If you don’t know what you’re doing, cabinet painting fails are inevitable. There are a lot of things that can go wrong when painting your kitchen cabinets. Here are some common DIY cabinet painting fails.
Result of Cheap Paint
When you use cheap paint that is not specifically designed for cabinets, it can chip off with the slightest nick or peel off completely!
Cabinet Paint Peeling Fail
Result of Not Cleaning Properly
To clean properly you need to use TSP and thoroughly scrub the surface, then wipe it off with a rag wetted down in water. If you don’t wipe it off you will get the ultimate distressed look (and not in a good way).
Cabinets not cleaned properly
Result of Not Removing Hinges
If you don’t remove the hinges, you won’t get a clean look. They have a tendency to collect a lot of paint and end up being a paint drip nightmare! They are also difficult to paint around properly so you will end up missing a lot of areas.
Grease Marks from Door Hinges
Result of Not Letting Paint Cure Completely
It takes a couple of days for the paint to cure, and there is no way around this. You just have to wait. If you don’t wait, then your freshly painted cabinets will scratch and be damaged very easily. It is always a good idea to take it easy on you cabinets for the first few weeks and avoid washing them with harsh chemicals till they have had a chance to cure.
Chipped Painted Cabinets
Result of Mixing up Cabinet Doors
Labeling is very important so you can get your kitchen put back together the right way. If you don’t label you can end up with crooked cabinet doors, or doors that just plain don’t fit.
Crooked Cabinet Doors
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What is DIT?
DIT stands for Do-It-Together, this is a service we offer, that will save you time, money and frustration. We do 90% of the work and you pay half the price! All you have to do is paint the cabinet boxes. Sound Finish will uninstall your cabinet doors and drawers, take them to our shop, paint them and return to reinstall them in two weeks. We provide you with a half hour of training, and all the supplies needed to paint the boxes. We also give you access to our online tutorial videos to help you along the way.
About the DIT Experience
About the Experience: Everything we do at Sound Finish is about creating that awesome customer experience. At our very core, we are a customer experience company who simply helps people paint their kitchen cabinets. We understand that you want to achieve a professional quality outcome while saving money. And that is why every single step of the Sound Finish DIT process serves one goal: providing you, the customer with an amazing experience from start to finish. We invite you to learn more about this one-of-a-kind service and determine if it makes sense for your home!
Sound Finish Provides the highest quality cabinet coatings in the industry because cabinet coatings are our primary focus and our specialty. With 20+ years of experience, our unique system paints your kitchen cabinets in 2-3 days!
Learn more and schedule a consultation today!
There are a lot of mistakes that can be made when painting cabinets. Cabinet painting is not a project that can be done in a day. It takes a lot of time and preparation if everything is done right the first time. If you are planning on painting your cabinets yourself, do your research and be prepared to avoid the top six DIY cabinet painting mistakes.
- Not Properly Cleaning the Cabinets
Kitchens build up a lot of grease, and it takes more than a wet rag to clean them off. Depending on your cabinet style, you may have a lot of nooks and crannies in those cabinets that are hard to reach. Every little part of your cabinets has to be clean in order to get the paint to adhere (stick) to your cabinets. Everything needs to be scrubbed down with a grease remover, such as TSP, then wiped down with a damp rag. Problematic areas are usually around the stove and the sink, so be sure those areas are clean. To test whether the cabinets are clean, run your fingernail down the cabinet. If anything is in your fingernail, then it’s not clean enough.
- Not Taking Off the Hardware
A lot of people think they can save time by skipping the step of taking off the hardware. You may be saving an hour at first, but in the long run, you are wasting time and money. When you paint your kitchen cabinets, the paint needs a couple of days to cure, otherwise, it will scratch off easily. If you don’t remove the hardware, then it will scratch against your freshly painted cabinets and leave ugly marks all around them. Take the extra time to remove the hardware, it will make painting the cabinets easier and you will not get paint all over the hardware.
