Tag: cabinet painting

If you have Maple Cabinets in your kitchen, you may be asking yourself… Can maple cabinets be painted white?

Maple cabinets look great. They are very sturdy, and their finishes can withstand the wear and tear in a high traffic area. But, Once a maple cabinet has been stained and clearcoated, it can be very difficult to change it’s color to a new stain. That is where we come in- Ever think of painting your cabients white?

Here are natural maple cabinets.

Can Maple cabinets be painted white?

Not only can maple cabinets be painted white, but they can be painted any color you choose. Right now, the most popular color is white. Grey is number next and then blue or black. So, how do we do it, will painted cabinets last, wil, it the painted maple cabinets chip?

• Just like with painting cherry or painting oak cabinets, we have to clean them.
• Once they are cleaned, we will have to sand these doors and get them ready for primer.
• We will then apply a bonding primer to the maple cabinets. Our preference is Stix, which is actually made for glass and tile. If the pprimer is sticking to gllass- it will stick to wood!
• Once the primer dries overnight, then we will apply the final paint choice of color.

So, you can pick the color you want, and the finish you want as well. For the finish, there are a few choices: dull, matte, satin or semi gloss.

Here are the maple cabinets being painted white.

Do painted maple cabinets Chip?

As you can read in other blogs posts about painting cabinets, painted cabinets can hold up very well. There are a few things to keep in mind:

• Painted cabinets are just that…paint. Paint does wear. Paint also does not play well with water (more on that later).
• If the cabinets are properly prepared, they will last for several years.
• PLEASE do not wash with water. Use a 50/50 mix with water and vinegar.
• DO NOT leave wet wash cloths, towels, or rags sitting on the top or edges of painted cabinet doors. You will not like the results.
• Chipping actully happens when the wood has been impacted- blunt force, dented. When the wood bends, the  paint does not which creates a chip

We have been painting cabinets for over 15 years now. In that time, we have had just 2 call backs. One was from a dog that started eating a door. The other was from a sink that broke…water damage everywhere.

What is the warranty for to chip

Our warranty for painted cabinets is just like the warranty you will get when you buy a car. If the paint peels we will fix it. If something causes paint to chip- is rock on the road it is not covered. Eating Utensils, cleaning tools, toys, finernails are the most common causes of paint chips. We can fix them, but we cat warranty wood to not dent.

What will my kitchen look like while being painted?

We do our best to make sure that the kitchen or cabinets that are being painted are “quarantined” off. We do the following:

• Cover the floors.
• Mask off the cabinets with plastic.
• Use vacuums to eliminate the over-spray and dust.
• Make sure that we work as fast as possible to not inconvenience our customers, so we are in and out as fast as possible.

This is cabinets masked prior to primer

Here are the maple cabinets with primer.

Here is a tent we use to section off – or quarantine – the kitchen.

How much will it cost?

You can figure about $130.00 per box as a base price. However, the best thing to do is call, text, or email us.

Schedule an estimate now! https://dfrancowallpaper.com/contact-us/

We will get a look at your kitchen and give you an accurate cost to paint your cabinets. You can also text us a picture and we will give you a rough estimate based off your photos! We are here to help you love the space you’re in. Let us show you how painting your maple, cherry, or oak cabinets will improve the look, value, and feel of your home.

Revitalize Your Kitchen With Cabinet Painting – D’franco Painting & Wallpaper

Do you have Cherry cabinets in your home? Are you ready for something different? Have you considered painting your cabinets instead of replacing them? Painting Kitchen cabinets in dark Colors can be a bold and dramatic choice. Lets take a peek at some of our latest projects, so you can see the results.

Why Dark colors for Kitchen cabinets?

The Appeal of Dark Colors: Dark colors bring a sense of sophistication and depth to any space. In kitchens, where cherry cabinets traditionally exude a classic, warm tone, painting them in darker shades can modernize your kitchen, bathroom, bar or other cabinets while keeping their elegant, timeless charm. Dark colors like deep blues, rich greens, or even a classic black can create a stunning contrast, especially in well-lit or larger kitchens.

