Cabinets are subject to a lot of daily wear and tear. Opting for cheap hardware to save a few dollars is a classic penny-wise, pound-foolish mistake that can lead to sagging doors or drawers that don’t close properly.
Low-quality veneers and bargain laminates can be prone to damage, which requires early replacement that’s often even more costly than refacing. Contact San Jose Cabinet Refinishing for more details.
1. Not Preparing the Cabinets Properly
Cabinet refacing is an excellent option for homeowners looking to refresh the look of their kitchen. This process involves removing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, re-caulking the cabinets, and applying a fresh coat of paint or stain. This solution offers a dramatic change without the expense of a full kitchen remodel. However, it is essential to properly prepare the cabinets to ensure long-term success.
This includes thorough cleaning to remove any dirt or grease that could interfere with adhesion and the new surface. It also includes sanding to ensure that the surfaces are smooth and receptive to the new material. Finally, it is critical to use high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the wear and tear of the kitchen environment. This will help to extend the life of your refaced cabinets and maintain their beautiful appearance for years to come.
Another common mistake that can shorten the life of refinished cabinets is neglecting to apply a protective topcoat. A topcoat helps to seal the finish and prevent moisture, stains, and damage. It is also important to select a quality topcoat that will match the color and sheen of the existing finish. ICRO’s high-performance topcoats are ideal for cabinet refinishing and provide an added layer of protection, ensuring that your cabinets look their best for many years to come.
It is also essential to properly prepare the cabinet boxes for painting, including sanding and scuffing to create a smooth and receptive surface. This step is especially important if the cabinets were previously painted. In addition, it is a good idea to apply a primer prior to painting to promote better adhesion and a more even final appearance.
Finally, it is important to plan for adequate ventilation during the painting process, as many of the adhesives and finishes used in this type of project produce strong fumes. It is also a good idea to work in stages, as this will help to maintain accuracy and consistency. In addition, it is essential to make sure that all surfaces are covered with plastic or tape and that the proper tools are used for cutting and sanding.
2. Not Using the Right Paint
Cabinet refinishers must follow a rigorous preparation process to ensure the veneers or paint adhere properly. This includes thoroughly degreasing surfaces with TSP (trisodium phosphate) and sanding to create the correct profile for coatings to adhere. Professionals also use the right equipment for the job, including a high-quality spray gun and sanding machines with fine grit to eliminate streaking and ensure a smooth finish. Failing to take these steps can lead to peeling finishes or a less durable finished product that requires more frequent repairs and replacements over time.
While it may seem tempting to skip or rush these steps, rushing the prep phase can leave cabinets susceptible to moisture damage and stains. It is also important to ensure that all surfaces are dry and free of any debris before applying any new coats of paint, as moisture can cause a surface to bubble or blister.
Not using the right paint is another common mistake that can shorten the life of refinished cabinets. It is essential to use a paint that is designed for cabinetry, as it is formulated to resist chipping, cracking and peeling and to provide a smooth and durable finish. Traditional wall paints and latex paints are not suitable for cabinetry, as they do not adhere well and do not stand up to wear and tear. Instead, opt for an alkyd or urethane enamel paint with a water-based base that dries quickly and cleans up easily with soap and water.
A high-quality topcoat is also crucial for protecting your refinished cabinets and extending their life. Many homeowners skip this step or fail to apply a topcoat at all, leaving their cabinets vulnerable to moisture and staining over time. A high-performance topcoat, like ICRO’s Polyurethane, can provide an extra layer of protection to your cabinets and help them resist scratches, chips, stains and heat from the kitchen. This will extend the life of your refinished cabinets and give them a beautiful, glossy sheen that is resistant to everyday wear and tear.
3. Not Applying the Right Topcoat
Cabinets need a high-quality topcoat to enhance their appearance and protect them from chipping, scratches, and the wear and tear of a busy kitchen. It’s essential to apply the finish in thin coats, letting each one dry thoroughly between applications. However, a number of mistakes can prevent the topcoat from adhering and curing properly, shortening its life.
Not Preparing the Cabinets Properly
The surface must be clean, free of dirt and dust, and sanded down to remove any rough patches before applying paint or stain. Skipping this step or rushing the process can result in a sloppy, unprofessional-looking finish.
Using the Wrong Type of Paint
The right kind of paint can make or break your finished product. Low-quality products tend to chip and peel much more quickly than high-quality ones designed specifically for cabinets.
Choosing the Right Application Technique
Painting your cabinets requires skill and practice to achieve a smooth, professional-looking result. Brushes offer better control in tight spots, while rollers cover a large area more quickly but may show roller marks. If you’re refinishing your cabinets yourself, be sure to choose the right brushes and paint for cabinet doors and follow all application instructions carefully.
Using Too Much Paint
Over-applying paint can cause uneven coverage that ruins the overall look of your finished product. It’s also important to apply the first coat of paint in thin layers, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
Not Sanding the Surface Properly
When refinishing your cabinets, it’s crucial to sand the surface gently and evenly. Avoid sanding too aggressively, as this can damage the wood and create an inconsistent finish. Instead, use a medium-grit sandpaper to roughen up the surface, then carefully sand it again until it’s smooth and even.
Lastly, it’s essential to give the finished product time to cure and set before handling it. It can take up to 30 days for some top coats to fully harden, so be patient and handle your cabinets with care until then. Taking these precautions will help ensure that your refinished cabinets last as long as possible.
4. Not Choosing the Right Aesthetics
Ultimately, the aesthetics you choose for your refinished cabinets will determine how long they last. It’s easy to get caught up in trends that may come and go, but you should always keep your lifestyle and design preferences in mind when making color or style choices. This will ensure that the finished product will adapt to future changes, and will still look good in different lighting conditions and seasonal weather fluctuations.
In addition to the material quality, aesthetic choices like staining or painting are what can make or break your cabinet refacing project. Staining allows the natural wood grain to show through, while paint offers an array of color options that can complement your home’s broader design theme. Other finishes like glazing offer a more rustic or shabby chic appearance by adding layers of texture and sheen. The type of finish you choose can also significantly impact the durability of your cabinets, as well as how easy they are to clean.
Choosing the wrong color or sheen can have a disastrous effect on the overall aesthetic of your cabinets. It’s important to take the time to test a small sample of paint or stain on your walls before committing to the entire project, taking into account the amount of light and other design elements in the room. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that certain finishes have higher maintenance requirements than others, such as lacquers and polyurethanes.
Another common mistake people make is skipping or applying a topcoat improperly, which can leave the surface vulnerable to moisture damage. A high-quality protective topcoat, like ICRO’s water and stain resistant polyurethane, will help extend the life of your refinished cabinets by protecting them against stains and moisture.
Choosing a quality cabinet refacing professional is the best way to avoid these costly mistakes and ensure that your new cabinets look great for years to come. By using the right materials, skilled craftsmanship, and proper application techniques, you can rest assured that your refinished cabinets will stand up to everyday use for years to come.