- Not Removing the Cabinet Doors and Drawers
It looks like you can reach every surface of the cabinets and drawers with them still on the hinges, but you can’t. You will get a more even coat if they are removed and you will not get paint all over the hinges.
- Skipping the Labeling of Doors, Drawers and Hardware
This one is very important. You can put everything back where it belongs if they are labeled as they are removed. Even if the cabinet doors are exactly the same, the hinges have all moved differently through the years, so they will hang differently if they are not in their proper place. A bit of masking tape and a pen is all you need to do this the right way.
- Not Sanding Properly
Sanding ensures adhesion. If you don’t sand well then the primer and paint will not stick to your cabinets. Be sure to vacuum or use a tack rag before you start priming your cabinets.
- Using the Wrong Primer and Paint
A high-quality primer and paint is a must for painting cabinets. You get a durable finish with a high-quality paint. It is much more expensive but it is worth it in the long run. You should also get one that is specific for painting cabinets. There are a lot of options out there, so make sure you choose a paint that boasts adhesion and durability. Choose a primer that has great stain blocking and adhesion properties.
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What is DIT?
DIT stands for Do-It-Together, this is a service we offer, that will save you time, money and frustration. We do 90% of the work and you pay half the price! All you have to do is paint the cabinet boxes. Sound Finish will uninstall your cabinet doors and drawers, take them to our shop, paint them and return to reinstall them in two weeks. We provide you with a half hour of training, and all the supplies needed to paint the boxes. We also give you access to our online tutorial videos to help you along the way.
About the DIT Experience
About the Experience: Everything we do at Sound Finish is about creating an amazing customer experience. At our very core, we are a customer experience company who simply helps people paint their kitchen cabinets. We understand that you want to achieve a professional quality outcome while saving money. And that is why every single step of the Sound Finish DIT process serves one goal: providing you, the customer with an amazing experience from start to finish. We invite you to learn more about this one-of-a-kind service and determine if it makes sense for your home!
Sound Finish Provides the highest quality cabinet coatings in the industry because cabinet coatings are our primary focus and our specialty. With 20+ years of experience, our unique system paints your kitchen cabinets in 2-3 days!
Learn more and schedule a consultation today!
Paint is a great way to refresh things throughout your home without breaking the bank. There are numerous projects you can do with paint that you may have never thought of. Here are some of the paint projects you can do to make your house your own.
Paint your Hardware
If you’ve moved into an older home where the hardware has started to chip or wear down, then you can upgrade it with paint. First, you have to sand down the hardware with a sanding block or wire brush, then clean the hardware with a degreaser to remove any grease. Spray paint made for metal works best. Be sure to shake the can and wait for coats to dry.
Paint your Headboard
If you have a wood, laminate, or metal headboard that is outdated, then you can paint it to make it your own. A few coats of paint can make a headboard look brand new. You could also paint the rest of your bedroom furniture to go well with it.
Paint your Shutters
If you are lucky enough to have a house with shutters, but you don’t like the current look of them, you can paint them very easily. Use a matte paint if you want a more rustic look. Use a gloss paint if you want a more modern look. With a rustic look, you won’t have to do as many coats. Just be sure to sand first and clean off any dust or grime. This painting project is easy and can be finished in an afternoon.
Paint your Flower Pots
If you front or backyard needs some sprucing up, you can paint your flower pots to make them look more colorful. You can even use small painted flower pots inside to give your kitchen or living room more color.
Paint your Stair Banister
A lot of people think when they have an outdated banister that it needs to be completely replaced, but it doesn’t. It can be painted and transformed completely. You can do a two-tone with white or gray with stained wood, or paint it all one color. Choose whatever works best with the style of your home. Be sure to sand and clean well before painting.
Paint your Cabinets
Bathroom and kitchen cabinets can be transformed with paint. If they are outdated or the current paint is wearing down, then a few coats of paint can make them look brand new. It’s important to do all the steps thoroughly when painting cabinets in order to make the paint last.
