For oil paint you can add FLOOD'S PENETROL or XIM'S X-TENDER. For latex paint you can add FLOOD'S FLOETROL, XIM'S LATEX X-TENDER or WATER MIXED 8 PARTS PAINT AND 1 PART WATER. If rolling, stay away from foam roller and mohair rollers, they may tend to bubble the finish.
If I need to paint cabinets or furniture with a brush instead of a sprayer, I always add Floetrol to the paint first. It extends the drying time of latex paint, and greatly minimizes or eliminates brush strokes in the paint. When I use Floetrol, I get a near-perfect finish that almost looks sprayed.
Prime the Surfaces Well
Use oil primer and paint as they give the most excellent and long-lasting impact on the kitchen cabinets. In case you are changing cabinet color from dark to light color, tone your primmer to blend with the final color. This can be conveniently done for you on request at the paint store.
Acrylic Latex Paint: This is a popular choice for cabinets due to its durability, easy cleanup, and low odor. Look for a high-quality, semi-gloss or satin finish for a smooth surface and easy maintenance.
To get the smoothest finish on your kitchen cabinetry, a thorough sanding before painting and using a paint sprayer is your best bet. The next best thing is to use a very fine sanding sponge in between coats of primer and paint to smooth out your rolled or brushed surface for the ultimate smooth look.
The most likely reason your painted cabinets feel rough is that they didn't get the full sanding they needed before the lacquer went on. A few rough patches here and there can be lightly sanded with 220-grit sandpaper and painted over for a quick fix.
Pick A High-Sheen Finish
"We've always recommended egg-shell, semi-gloss, and gloss wall finishes in the kitchen, since durability is essential in a place with moisture and high traffic. Paints with a higher gloss/sheen will generally be easier to clean. Most stains wipe clean with water or mild soap," Watson said.
MAGNOLIA HOME BY JOANNA GAINES® TRIM, DOOR + CABINETRY INTERIOR SEMI-GLOSS PAINT 4.5 out of 5 stars, average rating value.
For those looking for paint rollers for a smooth finish, high-density foam rollers should be your first stop. While high-density foam rollers are great, they are not the only option. Lint-free short nap rollers are another excellent choice for achieving a smooth finish.
You can also choose between varnish or polyurethane for kitchen cabinet protection. Polyurethane is a plastic-like topcoat that applies clear and offers ultimate durability against dirt and damage. Varnish is similar but adds a glossier film that gives it additional protection against high-moisture areas.
You certainly don't want to skimp on the number of coatings you apply to your cabinets, but you also don't want to go overboard. Slapping on too many coats of primer or paint during cabinet refinishing can hinder adherence, interfere with proper drying, and result in strange lines and patterns on the finished surface.
Exposure to moisture - Excess humidity, steam from cooking, and leaks can cause the wood underneath the paint to swell and the paint to bubble and peel. Heat from appliances - The heat emitted from ovens, dishwashers, and other appliances can dry out and crack the paint over time.
They are perfect for high-moisture rooms such as kitchens and baths, and are often stain-resistant. New water-based alkyd paints are growing increasingly popular due to their quality, durability and cost-effectiveness. Oil paint is the hardest, most durable paint to use for painting cabinets.
It is not recommended for use with oil-based paint. Many artists have had problems using Floetrol.
Add FLOETROL® to paint and stir FLOETROL® paint mixture thoroughly. Apply FLOETROL® paint mixture in normal manner. Add approximately 7-10% per litre of paint.
When painting larger cabinet surfaces like doors and drawer fronts, it's essential to maintain a “wet edge.” This means overlapping your brush strokes slightly while the paint is still wet. This technique helps to blend the brush marks and achieve a smoother finish.
You'll apply primer first with a brush to “cut in” those hard-to-reach crevices and edges, then go back over the surface with a roller. After your primer is dry, sand everything gently with 220-grit sandpaper. Remove dust with a tack cloth or compressed air, and get ready to paint.
Alec Willard, another Purdy professional painter, recommends using a 2-inch bristle brush when painting the small, inside planes of the cabinet base, then finishing the area with a 3/8-inch mini roller.
Things to consider
Kitchen cabinets are painted in industrial settings with industrial-grade paints and equipment that sprays the paint onto the wood surface with high velocity. It is usually lacquer or enamel-type oil-based paint and it might have undergone an additional curing process.
Tip: Emerald® Urethane Trim Enamel in Gloss, Semi-Gloss or Satin sheen is among the best paint for kitchen cabinets because it has excellent flow and leveling characteristics, resulting in a smooth and durable finish.
For 10 years, Cabinets To Go has installed cabinetry in HGTV's Dream Home, and we are excited to share the bold designs featuring our Gracious Home and Premiere Custom Cabinetry in this year's home.
The Paint: Roycroft Mist Gray, Sherwin-Willaims
She selected Roycroft Mist Gray for the base cabinets and paired it with neutral Whitetail on the uppers — both Sherwin-Willaims. To complete the trio of shades, she accented the space in matte black.
In addition, cabinet painters choose paints with the optimal shine. High-gloss and semi-gloss paints work best on cabinets because they have a stronger finish when compared to other sheens. They are also easier to clean and maintain than a matte finish.
A gloss finish offers the longest lasting and shiniest appearance. It is highly reflective, thus giving a bright and vibrant look. A gloss finish can work perfectly in the kitchen. This is because it is long-lasting, easy to clean, holds up against stains and spills, and makes a bold statement.