How to select colors when painting cabinets

Selecting a color for your cabinets can be exhausting, and if you are like me, to some extent- you may not care! I want white- I cant say I care which white! Is there really a difference in blacks? It is for these reasons that I have said that “if you pick it we stick it”! But that really doesn’t play well with marketing LOL. So how can we help with colors?

We want you to be confident with the colors and the look and feel of your home. To help with that we offer design/color consulting though some interior designers that will help you in selecting colors.

Before you go off getting color chips keep this in mind:

• if you are doing anything to the floors have that done 1st- it will affect color
• couner tops are usually dpne when we paint cabinets, have that selcted as well so the color will be a good combination with yout counter tops
• wall color is LAST!

What are the most popular dark colors for painting cabinets?

I wish I had a magic ball and could say that these dark colors are gonna be it for years to come. But I cannot do that. Colors come and go, in some cases like fads. When you are looking at colors, just aks yourself – or know thyself- and pick a color YOU like, who cares what other people think! It is your home, so find a color you want.

That being said, here are some of the more popular paint colors for cabinets we have used in 2023:

• Tricorn Black
• Pepercorn Black
• Hale Navy
• Blue Nova
• and then custom matches to fabrics!

What to look for with a kitchen cabinet painter

How are they Preparing for the Paint Job:

1. Surface Preparation:are they being cleaned before they are sanded?
2. Sanding: are they using actual sandpaper or liquid sandpaper?
3. Priming: are they using a bonding primer or all purpose primer?

What kind of Paint is being used: Selecting the right type of paint is as important as choosing the color. For kitchen cabinets, a semi-gloss or satin finish is often preferred as it offers durability and is easier to clean. Look for paints that are specifically formulated for cabinetry- not trim paint from a big box store? Does the paint meet the kitchen Standard for Durability, finish, stain and bacteria rsistance?

How is the Paint being Applied? Is it going to be brushed, rolled a combination of both?Apply thin, even coats of paint.

Do they have insurance? liabilty and workmans comp should be on your radar. Here In Illinois, painters do not need to be licensed, and if it is not a municipal type project, no bond is needed either.

Will dark painted cabinets last?

Dark painted surfaces may show smudges or fingerprints more readily. Regular cleaning with a soft, damp cloth can help maintain their pristine look- ONLY use 50/50 vinegar and water!

Painting cherry cabinets in dark colors can reinvent your kitchen space, adding a contemporary twist to traditional elegance. This project, while requiring some effort and patience, can result in a stunning and rewarding transformation. Embrace the boldness of dark colors and watch as your kitchen turns into a stylish and sophisticated hub of your home.

Remember, the key to a successful painting project lies in proper preparation, choosing the right materials, and a bit of creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with color to create a space that reflects your personal style.

If you are thinking of painting your cabiets- then one of the buzz words is Advance Urathane paint. Advance is a Urethane based product that is a great product. The other cabient paint- not often seen or heard but used for cabients is called waterborne lacquer. These two paints are two different types of paint with distinct characteristics and applications.

Hi, I’m David Cook, owner of Dfranco Painitng and Wallpaper in Huntley, IL. We are asked about trim paint, So lets dive into Advance urethane VS Waterborne Laquer.

A quick difference Advance Urethane VS Waterborne Laquer

Here’s a breakdown of each:

1. Advance Urethane Trim Paint:
   • Urethane trim paint is a type of paint that is known for its durability, chemical resistance, and overall toughness. It is commonly used for painting surfaces that require a high level of protection, such as automotive parts, industrial equipment, and outdoor furniture.
   • This type of paint provides a glossy finish and is often used for surfaces that need to withstand harsh weather conditions and frequent use. It typically provides excellent adhesion and is resistant to chipping, fading, and abrasions.
   • Urethane trim paint usually requires a longer drying time compared to other types of paint, and it often requires the use of a primer to ensure proper adhesion to the surface.
   • in the case of Advance products- 16 hours in order to recoat- Emerald is about 3-4. That in iteslf makes huge differene in how you price, and stage a project using these materials.