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Sound Finish Provides the highest quality cabinet coatings in the industry because cabinet coatings are our primary focus and our specialty. With 20+ years of experience, our unique system paints your kitchen cabinets in 2-3 days!
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Kitchens these days tend to bring homes together because your kitchen style usually incorporates throughout the rest of the house. So choosing a kitchen style actually sets the tone of your entire house. No pressure though. We are here to help you know which style to choose. Here are the most popular ones kitchen styles of 2017.
Country Farmhouse
This kitchen style is especially popular because of the show Fixer Upper. The country farmhouse kitchen style is open and welcomes people into your kitchen. The goal with country farmhouse kitchens is to create a comfortable lived in look. Getting mismatched chairs and a farmhouse table will certainly help. The most popular colors for a country farmhouse kitchen are primary reds, yellows, and blues, as well as aged creams and pale yellows.
Country Farmhouse Kitchen
Modern
The modern kitchen design is a sleek style with straight lines and flat surfaces. It is designed with optimal storage to minimize clutter. Reflective surfaces are key to a modern kitchen style. High-tech materials are also popular as it shows that the latest technology is throughout your kitchen.
Modern Kitchen
Cottage
Cottage kitchens are meant to feel cozy, even if it’s a large space. White and blue are the go-to colors for a cottage kitchen style. This is a great design for those who are able to make great finds at flea markets. Each piece adds a homemade touch that makes your cottage kitchen your own.
Cottage Kitchen
Contemporary
Contemporary kitchens work well for those who want to entertain. While the style is a mix of new and old, it is carefully laid out to seat lots of people and places to cook large amounts of food. White is the main color for kitchen cabinets and the countertops usually consist of granite or quartz.
Contemporary Kitchen
French Country
Taking after the french, whether it be in the kitchen or throughout the entire house, is becoming very popular. Warm-toned cabinets and sophisticated aging are key factors to a French country kitchen style. Tones of russet and copper should be used throughout the design.
French Country Kitchen
Sound Finish Provides the highest quality cabinet coatings in the industry because cabinet coatings are our primary focus and our specialty. With 20+ years of experience, our unique system paints your kitchen cabinets in 2-3 days!
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There are a lot of people who experience trial and error situations when painting their kitchen cabinets. That is not something you want to have to deal with since it can cost a lot of money, take a lot of time and also ruin your kitchen cabinets. You basically need to be a pro before you’ve ever done it – not an easy task. But with the help from professional painters, you can know the ultimate secrets to cabinet painting.
- Prep Your Cabinets
Since so many people are eager to get the painting, they forget that there is a lot of prep work that has to be done. Everything should be removed from the kitchen such as appliances, dishes, etc. Cover your counters and flooring with rosin paper and your backsplash, fixed appliances, windows and interior doorways with plastic sheeting. Covering everything will save you a lot of clean-up later.
- Remove Hardware, Doors, Drawers, and Shelves
A lot of people think they can get away with painting around the hinges – you can’t. It may work for a little while but it won’t take long the hinges to start rubbing off the paint on your freshly painted cabinets. By removing the doors, drawers, and shelves you will be able to lay them flat and get an even coat on them. Be sure to label everything, including the hardware, so you know where it goes when you put your kitchen back together.
- Clean Everything
Now comes the most important part of painting your kitchen cabinets – cleaning. Cabinets are covered in dirt, grime, and grease so if they are not properly cleaned, the paint won’t stick to them. Use a cleaner that has tsp so it can get everything off. If your cabinets are glossed, you’ll have to use a de-glossing cleaner. Wipe them down with the de-glosser and then wipe it down with a water damp cloth. If you don’t wipe off the de-glosser the paint won’t stick.
- Fill the Holes
Fill in any holes in your cabinets that need filling with a two-part polyester wood or autobody filler. Since the filler shrinks, overfill them slightly and then sand off the excess.
