Painting cabinets can be a great way to update your kitchen, bathroom, or any other room in your home. However, if you want to achieve a smooth and professional-looking finish, you need to follow some important steps and tips. In this article, we will show you how to get the smoothest finish when painting cabinets, from preparation to final touches.
The most crucial step to getting a smooth finish when painting cabinets is sanding. Sanding removes any imperfections, bumps, scratches, or old paint from the surface of the cabinets, creating a smooth and even base for the new paint. Sanding also helps the paint adhere better and last longer.
To sand your cabinets, you will need a few tools and materials, such as:
A power sander or sandpaper of different grits (80, 120, and 220)
A tack cloth or a damp rag to wipe off the dust
A wood filler or putty to fill any holes or cracks
A primer to seal the wood and prevent bleeding
Here are the steps to sand your cabinets:
Remove the doors, drawers, and hardware from the cabinets and label them for easy reassembly.
Use a power sander or sandpaper of 80-grit to remove the old paint or finish from the cabinets. Be careful not to damage the wood or create gouges.
Use a wood filler or putty to fill any holes or cracks in the cabinets and let it dry completely.
Use a power sander or sandpaper of 120-grit to smooth out the wood filler and the surface of the cabinets.
Use a tack cloth or a damp rag to wipe off the dust from the cabinets.
Apply a primer to the cabinets and let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A primer will help the paint stick better and prevent any stains or colors from bleeding through.
Use a power sander or sandpaper of 220-grit to lightly sand the primer and create a smooth and flawless surface for the paint.
Use a tack cloth or a damp rag to wipe off the dust from the cabinets.
After sanding your cabinets, you are ready to apply the paint. However, not all paints and tools are created equal. To get the smoothest finish when painting cabinets, you need to choose the right paint and tools for the job.
Here are some tips to help you choose the best paint and tools for a smooth finish:
Choose a high-quality paint that is designed for cabinets or furniture. These paints are more durable, resistant to scratches, stains, and chipping, and have a smoother and glossier finish. Some examples of cabinet paints are Benjamin Moore Advance, Sherwin Williams ProClassic, and Behr Alkyd Enamel.
Choose a paint color that complements your room and style. You can go for a classic white, a bold black, a trendy gray, or any other color that suits your taste. You can also mix and match different colors for the upper and lower cabinets, or add some contrast with a different color for the island or the backsplash.
Choose a paint finish that matches your preference and needs. You can go for a matte, satin, semi-gloss, or gloss finish, depending on how shiny and smooth you want your cabinets to look. Generally, the higher the gloss, the smoother and more durable the finish, but also the more prone to showing imperfections and fingerprints.
Choose the right tools for applying the paint. You can use a brush, a roller, or a sprayer, depending on your skill level, budget, and desired outcome. A brush is the cheapest and easiest option, but it can leave brush marks and streaks. A roller is faster and smoother than a brush, but it can leave a textured or orange-peel effect. A sprayer is the most expensive and complicated option, but it can deliver the smoothest and most professional-looking finish.
Stir the paint well before using it and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing, thinning, or adding additives if needed.
Start with the back of the doors and drawers and paint them in a thin and even coat, using a brush, a roller, or a sprayer. Let the paint dry completely before flipping them over and painting the front.
Paint the frames and sides of the cabinets in the same way, using a brush, a roller, or a sprayer. Make sure to cover all the edges, corners, and crevices.
Apply a second coat of paint if needed, following the same steps as the first coat. Let the paint dry and cure completely before reattaching the doors, drawers, and hardware.
The Final Touches for a Smooth Finish
After painting your cabinets, you are almost done. However, there are some final touches that you can do to enhance and protect your smooth finish.
Here are some tips to help you with the final touches:
Apply a topcoat or a sealer to your cabinets to add an extra layer of protection and durability. A topcoat or a sealer will help prevent scratches, stains, and fading, and make your cabinets easier to clean. Some examples of topcoats or sealers are Minwax Polycrylic, General Finishes High Performance, and Rust-Oleum Clear Coat.
Use a fine-grit sandpaper or a sanding sponge to lightly buff and smooth out any imperfections, drips, or runs in the paint. Be careful not to sand too much or too hard, as you might damage the paint or the wood.
Use a soft cloth or a microfiber cloth to polish and shine your cabinets. This will remove any dust, fingerprints, or smudges, and make your cabinets look glossy and smooth.
Painting cabinets can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to update your home. However, to get the smoothest finish when painting cabinets, you need to follow some important steps and tips, such as:
Sanding your cabinets to create a smooth and even base for the paint
Choosing the best paint and tools for a smooth and durable finish
Applying the final touches to enhance and protect your finish
By following these steps and tips, you can transform your cabinets and achieve a smooth and professional-looking finish that will last for years. Happy painting!
