Cabinet refacing is a cost-effective way to refresh your kitchen without a full-scale renovation. But it can go terribly wrong if you’re not careful.
For example, if you don’t prepare your cabinets properly, they may not hold up to the wear and tear of daily use. To avoid this, you should follow the N-Hance process of sand, vacuum, and tack. Contact Cabinet Refinishing San Jose CA for more details.
1. You Don’t Take Care of Your Cabinets
Cabinet refinishing is a great way to update the look of your kitchen without spending an arm and a leg on a full-scale remodel. However, it’s important to understand that your cabinets aren’t immune from normal wear and tear. To keep your cabinets looking their best, it’s necessary to clean them regularly.
This may seem obvious, but it’s surprising how often homeowners forget to do this. Cabinets are constantly exposed to grease, food particles, and dust that can cause them to lose their luster over time. To prevent these contaminants from causing permanent damage, it’s recommended that you wipe down your cabinets at least once per week with a mixture of water and Dawn dish soap. We recommend using a damp terry cloth, as opposed to a sponge, since sponges can actually scratch your cabinets’ surfaces. Once your cabinets are clean, take a dry terry cloth and remove any remaining soap residue.
You should also wipe down your cabinet handles, knobs, and hinges every few months to help keep them hygienic and clean. In addition, it’s a good idea to wipe down any spills immediately; allowing moisture or sauces to sit on your cabinets can stain the wood and warp them.
When it comes to refinishing your cabinets, it’s critical to thoroughly clean, sand, and prime them before applying new paint or stain. Failure to do this can result in poor adhesion, which leads to chipping and peeling over time. Be sure to use a high-quality primer that is specifically designed for cabinetry, as well. The type of paint used also makes a difference; choosing a low-quality option may lead to chips and other imperfections down the road.
2. You Don’t Prime Your Cabinets
Painting over bare wood or unfinished cabinets without priming first will result in flaking, peeling and chipping. Primer acts as a surface sealer and bond coat that enhances the adhesion of paint or stain. It also helps to even out the finish, making it look more professional and ensuring longevity. When choosing a primer, it’s important to select one that’s specifically designed for cabinetry. It will ensure better adhesion and can be tinted to match your chosen cabinet paint color.
Homeowners often skip this step because they think their cabinets are clean enough to start painting over them. However, even cabinets that aren’t located near the stove still accumulate grease residue and other kitchen debris over time. In addition, most household cleaners are abrasive and will damage the cabinet’s finishes. When refinishing your cabinets, make sure to clean them thoroughly with a mild detergent and abrasive cleaners like synthetic steel wool or trisodium phosphate (TSP). Then, use a brush or rag with a gentle abrasive scrub pad to remove the remaining residue and dirt.
Using a high-quality primer can help to prevent the chemical reaction that can happen when you use an oil-based polyurethane over a preexisting finish. Many homeowners end up with a mess of dried flakes and peeling paint when they do this. The problem is that the polys that are recommended by store clerks for cabinet refinishing are not ideal for bonding to preexisting finishes.
3. You Don’t Sand Your Cabinets
Cabinets are constantly exposed to moisture and kitchen residue that can cause them to chip or crack. A great way to avoid this is by properly sanding the surface before you paint them. This ensures that the paint adheres properly and gives you a smooth finish.
Some homeowners mistakenly think that they don’t need to sand their cabinets before painting. This is a huge mistake and can lead to uneven, flaky paint.
Homeowners also often don’t sand enough or use the right grit when sanding their cabinets. Using a low grit or not sanding all the way through the wood can leave rough spots that are harder to remove than they should be. This can cause the new paint to bubble or peel over time.
When sanding your cabinets, you need to use multiple grits in order to achieve an even and smooth finish. This is because different grits will leave a slightly different texture on the surface of the wood. Having a smooth surface will help the primer and paint adhere better and make the finish look more professional.
It’s also important to not forget about the importance of choosing the right paint for your cabinets. You’ll want to use a high-quality paint that’s specifically designed for cabinets. This is because cabinet paint needs to be able to withstand the wear and tear that they receive on a daily basis. N-Hance uses a stain-blocking primer that protects against tannin bleed and gives your cabinets the best chance of lasting durability.
Many Westchester homeowners overlook the importance of proper surface preparation before painting their cabinets, leading to less than stellar results. This includes thoroughly cleaning, sanding, and priming the cabinets before applying a fresh coat of paint. N-Hance’s experts can handle all of this and more to give you a finished product that you can be proud of.
4. You Don’t Use the Right Paint
Painting cabinets is an easy and effective way to freshen the look of a kitchen without the cost of a complete remodel. However, if done incorrectly, it can lead to flaking, peeling, or less-than-desirable results. Fortunately, there are steps homeowners can take to prevent these common mistakes.
The first step in any cabinet refinishing project is thorough surface preparation. Failing to properly clean, sand, and prime your cabinet surfaces will guarantee disappointing paint adhesion and a low-quality finish. This is why refinishing professionals like N-Hance always start with a thorough cleaning using Krud Kutter degreaser and Scotch-Brite pads to break down grease on a molecular level before sanding, to ensure the cabinets are completely dust-free.
Next, sanding is essential for a quality paint job. It’s important to sand the surfaces of your cabinet with a medium-grit sandpaper, and then apply a quality primer that’s designed for your cabinets’ material. This will ensure that the primer and paint stick to your cabinet’s surface.
Lastly, it’s important to use the right kind of paint for your cabinetry. There are many different types of paint on the market, and not all of them are created equal. Some are designed for walls, while others are made to stand up to the rigors of everyday wear and tear in your home. N-Hance only uses high-quality cabinet paint that’s specifically formulated for this type of application, to ensure your new finish stands up to the test of time.
Another mistake homeowners often make is rushing to reassemble and use their cabinets once they’re painted. This can lead to uneven surfaces and extended drying times. N-Hance advises homeowners to wait a full 48 hours before reassembling their cabinetry, to give the paint a chance to fully harden and reach its maximum durability.