Is your kitchen due for a refresh? A lick of paint can instantly transform your kitchen and extend the lifetime of your cabinets.
At Pat McDonnell Paints, we help customers achieve a full makeover at a fraction of the cost of a new kitchen.
Tools for the Job
· Deltec Gold Masking Tape
· Dust sheets
· Fluxaf Power Clean or Douglas Sugar Soap
· A microfibre cloth
· 80 – 100 grit sandpaper
· Methylated spirits
· Prestonett Filler
· A filling knife
· Wooster Silver Tip Brush
· Wooster 4” Mohair Roller & Frame
· Ralston All-Primer or
Uni-Primer
· Ralston Aqua Matt/
Semi-Mat / Satin / Gloss
Step 1: Prep
As with all painting projects, preparation is key to achieving an attractive and long-lasting finish. Over the years, grease, dirt and dust can build up on your cabinets. These wreak havoc on paintwork, so it’s important to fully clean the units before picking up a paintbrush.
Firstly, protect the surfaces you don’t want to paint. Empty your cupboards and drawers and remove all handles. Place dust sheets to protect your floor. Mask hinges and any points where the cabinetry meets walls and tiles. Deltec Gold Masking Tape ensures sharp lines and zero residue.
Household cleaners leave a film, so we always recommend using a specialist degreaser such as Fluxaf Pro Clean or a simple sugar soap.
Pro tip: Always clean before sanding, as sanding can compress any dirt into your cabinets.
Step 2: Sand
To improve paint adhesion, use a fine-grade (e.g. 80-100 grit ) sandpaper to lightly sand your cabinets. Once done, wipe down cabinets with methylated spirits to remove any trace of dust. Allow to dry.
Step 3: Fix
Apply a quality filler to any imperfections (holes, cracks, etc. ) with a wet filling knife. We like using the Prestonett Filler Range. Ask in-store for the right filler for your cabinets. Once dry, lightly sand and wipe with a clean, damp cloth.
Step 4: Prime
Apply one coat of primer. The primer you use will depend on your cabinets, so check with one of our team for the best primer for your project. Leave plenty of time for the primer to fully dry. Check the tin for drying times. We often advise leaving it overnight if you can (plus, it’s a great excuse to order a well-earned takeaway )
Pro tip: For most kitchen cabinets, we recommend using Ralston All-Primer. Not only can this primer be tinted to the colour of your choice, but it is also bio-based and kinder to our environment.
Step 5: Paint
For a smooth, durable topcoat, we recommend one coat of quality paint from the Ralston Aqua range in the colour of your choice. Ralston Aqua topcoats come in a variety of finishes, including:
· Matt (7 per cent sheen ) for a soft, modern look
· Semi-Matt/Eggshell (20 per cent sheen ) provides a subtle sheen and easy maintenance
· Satin (35 per cent sheen ) offers a balance between gloss and matte
· High Gloss (80 per cent sheen ) for a striking, polished finish
Cut in and apply your paint with a good-quality brush or roller.
Check the tin and follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding drying, recoating, and curing times. Don’t be tempted to reaffix the cabinets too quickly and risk an accidental smudge.
Pro tip: If you feel a second coat is needed, it is important to allow each coat enough time to fully dry before applying the next coat.
Get colour inspiration and expert advice from Pat McDonnell Paints online, in store and over the phone. Enjoy fast and free delivery on all orders.
