Kitchen Cabinet Painting Tips For Lesser Mess in Oldham County, KY

If you are looking for a way to update and reinvigorate your kitchen space without the hassle and expense of a full-blown painting project, doing a cabinet painting project will be your best bet.

In doing a cabinet painting project, or really any painting project for that matter, mess will always be an unfortunate part of it – but it’s a good thing that there are tips and tricks available to combat this.

So, if you are looking for tips to lessen the mess in your upcoming kitchen cabinet painting project, fret not – here are Kitchen Cabinet Painting Tips For Lesser Mess.

1. Prepare Your Kitchen Space Properly

The first step to a mess-free painting project is proper preparation – and here’s why.

Rushing into a painting project, which takes a lot of steps and other intricate processes, will inevitably result in some form of mess – and some of these will not be easy to clean up and handle!

So, before coating your kitchen cabinets with fresh, new paint, make sure to prep your kitchen area and cabinets first.

Here’s what you should be doing:

1. Clear the Space: Start by removing all items from your cabinets, including dishes, cookware, and utensils. Clearing out the space will not only prevent accidental paint splatters on your belongings but also give you better access to all cabinet surfaces.
2. Label and Organize: As you empty your cabinets, label the items you remove and organize them in a designated area. This will make it easier to put everything back in its place once the painting is complete.
3. Clean and Degrease: Cabinets tend to accumulate grease and grime over time. To ensure proper paint adhesion, thoroughly clean the cabinet surfaces with a degreaser. A clean surface will also help the paint adhere evenly and prevent peeling or chipping in the future.
4. Sand the Cabinets: Use sandpaper (usually 120-220 grit) to lightly sand the cabinet surfaces. Sanding helps create a rough texture for the paint to adhere to and smooths out any imperfections. Remember to wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust particles.
5. Fill Holes and Imperfections: If your cabinets have any holes or dents, use wood filler to patch them up. Allow the filler to dry completely and then sand it smooth before proceeding.

2. Cover Up Necessary Areas

In your painting project, drips and spills will be an inevitable part of it – this is just the natural tendency when you are working with paint. 

The bad news is: when these drips and spills all pile up, they create the exact kind of mess you are looking to avoid in the first place. 

So, in doing your kitchen cabinet painting project, make sure that you cover up all necessary areas, which are spaces that are adjacent to or near your cabinets.

While you generally should do this with a canvas-type drop cloth (the fabric doesn’t let paint seep through it), you can also do so using plastic sheeting or if you have any spare, old cloths you aren’t using just lying around your home. 

3. Work in Small Sections

While a kitchen cabinet painting project is generally a quick project, this doesn’t mean that you should rush through the whole thing – taking your time by working in small sections could do wonders for avoiding mess in your project. 

In doing this, you might want to:

1. Remove Cabinet Doors and Hardware: Take off the cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware (handles, knobs) before you start painting. This will allow you to paint the cabinet frames and doors separately, ensuring complete coverage and a professional look.
2. Apply Thin Coats: Instead of trying to cover the cabinets in one thick coat of paint, apply thin coats and allow each coat to dry completely before adding another. This not only reduces mess but also ensures a smoother finish.
3. Work Methodically: Start from the top of your cabinets and work your way down, paying attention to detail in each section. Take your time and be patient, as rushing can lead to drips, smudges, and uneven application.

4. Clean Up and Reassemble

Lastly, once you’ve completed the painting process and allowed the cabinets to dry thoroughly, you should make sure to clean up properly.

To start, you’ll want to:

1. Carefully remove any painter’s tape from edges, corners, or handles that you might have covered to protect them from paint. Make sure that you are doing this while the paint is still slightly tacky to prevent peeling.
2. Then, you’ll want to reattach any cabinet hardware that you may have removed, such as knobs or hinges, and reassemble them once your paint is completely dry. Make sure that they fit snugly and open and close smoothly.
3. Wipe any other stray drips and spills that your drop cloths weren’t able to cover, before organizing and returning your kitchen items to their respective cabinet spaces. 

Hire a Professional Painting Contractor

Having said that, if you don’t have the time, skill, or tools to repaint your home interior Serious Business Painting can help.

We are currently serving the areas of Louisville, Shelby County, Oldham County, Anchorage, Prospect, and Jefferson Town, Kentucky.

Book a FREE estimate below or call us 502-641-7969 if you need any more information.

Related: Tips For Painting The Perfect Bedroom For Your Child in Louisville, KY

Tips For Preparing To Paint Your Bedroom Cabinets in Oldham County, KY