It’s the year 2020. You look around your kitchen designed several decades ago and let out a sigh. Where to start? If you glance at any number of ‘kitchen update’ boards on Pinterest, you’ll notice a lot of before-and-after photos of painted cabinets. Those after photos look good. So, now the wheels are turning. This looks to be a cost-effective way to give your kitchen a fresh look without gutting the entire space.
Whether you know you’ll be searching for a professional to quote the job or are considering tackling it yourself, continue reading for the rundown on all things cabinet painting from the professionals at Bays Consulting Services.
The process…
To begin, the cabinet doors need to be taken off of the bases and all hardware removed. Everything will then need to be properly sanded. This is extremely important to be sure that primer and paint adhere to the wood correctly. Considering all the grease and grime that accumulates on your kitchen surfaces, this step could require some serious attention. Next, a coat of primer then 2-3 coats of paint are applied. If the color change to your cabinets will be drastic, sometimes an additional coat is needed for full coverage.
Once the doors have had sufficient time to cure, they can be reattached to the bases. It’s important to be sure the doors are level and everything aligns properly. Next, reattach hardware and check to see if any final touch-ups are needed. The newly applied paint will continue to cure for about a month as it becomes much harder and safe for scrubbing.
It’s something you can DIY, but probably shouldn’t…
Sure, we can all watch a couple of how-to videos and have a basic knowledge of how to paint. Some of us might even be pretty good at it! How often have you painted cabinets, though? The average person’s answer will likely be once or never. The obvious reason to go ahead and call a professional: they know what they’re doing. It takes a lot of work and space to complete a time-consuming project like this.
Where will you take the cabinet doors to paint? Can you be sure the area will remain ‘sterile’ to avoid dust and dirt finding its way into your paint? Seemingly endless hours spent painting and then drying time between coats is something to consider as well. Doors and bases alike need plenty of time to cure. This isn’t the time to test out your home-improvement skills. You’ll be looking at the completed work daily and hopefully for years to come, so make sure it is done correctly the first time, with durability in mind.
How much is this going to cost you?
Let’s say you’re convinced this isn’t a project you want to get yourself into and are currently searching for your phone to make a scheduling call. We’re sure you want to know if you’re going to fall over in shock when you get your quote. Obviously, the cost will vary based on the size of the kitchen, the number of doors & drawers, and the amount of detail work involved (trim, grooves, glass doors, etc). Bays Consulting tells us that jobs on the smaller end average around $1,500, while larger kitchens can run up to $4,000. The quality of paint and strong finishes they use ensure that your kitchen is beautifully transformed without the pain and expense of replacing. lways make sure you do your research on a professional company before hiring. Read reviews, call references, and confirm they are insured. Bays also suggests making design and scope of work decisions upfront, so you can be sure the company you hire can deliver on everything you want. If you’re interested in speaking with an expert at Bays about your next painting project, call them at (317) 910-0609!
