Learning About Home Remodels

Nothing changes the look of a wall like a fresh coat of paint. This is one sure way of giving any room a quick facelift without having to break the bank. However, when it comes to kitchen remodeling, there are a few things you need to put in mind before choosing the paint to use for certain aspects like cabinets. 

The Material Used to Make the Cabinets

Cabinets cover the biggest part of the kitchen. As such, you need to ensure whatever paint you choose works for the cabinets. Not all brands and types of paint will work for all cabinet types. 

For instance, if you have solid wood cabinets, painting them will take very little preparation, especially if the wood is natural and only needs a little sanding. Wood veneer cabinets would require more preparation before painting. You need to check for cracks and loose edges and repair these before painting. 

You can then sand lightly and proceed to paint. On the other hand, laminate cabinets require a lot of prep work because they have a smooth plastic finish that resists paint. The easiest way to paint laminate is by using laminate-specific paint or primer.

What Type of Paint to Use

Though many will run to use oil paints, latex paints are the best for painting kitchen cabinets. This applies no matter the type of material the cabinets are made of. Unlike oil-based paints, latex paints dry faster and allow you to add layers in a few hours. This allows you to repaint your kitchen in one day.

Also, and most importantly, latex paints have lower levels of volatile organic compounds. These are chemicals that aid the paint to flow onto the surface it is used on. High levels of VOCs can be an irritant to people with sinuses and asthma. They can also irritate the eyes and cause a burning sensation to the nose and its membranes. Latex paints are the best for painting kitchen cabinets as they will not cause any emissions to land on the food and spices you store inside the cabinets.

Additionally, oil-based paints tend to take on a yellow hue over time. If you want your new look to last, latex paints are your best bet. To achieve the glossy look you get from oil paints, invest in a little more prep time if you are painting on natural wood. You can also use the paint brands labeled as "washable" as they have a shinier look.