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HOME IMPROVEMENT

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PAINTING CABINETS

Preparing Cabinets

I'm thinking of painting my wooden kitchen cabinets. What does the preparation involve?
If your solid wood or veneered plywood cabinets are in good shape, they can be painted quite easily.

First remove the doors and drawers and take off the knobs, pulls, and hinges. Wash each surface to be painted with trisodium phosphate (TSP) to remove all grease and dirt. Then sand with 100-grit paper. Just dull the gloss; don't remove any old finish unless it's loose or peeling. A sanding sponge helps in corners and along edges. Vacuum the dust; then remove any residue with a tack cloth. (If you don't, you'll end up with dust specks in your paint finish.)

To finish the job, sand between the primer and split coat, and between the split coat and the finish coat, with 220-grit sandpaper. Vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth after each sanding. If you need to apply a second finish coat, you don't have to sand; just use the tack cloth to remove dust before you paint.

*Use a sanding sponge to get into corners and curves. Sand lightly, just enough to roughen the surface so the paint will stick.

Painting Metal Cabinets

I have some old metal kitchen cabinets that I've sanded down to bare metal. What's the best method for painting them?
You'll get the best results with electrostatic spray-painting. Electrostatic painting requires a special power pack to give the metal surface a negative charge. The negative charge attracts the sprayed paint, resulting in less overspray. To find a company that does this, look in the Yellow Pages under Painting Contractors. Most jobs can be done in the home without removing the cabinets. An epoxy-base paint is best—it's tough and will last for years. The cost is usu-ally moderate, considering the result. There's an additional charge to paint the insides of the cabinets. Appliances can also be painted to match.

Painting Veneer

My kitchen cabinets are particle-board with a thin veneer. Will the finish accept paint?
Not all particleboard veneers can be painted. If you're not sure what the veneer is, test a small inconspicuous area. First use trisodium phosphate (or a substitute) to remove dirt and grease. Then sand the area with 180-grit paper. If there's no dust, it is a hard melamine or plastic laminate coating, which won't take paint well. If it gets gummy, it is vinyl film, which also won't take paint.

If the area sands out easily and leaves a residue of dust, it's probably wood veneer. To be sure, brush oil-base primer on the area and let it dry for a day. If the paint doesn't scrape off easily, you're in luck. If it does, forget about painting the cabinets.

Choosing Cabinet Paint

What kind of paint should I use on my wood cabinets?
First prime with an oil-base under-coat made especially for enamels. Then mix and apply a split coat—a 50:50 mixture of the primer and the final finish paint. The third coat is the finish color. For durability and easy cleaning, use oil-base enamel for the finish coat. If you want a less shiny finish, use a satin enamel. If the finish coat doesn't cover well, wait for it to dry, then apply a second coat.

*For the best results, paint cabinet doors on a horizontal surface. Wear a respirator to protect against paint fumes.

Additives for Better Flow

A friend said to use a paint additive for my cabinets for a smoother finish. Would it make a difference?
Paint additives can help the paint go on more easily and smooth out better, especially if you're brushing on the paint. There's less drag on the brush when you use an additive, and it doesn't affect the durability of the paint. You can buy an additive in a paint store. Follow directions, and mix it into the paint thoroughly.

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TITLE: Home Improvement, Home Depot, Home Decor, Home Decorating, Home Remodeling, Home Decor, Home Interior, Home Furniture Store

Home Improvement Category: Home Improvement, Home Depot, Home Decor, Home Decorating, Home Remodeling, Home Decor, Home Interior, Home Furniture, Home, Do it Yourself, Doityourself, DIY, Diy Network, Do-it-Yourself

Shopping Mall: Home Improvement offers do-it-yourself Home Improvement guide and store, Home Improvement, Home Depot, Home Decor, Home Decorating, Home Remodeling, Home Decor, Home Interior, Home Furniture, Home, Do it Yourself, Doityourself, DIY, Diy Network, Do-it-Yourself Store

Home Improvement Topics: Home Improvement, Home Depot, Home Decor, Home Decorating, Home Remodeling, Home Decor, Home Interior, Home Furniture, Home, Do it Yourself, Doityourself, DIY, Diy Network, Do-it-Yourself