So you want to paint kitchen cabinets that are previously varnished? There are a few steps you need to take before you begin painting. Each step is very important to achieving your ideal kitchen cabinets. Let’s begin…
Remove hardware before painting kitchen cabinets. After removal, I would recommend thoroughly cleaning the cabinets to remove all greases and oils that normally build up on kitchen cabinetry over time. Once cleaned, I would apply a test sample of a bonding primer in an inconspicuous area.
Testing tips for painting kitchen cabinets
After preparing the surface, apply a test area of the bonding primer, allow to dry properly and test for adhesion. Because of the exceptional adhesion of bonding primers, sanding may not be necessary for most clean, paintable surfaces. I always encourage scuff sanding to promote further adhesion.
Once you have established good bonding, you can prime the entire surface. Keep in mind that any surface prep short of the total removal of the existing coating may compromise the service length of the system used. Remember, the service life of your new systems depends on the conditions of the existing system.
I recommend using a quality wood filler/putty to patch holes or imperfections in the surface. Shellac-based primers are not normally necessary unless you are working on a fire restoration project.
Topcoat selection
Selecting the topcoat to paint your kitchen cabinets is very important. I would recommend water-based acrylic-alkyd enamels or water-based alkyd urethanes in a semi-gloss finish. These are durable products that have the performance characteristics needed for your kitchen cabinets.
As with any paint project I recommend clean, dry, dull and sound. Remember, proper prep prevents poor performance!
So Amigos, what system do you recommend for painting kitchen cabinets? Comment below…
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Nice post………….
Thank you!