Paint kitchen furniture - Learn to restore furniture

A complete kitchen renovation is often an expensive project. In addition, this task is time consuming, especially if the furniture is replaced with new ones. Following the modern DIY trend, many people decide to paint their kitchen cabinets instead of throwing them away. This solution is certainly much less expensive than buying a whole new computer. That doesn't mean that refurbished furniture looks worse than new. Painting kitchen cabinets is a great idea for kitchen renovation. See how to paint furniture and what types of paint to use. Thanks to a few tips, you will finish the job quickly and smoothly. Check how easy it is!

How to restore old kitchen furniture?

The popularity of kitchen cabinet paint is probably due to its low price. Another factor could be the impressive effect that can be achieved with the paint. Painting an old chair, table or chest of drawers is not surprising nowadays. However, restoring kitchen furniture can be more problematic than with other objects.

Kitchen cabinets, after all, are the most prone to damage in the entire home. Therefore, one may wonder how to restore kitchen furniture and whether it is worth the effort. It is common for a kitchen set to still be in good shape, yet its color has lost its former luster. It may just be outdated or boring.

Replacing this furniture with a new one can be pointless, since apart from its appearance, it is still functional. With that in mind, painting the furniture might be the best solution. A well-chosen product will alter the appearance of the entire room, which is often the main reason for a renovation.

Painting furniture is possible even when the surfaces are scratched and slightly damaged. The paint is capable of hiding most imperfections.

Choosing the right paint for kitchen cabinets

Manufacturers provide a wide variety of products that can be used to paint kitchen cabinets. A good paint can cover the entire surface and hide small defects. The most popular paints that can be used for kitchen cabinets include:

• Acrylic paint - this type is the most universal of all. They are very resistant to scratches and UV rays, so they do not turn yellow after a while. Paint of this type dries very quickly and is odorless.

• Renovation paint - can be used for both wooden and ceramic surfaces. This type of product is used for kitchen cabinets and ceramic tiles. The product is resistant to mechanical damage, high temperatures and dirt.

• Chalk paint - is one of the most environmentally friendly types of paint. These products usually have a wide variety of pastel colors. Depending on the type, chalk paints can give a matte or satin finish. They are perfect for creating an ombre effect. They are good for painting kitchen cabinets, however they require adding a protective layer of varnish or wax. Without it they are prone to damage.

• Alkyd paints - similar to acrylic, alkyd paints are resistant to mechanical damage. It is the cheapest alternative. The biggest disadvantage of this type of product is its unpleasant smell.

Restoration of kitchen furniture - step by step

Painting kitchen furniture is not a complicated task. However, before starting the job, it is good to get the relevant knowledge. Doing so will result in a satisfying and long-lasting effect.

Preparation for painting

Examine each piece carefully before planning to paint the kitchen cabinets.

Fill deep holes and dents with a wood adhesive. Small scratches can be smoothed out with sandpaper. Be sure to sand the surface along the grain of the wood, otherwise they could be damaged. If kitchen cabinets are covered with damaged aluminum foil or veneer, remove them.

To make painting your kitchen cabinets more convenient, remove items from the front and pull out all the drawers. Wash furniture with water and detergent. Be sure to degrease all surfaces, cleaning them with acetone or gasoline. Each handle and knob must be removed for painting.

Sanding kitchen cabinets is an important step before you start painting them. To do this, use sandpaper or a sponge. Sanding makes the paint stick better to the surface. If your furniture is painted or stained, 240 grit sandpaper will suffice. If you are painting laminate furniture, use 400 grit sandpaper. Be sure to be very careful when sanding, as laminate is easy to damage.

Tools to restore kitchen cabinets

Painting kitchen cabinets requires using the right tools. They are a guarantee of a smooth and even surface.

The round or flat bristle brush is only suitable for chalk painting. Using a brush for other types of paint can result in unsightly trails on the surface. Therefore, it is advisable to use a wide paint roller to paint large surfaces such as fronts and sides. Foam and flock rollers are the best tools for painting furniture.

Do not use the sheepskin roller as it leaves fibers and creates a rough texture on the painted surface. For the most even surface, use a spray gun.

Paint kitchen cabinets

After proper preparation of kitchen furniture, you can start painting it. Before covering the surface with paint, use the primer. The product must come from the same manufacturer as the paint you use. It is a guarantee that the paint and primer work well together.

After the primer dries, you can paint the furniture. The use of the wide roller mentioned above is the most convenient. For small items and hard-to-reach spaces, use a small brush. Cover the surface with at least two coats. The drying time and the number of coats depend mainly on the paint and its brand.

A standard number is two coats of paint. It is better to apply the paint with a cross method: paint the first layer horizontally, and the second - diagonally. If you find that two coats are not enough, apply more coats until the paint completely covers the furniture.

Make sure the layers are as thin as possible. This will result in a smooth, even surface. Remember that paint needs up to 20 days to fully cure. Before it happens, be careful not to damage the delicate surface. If you need to clean it, use a soft cloth or sponge.

The restoration of kitchen furniture does not have to be very expensive. Painting the furniture is a simple solution for a quick and cheap renovation. Good furniture painting, the right tools and proper preparation guarantee a satisfactory result. Such an easy procedure is a great way to transform your kitchen while spending as little as possible.

How to clean wooden furniture before painting?

Wash all surfaces with a detergent and degrease them. You can use gasoline or acetone for this, but any degreaser you have will suffice.

How to prepare the furniture for painting?

Remove the knobs and handles and fill the holes and dents with wood adhesive. Sand the surfaces so the paint sticks better.

How to remove wax from furniture before painting?

If the wax is soft (it comes off when you scratch the surface with a fingernail), it can be removed with mineral spirits. For older, harder surfaces, use a wax removal product.

How to sand the furniture to paint?

Use 240 grit paper or sanding sponge. Be careful with laminate furniture. To sand them, use 400 grit and work gently so as not to mar the surface.