Refinishing kitchen cabinets is one of the cheapest methods of giving your kitchen a new fresh look without paying a lot of money to have a complete renovation. In Toronto, Vancouver or a small town in Alberta, a large number of Canadian homeowners are opting to undertake cabinet refinishing as a do-it-yourself project.
However, you should know what can go wrong before you pick a paintbrush. You can save time, money, and frustration by avoiding common mistakes. These are the best tips to be careful of when refinishing kitchen cabinets with some useful advice to ensure that you do it right the first time.
Not following a Proper Preparation
Not Cleaning Cabinets Thoroughly
Canadian kitchens are typically used to great deal of cooking particularly in our long winters. That implies that there are probably grease, oil, and grime on cabinets. Most homeowners overlook this important cleaning process and apply paint immediately- resulting in peeling and lack of adhesion.
Note: A degreaser, such as TSP (trisodium phosphate) can be used, and it is easily found in Home Depot or RONA in Canada. Ensure that all your cabinets are clean and dry before sanding or painting.
Forgetting to Name Cabinet Doors and Hardware
It is important to remove doors and drawers in order to achieve smooth finish. However, unless you label where everything is, it can make the reassembling a confusing mess.
Label each door and each hardware using masking tape. Store screws and hinges in labelled Ziploc bags.
Not Sanding Properly
Omitting the Sanding Step
Certain products boast of being no-sanding – however, in most instances, a light sanding is required to aid in sticking on primer and paint.
Rough the surface with a fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit). In case you are working with a smooth finish, sanding becomes even more important. Don’t leave out wiping it down with a tack cloth or a wet rag.
Sanding the Wood Too much or Too much Damage
Conversely, excessive sanding may ruin the surfaces of the cabinets or smooth sharp edges. Sand lightly and evenly. The sanding block or orbital sander may be used to produce a smooth finish without excessive pressure.
Choosing the Wrong Products
Applying Poor Quality Paint or Stain
Indoor kitchen weather is not a direct concern in Canada, but the concern is on durability particularly with children, pets and heavy usage. Poor paint will not withstand day-to-day use and tear.
Use quality cabinet paint or enamel that is kitchen friendly. Advance by Benjamin Moore or Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel by Sherwin-Williams are popular with Canadian DIYers and professionals.
Not Using a Good Primer
Not applying a primer, or applying the incorrect type might result in poor paint adhesion and stain bleed-through.
With wood cabinets, particularly oak or maple which are common in Canadian houses, a stain-blocking primer such as Zinsser BIN or Kilz will be used. A bonding primer is needed in case you are painting on a dark stain or on a glossy surface.
Rushing the Process
Painting in Between Coats too Fast
Not giving time to dry between the coats is one of the greatest mistakes. Paint that is dry to feel can still be soft to touch under the surface and create smudges and tactfulness.
Dry according to the instructions of the manufacturer. Drying can also take a longer time in colder or damper regions of Canada like coastal British Columbia or in the winter season.
Not Allowing Proper Curing Time
Painting takes time to dry and solidify, even after the painting is complete. The cabinets may be nicked and scratched when used prematurely.
Wait at least 7 days before heavy use. This period should not be used to put heavy objects in the cabinets or to use harsh cleaning agents.
Neglecting the Environment
Spraying in Bad Ventilation
Ventilation is important – particularly when working with products that contain oil or when inside the house where windows are closed during colder seasons.
Use fans, open windows where possible and wear a paint-fume rated mask. Products with low-VOC or water-based are an excellent alternative to indoor air quality-conscious people, particularly during winter when the ventilation is not much.
Not Considering Temperature and Humidity
The climate in Canada can be extremely different according to your location. Drying and adhesion may be a problem when painting in a cold garage in January or a damp kitchen in July.
Intended to refinish cabinets in a low-humidity and temperature-controlled area with temperatures of 15 o C to 25 o C. When you are working in an unheated garage or shed, wait till spring or summer.
Overlooking Small Details
Painting Over Hinges and Hardware
An attempt to save time by not taking away hardware and hinges can leave the appearance to be unprofessional.
Always take off those hardware and cover things you do not want painted with painter tape. Think about changing to new hardware to have a brand-new appearance.
With the Wrong Brush or Roller
Weak brushes will leave streaks and rollers of poor quality can drop lint into your finish.
Tip: High density foam rollers and high quality synthetic brushes are to be used to achieve smooth even coats. The best finish would be offered by sprayers that involve more setup and masking.
Minimising the Time Investment
Believing It’s a Weekend Job
A lot of refund spends a long weekend refinishing a cabinet, only to realise that they are halfway through.
Plan ahead. It may require 5 or 7 days or even longer to complete the entire procedure of cleaning, sanding, priming, painting and drying. Make it in small steps and keep the expectations achievable.
Failing to Test First
Not Doing a Sample Test
The reaction of each cabin material to paint is different. You can also get blotchy or uneven results before you test.
Test your complete refinishing process i.e., cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting, on a small cabinet or a hidden panel before putting your entire kitchen in it.