7 Tips And Tricks For Painting Your Kitchen Cabinets in Ambler, PA

When you’ve got a kitchen renovation project to look forward to, you will find yourself asking what direction you will take in terms of the renovation — will it involve the kitchen cabinets?

If it turns out that it will be the kitchen cabinets area that is getting updated, the subsequent question is if you’re going to be updating the existing kitchen cabinets or replacing them entirely.

As painting your existing kitchen cabinets will be more economical and environmentally friendly than replacing them, it may be the better choice.

With that being the case, here are seven tips and tricks for painting your kitchen cabinets in Ambler, PA.

1. Make Color Selection Better

There are quite a few ways to pick out a color for your kitchen cabinets, from looking at a variety of colors online to using apps on your phone to somewhat visualize what your cabinets would look like with new colors.

Another way to assess whether a color is good for your kitchen cabinets is to get a small sample of the actual paint and to paint a small section on the cabinets — and once it has dried, to see how the color looks during the day, at night, etc.

2. Remove The Grease Before You Paint

This part is a little less useful if you are painting new kitchen cabinets — but if your kitchen cabinets have seen a number of years of use in your standard kitchen setup, there’s a good chance that you will have some grease on them.

While you may know already that you should generally clean any surface that is being painted, special consideration should be given to surfaces in the kitchen as they have a good amount of grease on them, typically.

Use a degreasing agent to get the grease off of the cabinets before you look to paint your kitchen cabinets or you will have some big problems later on.

3. Remove The Hardware First

In the process of painting your kitchen cabinets, you are going to have to take care to remove the hardware (the pulls on the doors and drawers) before you paint.

This is because removing them and then painting is going to be a lot easier than trying to avoid getting paint on them while you are painting.

4. Use The Right Kind Of Paint

There are as you might know a good number of kinds of paint — interior, exterior, the kind of paint that you apply to certain surfaces… but not all of them are going to be good for painting kitchen cabinets.

Specifically, you should consider using a more glossy interior paint for the cabinets as it makes it easier to clean them.

5. Allow Paint To Dry

A major mistake that people make when they’re painting their kitchen cabinets is that they don’t allow their cabinets to dry after painting them.

This is fairly important as if you then attempt to apply the second coat, thinking that your cabinets are ready, you will find that bits of the first coat will actually lift off of the surface and onto the brush you are using.

Don’t paint a second coat of paint before the first one has been given time to dry.

6. Don’t Rush The Painting Process

The painting of your kitchen cabinets is a process that might seem like one that takes a really long time, and that is okay — better than the alternative of trying to rush it and making numerous mistakes along the way.

If you want your kitchen cabinets painted correctly, you will have to accept that there are some things that just have to be done more slowly in order to be done well.

7. Clean After Sanding

Lastly, please consider the sanding process — the process of sanding the surface of your kitchen cabinets that people traditionally do to get a smoother surface.

The process of sanding your kitchen cabinets produces sanding dust, which has to be cleaned prior to moving forward in the process.

If you don’t have the skills or tools to handle your painting or touch up, you should consider hiring a professional painting contractor in Ambler, PA.

Hiring a professional painting contractor like Aspen Painting is the guarantee of a flawless, durable, and high-quality paint job.

We have years of experience in cabinet and furniture painting and staining with a long list of happy customers in Horsham, PA, Ambler, Dresher, Ft. Washington, and Blue Bell, PA.

Call us today on 215-773-8422 for a FREE estimate to get started.

Related: Interior Painting Blue Bell, PA: Paint Color Ideas for Your Living Room
5 Affordable Ideas to Renovate Your Kitchen in Blue Bell, PA
Should I Replace, Stain or Paint My Kitchen Cabinets?

 

FAQ

What is the best way to prepare my kitchen cabinets for painting?

Proper preparation is crucial for a lasting finish. Start by removing all cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware, labeling them to make reassembly easy. Clean all surfaces thoroughly with a degreasing solution to eliminate oils and grime. Sand the cabinet surfaces lightly to create a texture that paint can adhere to, and make sure to remove all sanding dust before priming and painting. This process ensures professional, durable results suitable for kitchens in Ambler, PA.

Do I need a special type of paint for kitchen cabinets in Ambler, PA?

Yes, using paint specifically formulated for kitchen cabinets is important for durability and ease of cleaning. Water-based alkyd or acrylic paints with a semi-gloss or satin finish are generally preferred for their low odor, resistance to chipping, and smooth finish. These paints are designed to handle the high humidity and frequent cleaning typical of kitchens in the Ambler, PA area.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid when painting kitchen cabinets?

One common mistake is failing to remove cabinet doors and hardware, which makes for a messy job and uneven coverage. Skipping cleaning or sanding can also lead to issues with paint adhesion and long-term durability. Improperly labeled components can complicate reassembly. For the best results, carefully prep each step, including degreasing, sanding, and labeling before painting.

How can I ensure the finish will last and look professional?

Applying a high-quality bonding primer is essential, especially if your cabinets have a glossy or previously finished surface. This will help the paint adhere better and create a smoother finish. It’s also helpful to use a sprayer or foam roller for application to avoid brush marks. Let each coat dry thoroughly and sand lightly between coats for the best, most factory-like appearance.

Are there extra touches or upgrades I should consider during the painting process?

When updating your kitchen cabinets, it’s a great time to add new hardware, such as handles or soft-close hinges. Installing hardware before painting ensures there’s no risk of damaging your new paint finish. Additionally, consider updating internal features with organizers or pull-outs to enhance your kitchen’s functionality while giving it a refreshed look.