Are you ready to give your kitchen cabinets a little facelift but don’t know where to start? Painting your shelves can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. Plus, it’s an affordable way to modernize any cabinetry! With some creativity and help from professionals who specialize in cabinet refinishing services, you could potentially have a kitchen that looks brand-new without having to break the bank.
Below, we list some cabinet shelf painting mistakes to avoid so that you can make the most of this kitchen upgrade.
Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Paint
Choosing the wrong paint is a huge no-no and one of the most common mistakes people make when painting their shelves. Wood kitchen shelves should be painted with a semi-gloss or gloss paint to prevent streaks, peeling, and bleeding. As the kitchen is a high-traffic area, using durable paint like semi-gloss or gloss paint can reduce the need for frequent touch-ups.
Mistake #2: Skipping Sanding and Priming
Cabinet shelf painting requires meticulous attention to detail, including performing careful sanding techniques. Sanding ensures the paint will adhere to the shelves as well as removes any flaws in the wood. As with any paint project, using primer on the kitchen shelf (or any component) will help the paint adhere properly to the surface and have a uniform look once it has been applied.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Cleaning and Degreasing
Wiping away dust or removing dirt from the kitchen shelf before starting is vital. Grease, grime, and dirt can bleed through the paint and may also make it impossible for the paint to adhere to the shelves. Make sure to properly clean and degrease the shelves with a gentle cleanser and a pre-paint degreaser product. Use a soft microfiber cloth or rag to clean and wipe down the shelf.
Mistake #4: Rushing Through the Process
A shelf painting project can be a great way to enhance the aesthetics of a kitchen. It takes time and patience for the finished product to be complete. Rushing through the process can leave lines in the paint and bubbles and it may even peel. Most paints need to be cured for several days, even though the paint may be dry to the touch.
Mistake #5: Inadequate Brush and Roller Techniques
Paint brushes and rollers share the same goal but require different techniques when used. Brushes are to be used for edges and hard-to-reach sections of the kitchen shelf while a roller provides a smooth and even finish for the larger areas. Do not overload the paint brush or roller with paint since this can result in uneven and sloppy coverage.
Mistake #6: Not Applying Multiple Coats
A huge mistake during the painting process is neglecting to use multiple coats and not waiting for each coat to dry fully between coats. It is advisable to always apply at least two coats of paint regardless of the colour. Allowing each coat of paint to dry completely will prevent the paint from peeling or bubbling, which is costly and tedious to repair.
Expert Tips to Maintain Your Freshly Painted Cabinet Shelves
To extend the stunning results of your cabinet shelves, here are some comprehensive and easy-to-follow maintenance tips.
- Clean and Dust Regularly: Use a microfiber cloth for dusting and cleaning, as well as a gentle cleanser to remove fingerprints and grime.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Abrasive cleaners could strip away the paint. Instead, use two parts warm water and one-part dish soap or two parts hot water with one-part white vinegar to clean.
- Check for Wear and Tear: Periodically check for any signs of damage from regular use and perform maintenance as needed.
- Address and Deal with Scratches and Scuffs: If you notice any signs of marks, scratches, or scuffs, they should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage.
- Protect Against Water Damage: Extend the longevity of your kitchen shelves by immediately cleaning up liquid spills.
Why Choose Booth7’s Cabinet Painting Services to Refinish Your Cabinet Shelves?
Hiring Booth7, the proud winner of the HomeStars Best of Awards for five consecutive years, ensures you’re investing in quality, expertise, and impeccable customer service. We are also proud to have received almost 100 online Homestars reviews—all receiving a 10 out of 10 rating.
As part of our professional kitchen cabinet refinishing services, we will remove your cabinet shelves and take them to our facility to work on. Then we will reinstall them for you once they’ve dried, so there are no worries about your shelves getting ruined as they dry.
We also use water-based, low VOC lacquer and solvents that are very consumer and household-friendly. Our lacquers and solvents are guaranteed to not leave a lingering paint smell and to be safe for all occupants in your home.
Ready to Transform Your Cabinet Shelves? Contact Booth7 for Cabinet and Shelf Painting in Vaughan!
If you want professional kitchen shelf painting in Markham and Vaughan, the talented team at Booth7 offers premium painting and refinishing services. We provide affordable solutions without compromising on quality to enhance the function and beauty of your kitchen.
Experience the Booth7 difference today! Contact us for all your cabinet shelf painting and furniture refinishing needs in Markham and the surrounding area.
