DIY Cabinets: A Little Paint Goes a Long Way

It isn’t every day that a home on the market comes equipped with a dream set of cabinets. Usually, older homes tend to have older cabinets. And usually, these older cabinets have years of wear and tear on them. But, when you do find an older home with cabinets that have withstood the test of time, an alternative to new cabinets is to paint them. Refinishing cabinets can be less expensive than refacing them, or having them replaced altogether.

Here are a few tips if you plan to DIY:

• Clean first!
  Use an all purpose cleaner (We love Simple Green!) to clean away any dirt and grime which will prevent paint from adhering.
  
• Oil-Based Primer
  An oil-based primer helps the top coat to adhere and prevent any scratch marks that might reveal the old cabinet color overtime.
  
• Sand Away
  Sand before, sand after, sand midway. Sanding will give the cabinets that smooth finish. We sanded these cabinets after a thorough first cleaning, then again after applying the oil based primer, and once again in between coats to ensure there were no bumps or brush marks on our final top coat. It was a lot of sanding, but worth it!
  
• Double Up on the Top Coat
  Technology has come a long way with regards to paint. The self-leveling properties of some of the newer paint options allow for a smooth looking, long lasting finish.
  
• Consult or Hire a Professional
  If it gets to be too much (and it can happen!) don’t be afraid to consult with or call a professional. After all, they know all the industry tips and tricks and can help make the process go a little smoother.

Now here’s the fun part:

How you accessorize is just as important as the paint color you choose. These white cabinets were paired with dark designer hardware for a clean, polished look. The appliances are also equally important and opting for chrome finish can add that touch of modern, while upgrading the look, feel and overall functionality of your new and improved kitchen.

*Disclaimer: The content of this post is purely informational. Please research accordingly if you are planning to take on this or any DIY project and know that doing so is entirely at your own risk. Please note there are affiliate links in this post.