1. Waterborne Lacquer Paint:
   • Waterborne lacquer paint is a type of paint that uses water as a carrier instead of traditional solvents. It is known for its quick drying time and low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional lacquer paints.
   • Waterborne lacquer paint provides a smooth, clear finish and is often used for interior surfaces such as furniture, cabinets, and trim. It is popular among those who want a clear and crisp finish that enhances the natural appearance of wood and other materials.
   • This type of paint requires careful application to ensure an even and smooth finish. It also typically requires several coats for adequate coverage and durability.

Choosing between the two paints

When choosing between urethane trim paint and waterborne lacquer paint, consider the specific requirements of your project.

If you need a highly durable and protective finish for surfaces exposed to harsh conditions, urethane trim paint might be the better choice. To my knowledge Urathanes do not have the approvals from the Kitchen and design standards to resist stains, or kitchen food borne virus that come from raw food.

On the other hand, if you’re working on interior surfaces and are looking for a more environmentally friendly option with a smooth and clear finish, waterborne lacquer paint could be the way to go.

Somplace you can look for kitchen paint standards is here…KCMA . great location of materials that have been tested for kitchen use,

if you are just painting doors, trim etc, then Advance urethane or Emerald Urethane products will be great option!

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results with either type of paint.

So which paint is better?

there really isnt a better, it is they are different.What are you using the paint for and where yo are located really matters when deciding what to use.

For example, Nick May, walls by design in Denver, CO, uses Advance Urethane paints for cabinets- why? Location. Due to the climate there he needs something that will be able to be sprayed and lay flat, where a laquer there dries too fast.
For us, we want to be efficient with our time. So i can paint sand and repaint 2 coats in a day! That gets us more productive and your kitchen back to normal much faster.

Wooden cabinets are not only functional storage solutions but also important design elements in your living spaces. To ensure their longevity and maintain their appeal, applying a protective top coat is a step you shouldn’t overlook in cabinet painting. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of applying top coat to cabinets, preserving their beauty while safeguarding them against daily wear and tear.

Why a Top Coat is Important

A top coat acts as a shield, safeguarding your cabinets against moisture, scratches, and fading due to sunlight. It enhances the wood’s natural beauty, providing a durable layer that keeps your cabinets looking fresh and new for years to come.

Assembling Your Supplies

Before you begin applying top coat to cabinets, gather the necessary supplies:

• Protective eyewear and gloves
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Clean, lint-free cloths
• High-quality top coat (polyurethane, lacquer, or varnish)
• Paintbrush or sprayer
• Stir stick

Step-by-Step Guide: Applying a Top Coat to Cabinets

1. Preparation: Start by ensuring your cabinets are clean and free of dust. If necessary, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper to create a smooth foundation for the top coat.

2. Stirring the Top Coat: Open the top coat can and use a stir stick to gently mix the contents. Avoid vigorous stirring, as it can introduce air bubbles.

3. Application Method: Choose between a paintbrush and a sprayer for application. A paintbrush offers more control and is suitable for small areas, while a sprayer can provide a more even finish on larger surfaces. Ensure your chosen method suits your cabinets’ design and your comfort level.

4. First Coat Application: Dip the paintbrush into the top coat, allowing excess to drip off. Apply the top coat in smooth, even strokes, following the wood’s grain. For a sprayer, maintain a consistent distance from the cabinet’s surface to achieve an even layer.

5. Drying Time: Allow the first coat to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes a few hours. Avoid touching the surface during this time to prevent smudges.

6. Light Sanding: After the first coat dries, lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper. This smooths out any imperfections and provides a better bond for the subsequent coats.

7. Second and Subsequent Coats: Apply additional coats of the top coat, following the same process as the first coat. Most projects require at least two or three coats for optimal protection and finish. Ensure each coat dries thoroughly before applying the next.

8. Final Sanding: Once you’ve applied all desired coats and they’ve dried completely, perform a final sanding with fine-grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth and even finish.

9. Buffing and Polishing: After the final coat has cured, you can buff and polish the surface to enhance its sheen. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to gently buff the cabinets, revealing their true beauty.

