This method is not always the most durable option (spraying cabinet doors usually provides a more durable, even-looking finish), but is recommended for smaller cabinet projects, as it's the most cost-effective option. In fact, brush and roll finish projects will typically save you about 25% off the cost of spraying.
Using a sprayer to paint kitchen cabinets gives a smooth, professional finish that's hard to achieve with a brush. It's a faster and more efficient method, especially for large surfaces, ensuring a flawless, even coat!
To paint over wood cabinets, start by cleaning the surface with a degreaser to remove dirt and grease. Sand the cabinets lightly to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Apply a primer that works for wood surfaces. Once the primer is dry, use high-quality paint, applying thin, even coats.
With proper care of professionally painted kitchen cabinets, you can expect your newly painted cabinets to last 8-10 years!
It is important to sand down the top layer of protective finish, if you are painting existing kitchen cabinets, or to use a degreaser. I use 120-grit sandpaper to level out any imperfections in my cabinets, then finish with 220 grit for a smooth surface. Vacuum and wipe down any debris with a tack cloth.
We usually use professional-grade lacquer because it has a lovely, silky-smooth feel to it, and is what cabinet manufacturers use. We think it's the best paint for cabinets, hands-down (although there are some great pro-level water-based options as well).
Use a paint roller to paint the larger areas of the cabinets. By getting the roller closer to the edges, you can get rid of any brush marks left behind after the cutting process.
The Final Verdict. Both Slavik and Fiorilli agree—using a paint sprayer is the best way to achieve the most professional cabinet finish as well as save time.
After all of that prep work, you can finally spray your kitchen cabinets. Make sure to choose paint designed for cabinet spraying and apply a minimum of two coats. Once the spraying is complete, you will need to reinstall the cabinet doors in your kitchen.
Although painted kitchen cabinets can offer a fresh new look, they may not stand the test of time as well as other finishes. The surfaces of painted cabinets in high-traffic areas, like the kitchen island or near the sink, can be prone to chips, scratches, and general wear over time.
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.
Should You Paint the Front or Back of the Cabinet Doors First? Start with the back of the cabinet doors to avoid smudging or compromising the finish. Painting the back side first minimizes potential damage when turning the doors over. Ensure each layer of paint is thoroughly dry before proceeding to the other side.
Using a brush for cabinet painting ensures that you will get a smooth, even finish on your cabinets. A brush can also help get into all the nooks and crannies of your cabinets, which a roller might miss.
Why Solvent-Based Paints? Alternatively, solvent-based paint can be used universally on timber, plastic, acrylic and vinyl cabinets. These paints are the preferred option because they don't require any prior preparation – they'll adhere to the surface without extensive sanding.
DIY enthusiasts and professionals have grown fond of using high-density foam rollers. This makes them a great choice is their ability to provide a flawless, smooth surface, making them ideal for use on cabinets and furniture. The dense foam ensures even coverage, eliminating the problem of brush marks or uneven layers.
Firmness:One way to get a smooth finish when painting cabinets is adequate firmness. Softer bristles are more supple and maneuverable but less efficient at even application. Stiff bristles distribute paint more evenly and broadly, making them a more efficient tool.
Since many rooms with cabinets usually get a lot of traffic and activity, you'll want to get this project done fast. Using a Magnum airless paint sprayer will provide the fastest way to achieve a perfect finish.
Spray-painting kitchen cabinets costs $40 to $100 per linear foot. Spray painters charge $50 to $100+ per hour. Spraying creates a smooth, even finish that easily covers narrow crevices and detailed woodwork. Removing the doors or drawer fronts isn't necessary when spray-painting.
Yes! You will find many articles on the net about painting cabinets without sanding, but that is not best practice. Your paint needs to grab onto something. A good primer will help with this, but your primer also needs some grip if you want your paint job to stand the test of time.
It's a common misconception that using a paint sprayer rather than a brush and roller results in a lower quality job. In fact, in most cases, the newer substrates being used for siding today are better sprayed. In the hands of a skilled painter, spraying will leave a smooth, durable, uniform coat of paint.
Which brushes do professionals recommend for a smooth paint finish on cabinets? Professionals often recommend Purdy or Wooster brushes with soft, synthetic bristles that don't lose their shape. These brushes offer a consistent and smooth finish.
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.
Choose a high-quality paint specifically formulated for cabinets. Cabinet paints are designed to level out more evenly, which helps minimize brush marks. Additionally, consider using a paint conditioner or extender to slow down the drying time, allowing the paint to level and settle.
The goal is to spread the paint evenly and quickly. With each stroke, immediately use a clean, high-quality brush to lightly drag through the wet paint, which will smooth out any roller stipple. This needs to be done quickly, so have your brush already in hand while rolling.