- Sand All Surfaces
Sanding is essential to get a smooth finish on your cabinets. Once you have sanded down every surface, vacuum up the dust and then wipe clean with a tack cloth. Hand sanding works the best for oak cabinets because you can push the paper into the grain where a power sander can’t do that.
- Prime the Cabinet Boxes
When priming grainy wood, brush across the grain initially then finish brushing lightly over the wet finish in the direction of the grain. It needs a day to dry. Once dry, sand down any imperfections – it should be perfectly smooth.
- Caulk Seams and Dents
Use a thin bead of caulk to fill in any open seams on your cabinet boxes. Smooth the caulk with a damp finger. Once dry, sand the area smooth. Spot-prime the spackle and any other places that you can see through the primer. Wait an hour to sand it smooth, then clean it with a vacuum and tack cloth.
- Paint the Cabinet Boxes
Similar to priming, start from the top to the bottom painting across the grain. Finish with lightly brushing with the grain. On the interior part of the cabinets, you can use a smooth mini roller. Once everything has dried, sand all the surfaces and clean with a vacuum and tack cloth.
- Repeat Steps 2-7 on the Cabinet Doors and Drawers
Did we mention this is a long process? Clean, fill the holes, sand, and vacuum the cabinet doors and drawers. Prime, sand, caulk, sand, clean, paint, sand – you get the picture. Be sure to give your prime and paint a day to dry each.
- Put Your Kitchen Back Together
Once everything is dry, you can put the shelves back in, attach the cabinets with the hinges, and place the drawers in their original places. Now you can enjoy your newly painted kitchen cabinets for years to come.
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Sound Finish Provides the highest quality cabinet coatings in the industry because cabinet coatings are our primary focus and our specialty. With 20+ years of experience, our unique system paints your kitchen cabinets in 2-3 days!
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Kitchen color trends change pretty much every year, with some trends remaining for decades. If you want your kitchen to be up to date with the latest trends then you have quite a few to choose from. Here are the latest kitchen color trends for 2017.
- Two-Toned Cabinets
This trend has been popular in previous years, but it is still one of the main kitchen color trends for 2017. You can make your kitchen cabinets pop with upper cabinets one color and the lower cabinets another. The most popular right now is to have your upper cabinets be a shade of white while the lower cabinets are either a neutral blue or green or a warm gray.
Two-Tone Cabinets
- White Cabinets
This go-to kitchen color trend has been around for years. You can’t go wrong with a white kitchen. Be sure to mix the whites you choose instead of using one bright white tone, otherwise, your kitchen may look like a laboratory.
White Kitchen
- Dark Kitchen Cabinets
While white kitchens remain popular, dark kitchen cabinets are becoming trendy as well. Paired with light colored countertops and bright walls, all of these elements of the kitchen can stand out in their own way.
Dark Kitchen Cabinets
- Green Kitchens
Colorful kitchens are becoming more and more popular, with green being a favorite. The trendy greens right now are emerald green, kelly green, and blue-ish greens such as mint green and deep teal. You can incorporate green by painting the cabinets, walls, or choosing a green backsplash.
Green Kitchen Cabinets
- Blue Kitchens
Blue could be the next big kitchen color trend of 2017. There are so many different blues that are trendy right now for kitchens. Bold blue, gray blue, turquoise, navy blue, medium blue tones, and aquatic blue are all very popular choices right now. These blues can be used on your kitchen cabinets, walls or backsplash. You can’t go wrong choosing blue this year.
Blue Kitchen
Sound Finish Provides the highest quality cabinet coatings in the industry because cabinet coatings are our primary focus and our specialty. With 20+ years of experience, our unique system paints your kitchen cabinets in 2-3 days!
