacent areas, cleaning, sanding, and repairing minor defects)

As for the paint, be prepared to pay between $33 and $95. The paint is enough to cover 129 square feet. The paint, exterior enamel paint, is latex based and is primer and paint in one. You therefore don’t have to worry about priming your surfaces. Finally, you have to pay for specialty equipment. Equipment allowance is cost for tools used for job quality, and efficiency e.g., a spray painter. Expect to pay between $41 and $56 for these.

Cabinet Painting Considerations

According to your cabinets, the painting process will be different as will the price. One top factor is when dealing with custom cabinets. Unlike factory finished cabinets, custom made aren’t stained before they are sold. They therefore require more prep work which translates into you paying more. You can send them out for preparation, or hire a contractor to do it. Either way, it is going to cost you an arm. Also, you might want to consider whether it’s worth it to paint custom cabinets. It’s more expensive to prepare the units than it is to paint them.

You should also consider the paint type you are going to use. It not only influences the cost, but the longevity of your work, and the appearance. The paint-type determines how fast or slowly your paint job will wear, whether it is resistant to water and grime, and whether or not it chips. The choice you make here will determine the result you get. As for the types, paints are either water, oil, or latex based.

Oil and water-based paints – These paints are often used by professionals when applying the top layer. The reason for this is because they form a good hard and durable coat. They are impermeable to moisture, and can withstand abuse during their drying period. If you have kids around, you might want to consider using these paints. However, they have a high amount of volatile organic compounds and will give off air pollutants.

Latex-based paints – You can also consider using latex-based paints though they take longer than to dry than oil-based. It can be two weeks longer. Also, they are susceptible to damage during their drying period and you have to keep pets and children away for as long. However, they are easy for DIY, and you can easily clean them with water. Should you decide to use latex-based paints, ensure it is 100 per cent acrylic and not vinyl. Acrylic is more durable, and has better adhesion.

Another consideration to make is on the paint color. The paint shade depends on your design and preference. However, if you have kids, consider using chalkboard paint on which your kids can draw and paint. It is also easy to clean so you don’t have to worry about stains. Finally, you can mix and match colors if you are feeling creative. Most homeowners prefer white but you can paint your cabinets blue, gray, black, brown, or even green.

Benefits of Painting your Cabinets

Painting has several benefits over staining your cabinets. First, it gives you more design options. Staining your drawers results in the same brown and whitewashed colors, which is bland, and lacks the appeal. Painting on the other hand gives you more wiggle room. There are different colors you can paint your cabinets and there is still the option of mixing and matching.

Paints will give you a better appearance than stain and more so if you are looking to refinish your cabinetry. Staining on the other hand not so much. First, you can never go lighter when trying to re-stain cabinets. The outcome will always be darker. Also the result will be blotchy due to sanding. Stain often gets into the wood pores. However, the result is ever the same owing to the uniformity. The result is not the same the second time round. First, you will have to sand the surfaces. Nonetheless, you cannot sand down completely to remove the stain in the pores. The stain therefore fills in heavier in some pores bringing about the blotchiness. Painting, doesn’t have such issues though.

Finally, painting is better than filling. If your cabinetry is scratched and dinged to the point of needing filler repair, you are better off painting. After all, the surfaces will still need to be painted after the filler.

Painting Tips

If you are looking to DIY, below are some tips. As for the cost, be ready to spend between $200 and $600. And though it sounds cheap, be sure to know how much your time is worth.

Protect your surfaces – Painting is a messy job. Without taking the appropriate precautions, you can find yourself in a predicament as you will end up with paint all over your countertops, backsplashes and floor. That’s why covering these surfaces should be top of the list of things to do. You can use a brown builder’s paper or rosin paper, and you will have enough left for future painting projects.

Remove doors and hardware – Yes, it might be easier to paint with the drawer fonts still attached, but we advise you remove them for a more neater professional job. You don’t want the hinges and other hardware covered in paint, or with paint slopped over drawer interiors. If the doors are part of the cabinet, and cannot be removed, cover the areas you don’t want to paint with masking tape. These include the sides, bottom, and hinges.

Label the doors – Before you take down the doors, label the doors and their corresponding drawers. Having done that, screwing them back on will be a breeze. Start by drawing a sketch of your cabinets showing all doors and drawers and attaching a random number to each. Afterward, remove the doors and write the number associated with it on a place where it isn’t visible. The same number should be written on the corresponding drawer. Write under the hinge locations and cover with tape so as not to paint over them.

Clean the Surfaces – Even the best paint won’t stick to dusty and greasy surfaces. Dirt reduces the adhesion of any surface and it will only be a waste of time and resources. Clean the cabinets with a grease cutting solution. A grease remover like TSP should suffice. You can also use a dishwashing liquid though it isn’t the best solution. Finally, rinse the surfaces, wipe with a clean rag, and wait for the surface to dry.

Sanding – Sanding gives the paint a good surface to grip sanding required depends on how coarse your surface is. If your cabinets have a factory finish, we advise you use the light 120-grit sand paper. However, if your surfaces are much coarse, the 100-grit sandpaper will be more effective followed by the 120-grit paper to remove the sanding marks.

Primers – If time is a constraint, you can use fast drying primers. Nevertheless, we advise you take your time with cabinet painting for better results. Pros, advise you use oil-based primers as they level well and dry slowly. You therefore have enough time to work and you don’t have to worry about brush marks.

Open grain – Some wood, e.g. oak, have grain with many open pores. The pores will show through finishes, and it is very unlikely you will have a smooth finish. It’s okay to leave the grain, but you will have to put in more work for a charming finish. Applying several coats of a high-build primer can help cover the pores. Also, you can sand between coats until the apertures are covered or use spackling to fill the holes.

Vacuum the surfaces – For an exquisite paint job, you have to ensure there is no dust left over after sanding. The dust reduces the adhesion ruining your work. Start by vacuuming the surfaces. You can use a vacuum cleaner with soft bristles to get rid of the loose particles. You still have to remove the rest of the dust. Get a tack cloth and wipe it gently over the doors, and cabinet frames. Get a new one when it loses its dust grabbing ability.

Tools and techniques – You might be tempted to use a brush, but we advise you leave such tools to the experts. Only a professional can work wonders with brushes. For a beginner, get a roller and any one of these sleeves: mohair, microfiber, or foam. They should work best for someone with little painting experience. Finally, follow the wood grain with you final brushstrokes.

Strain your paint – Though the paint might be new, experts say that you should strain it to remove all lumps that could mar your work. You can use paper cone filters available at any paint department.

How to make paint last

The only shortcoming of paint is that it doesn’t last as long as stain. It chips, and wears faster unlike stain which dyes the wood. However, this is not to say that paint cannot last. If done properly, and with the appropriate maintenance, a paint job should last for 10 years.

Start by lining the inside of your cabinets with paper. That is if you painted the inside. The paper keeps you from scrapping away the surfaces when pulling out and putting away utensils. Also, you might want to install handles and knobs on the door so as not to touch the paint. Remember that one of paint’s greatest enemies is grease and dirt. Oils from your fingers will break down the paint ruining the look of your cabinets.

Cleaning your cabinets will get rid of the oil and dirt that ruins your paint. Experts advise homeowners to use a gentle cleaner the n rinse and dry the surfaces. A harsh cleaner can remove the paint. There are also some homemade solutions that will work, using distilled vinegar and dish soap. Leave the rubbing alcohol as it will damage your paint. Try putting the mixture in a spray bottle as it will give you better control. Once you have sprayed the surfaces, wipe them down with a damp microfiber cloth and then dry.