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Painting Kitchen Cabinets Is a Good Way to Increase Value Without Spending Big

Painting your kitchen cabinets is an easy way to achieve a new look without spending a lot of money. Here is a quick overview of how to paint your kitchen cabinets.

After years of cooking and cleaning, kitchen cabinets can start to look at little worn. Installing new cabinets might cross your mind, but cabinets are one of the most expensive additions you can make to your kitchen. According to remodel expert This Old House, bottom-line cabinets for a 10 X 12 kitchen run around $5,000, not including installation and countertops that might need to be replaced.

Repainting is a great alternative. For $200-$500, you can do a fun project and paint your entire kitchen cabinet set.

Before You Paint

The first thing to decide before you jump in, is whether to use latex or oil paint. This Old House says latex is more user-friendly than oil, since it is easy to clean up and dries quickly. But Home design guru Martha Stewart chooses oil based paint, since she believes it has a better look.

Before you start painting make sure you have removed all hardware. Next, fill any holes and then sand and clean the surface. Martha recommends using a orbital sander for flat areas, and a fine-grit paper on edges. She also says to use a tackcloth for cleaning, since it is treated with a sticky varnish and will grab all dust.

Prime the surface to create a smooth, even look. This Old House recommends using an underbody primer that will fill imperfections and create a solid look.

Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Now it is time to start painting. If you are using latex paint make sure you apply it with a nice synthetic bristle brush, and if you are using oil-based paint choose a natural-bristle brush. When you apply the paint, use long, smooth strokes going with the woods grain.

Finally, dry your freshly painted cabinets in a closed room so nothing lands on the wet surface and enjoy.

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