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If you’ve recently bought a home, you’ve probably already found lots of projects that need to be done. Unfortunately, it takes time to get all of those done, and they can’t all be completed at once. So how do you know which ones are the most important? It’s a balance between making it comfortable and affordable as well as what is best for resell.
Paint
Paint is an easy way to freshen up a room or even the entire house. It’s also a cheap option if you choose to paint most rooms the same color. You can save by buying a ten-gallon bucket instead of multiple one-gallon cans.
Painted Living Room
Heating and Cooling Systems
Upgrading your heating and cooling systems is necessary if you are planning to stay in your home for a long time. The new energy-efficient heating and cooling systems can save you hundreds of dollars per year. They also make it so much more comfortable in your home. This upgrade is very helpful for if you resell your home. Having poorly functioning heating and cooling systems can be a deal-breaker for some home buyers.
Heating System
Kitchen Backsplash
This is an affordable upgrade that can make a world of difference in your kitchen. It’s not a hard upgrade to do yourself and depending on the type of backsplash chosen, it can add value to your home.
New Backsplash
Fireplace
If you have a fireplace, don’t get rid of it. Fireplaces are high on the must-have list for homebuyers. You can use that fireplace in the winter to warm your home. If it’s wood burning, it’s a free heater.
Upgraded Fireplace
Kitchen Cabinets
People spend of a lot of time in kitchens, especially with open floor plans. It makes sense to make an upgrade in your kitchen if it’s where you spend most of your time. Refinishing or painting your kitchen cabinets can completely transform your kitchen. Kitchens are the best place to invest for resell value.
Painted Kitchen Cabinets
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Sound Finish Provides the highest quality cabinet coatings in the industry because cabinet coatings are our primary focus and our specialty. With 20+ years of experience, our unique system paints your kitchen cabinets in 3-4 days!
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It’s crazy what a couple coats of paint can do to make something look brand new. While paint may seem to cost a lot of money, it is definitely cheaper than replacing items altogether. There are a lot of things in your new home that can be upgraded with a few coats of paint. Here are a few you can start with.
Your Walls
Whether you want to keep the color the same or change it up completely, a fresh coat of paint on the walls can brighten up a room. You can make it more interesting by doing the bottom half of a wall a different color. You could even do an entire wall with an accent color to draw focus to one side of the room. If you are really crafty, you could paint a design on your accent wall. Start your painting in the rooms where you spend the most time, likely the living room and the kitchen. You will get the most enjoyment out of these and guests will be able to see the changes you’ve made.
Painted Accent Wall
Your Front Door
The front door of your new home is the first thing that guests see, so why not make it look nice. A freshly painted front door will look more welcoming and set the tone for the style of your home. The color could be a simple white, a neutral green, or maybe a bright yellow. Whatever color you choose, be sure to keep that same theme running through your home.
Painted Front Door
Your Baseboards and Trim
This project isn’t as fun as the others, but it will definitely make a difference. Door frames, baseboards, and trim get scuffed up through the years making them look bland and old. A couple of coats of paint can make them pop again. While this one may take a bit longer, it will pay off in the end.
Freshly Painted Trim
Your Furniture
A lot of new homeowners receive hand-me-down furniture and while it saves a lot of money, it most likely isn’t exactly what you want. Painting your furniture can brighten up a room and also give you the furniture you’ve always wanted. Chalk paint is great for projects like this. It gives your furniture a rustic look and a lot of times you only have to do one coat.
Painted Dresser
Your Cabinets
Bathroom and kitchen cabinets can be transformed with paint. They might already be painted but need a fresh coat or different color or maybe they are old oak cabinets that are outdated. Either way, a couple of coats of paint can make all the difference. This is by far the hardest painting project because of all the prep work that has to be done before. Between cleaning, sanding, priming, and finally painting it can take a couple of weeks, but it is worth it.
Painted Kitchen Cabinets
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By upcycling items that you already own, you can save a lot of money. The kitchen has a lot of things that can be fixed up and re-purposed to look brand new. Here are some ways you can re-use items for your kitchen.
Tin Can Storage
Tin cans are thrown out every day, but there are more uses for them that can be helpful in your kitchen. A quick craft project can transform them into exactly what you need them to be. First, start by peeling off the label, then soak it so you can get all the sticky paper off. You can then spray paint them, cover them in scrapbook paper, or wrap them in fabric. They can be used as storage for tea, sugar packets, pens or pencils, utensils, or plastic bags. You could even use them as decoration.
Tin Can Storage
Old Containers as Succulent Planters
Don’t throw out those old containers and kitchen gadgets. They can be re-purposed to become a planter for your succulents. This is an easy project that can be completed in a few hours. Some of the containers you can use are old food storage containers, coffee canisters, bundt pans, colanders, and even flour sifters.
Flour Sifter turned Succulent Planter
Book Knife Block
If you have any old books you’re about to give away, think again. You can re-use them to become a knife holder. Knife blocks are expensive, so why not make one yourself that adds character to your kitchen? This is an easy project that anyone could do. Just tie the books you’re using together with twine, rope, or fabric and stick the knives in the pages. You can even use duct tape to keep them really secure and cover the duct tape with something prettier.
Book Knife Block
Iron Gate Pot Holder
This project will take a little more planning and skill. If you already have an old iron gate, then you are well on your way. If you don’t, search around at salvage yards, yard sales, and craigslist. Once you’ve found one, you can hang it above the kitchen island and hang your pots and pans from it. It adds a rustic and cottage style to your kitchen and people will be amazed at the creativity.
Iron Gate Pot Holder
Old Door as Dining Table
Have an old door you don’t know what to do with? Consider making it into your dining table. Depending on the condition, it may just need some sanding and a little bit of paint. You can choose to leave the doorknob or take it off. Add a sturdy base and a clear glass overlay on the top to even everything out and make it easy for cleanups.
Door Dining Table
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Upgrading your home to what you want it to be is one of those things that’s on almost everyone’s to-do list. A lot of the time, money is what keeps us from doing those upgrades. Here are some budget-friendly home upgrades that you can yourself.
Update Your Front Porch
When people come to your house, the front porch is the first thing they see, so it makes sense to fix it up. Choose a new paint color for your door, add some flower pots or a flower cart, and get a new welcome mat. If you have space, you can add some wicker chairs. You could also put up some chalkboard signs and lanterns. There are so many possibilities to spruce up your front porch.
Front Porch
Change Your Door Handles
If you have outdated door knobs and handles, consider getting new ones or spray painting them. Bronze is a popular color right now and goes with the rustic look. Copper is also becoming very popular. If you want to be safe, go with brushed nickel or chrome.
Brushed Nickel Door Handle
Add a Beadboard Backsplash
If adding a tile backsplash to your kitchen is out of your comfort zone, consider a beadboard backsplash. It comes in a variety of colors and patterns and most amateur DIYer’s can accomplish this project in a weekend. The beadboard backsplash adds a farmhouse feel to your kitchen.
Beadboard Backsplash
Add a Coat of Paint
Repainting a room can give it a drastically needed upgrade. You can make the room unique and tailored to your style by choosing the color or even a patterned accent wall. A gallon of paint is usually around $30, so it’s not an expensive project.
Two-Tone Wall
Update the Lighting Fixtures
Outdated light fixtures can really make your home look old, either from the style or by not providing enough light. There are energy efficient lighting fixtures that can help you save on energy bills. There are so many unique styles to choose from as well. You can change out the lighting fixtures in your living room, kitchen, and office to get an update throughout the entire house.
Rustic Lighting Fixture
Change Out the Hardware and Fixtures
Changing your kitchen and bathroom cabinet hardware can completely transform the room. If you are planning on painting your cabinets, be sure to choose a hardware that will go with the new color. You can also change your sink fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom to go with your new hardware.
Copper Cabinet Hardware
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