Maintenance Tips for Top-Coated Cabinets

• Wipe spills promptly to prevent moisture damage.
• Use gentle, non-abrasive cleaners to clean the surface.
• Avoid placing hot objects directly on the cabinet’s surface.
• Regularly dust the cabinets to prevent dirt buildup.

Conclusion

Applying a protective top coat to your cabinets is a straightforward process that yields long-lasting benefits. By preserving the wood’s natural beauty and shielding it from daily wear, you ensure that your cabinets remain an exquisite and functional element of your home.

Enhancing Cabinets with Professional Finishes

Unlock the full potential of your cabinets with D’Franco Painting & Wallpaper’s expert touch. Our commitment to impeccable finishes and transformative craftsmanship ensures that your cabinets are not only protected but also elevated to new heights of beauty.

With years of experience in enhancing wood surfaces, we understand the delicate art of applying protective top coats. Our skilled team combines precision and finesse to create a seamless finish that stands the test of time. Whether it’s modern elegance, timeless charm, or a unique statement you’re seeking, we tailor our expertise to your vision.

Preserve the natural charm of your cabinets while safeguarding them from life’s demands. Our dedication to excellence guarantees that your cabinets remain an attractive focal point in your home for years to come.

Contact us at (847) 349-4112 and we’ll help you transform your cabinets into timeless pieces of artistry and protection.

The top question we are asked every week is How much does it cost to paint cabinets?

Painting cabinets are the most cost effective ways to improve the look and feel of your kitchen. However, making sure that it is done the right way with the right products is the key to enjoying the look of amazing looking painted cabinets.

How do you determine the cost of painting kitchen cabinets?

There are several questions we ask when we price out cabinet painting. Here is the list of questions I ask:

• What type of cabinets do you have? (are the cabients solid wood as such as oak and maple, or do you have veneer plywood or MDF?)
• Have the cabinets been previously re-painted already?
• If your cabinets are stained?
• Are you removing or changing hardware?
• Is there any water damage to your cabinets?
• Do you want a solid color, two different colors or maybe you are looking to have them glazed?

Each of these questions affects the materials, time to complete the job and the price of the cabinet painting.

So, how much does it cost to paint cabinets? We start out at about $125.00 per door/box set. (this equates to about 1 hour and 40 minutes per box and door set of work needed to prep, sand, clean, prime and paint) A door/box set consists of both sides of the door and the frame on the cabinet. The cost of a drawer is about $55.00.  The cost can increase to about $150.00 per door/box set depending on the questions above, such as filling in oak grain.

What is the process you use to paint cabinets?

We recently posted a few small videos on YouTube about the painting process of cabinets. It is a good introduction to the process we use for cabinet painting.

• We start with cleaning. Cabinets gets cleaned with a de-greasing agent.
• Each cabinet is sanded to scuff the surface in preparation for the primer.
• Rubber gloves are used at all times when cleaning and painting- we don’t want finger prints back on what was already cleaned.
• The cabinets are wiped clean and allowed to dry before the primer is applied.
• Primer is sprayed on, allowed to dry, then we sand it to remove any uneven areas
• Finally, we paint!

What products do you use to paint cabinets?

One of our products of choice for priming is Stix bonding primer. It is a heavy bodied product and has some of the best adhesion properties available. When we are painting Oak doors, two coats of this primer will fill in quite a bit of the oak grain.  

Once we finish priming we will use Chem Aqua, or Sherwood paint, the color will determine which product due to the tinting Process.

This paint is a true cabinet grade paint hybrid lacquer. It dries ultra smooth and hard. It resists stains, it touches up well, and it is water clean up. There is some smell but what paint doesn’t?

What if I have Damaged Cabinet doors?

If any of your doors or drawers have water damage we have some extra work to do.

• MDF cabinets with water damage are difficult to repair. MDF swells once water is introduced. It swells like a sponge but does not go down again. The area must be sanded smooth to the existing door surface. We then use a shellac-based primer or problem surface sealer which will seal the damaged area from further damage.  If a filler is needed we use glazing putty to make it smooth. Then we are ready to prime and paint.
• Doors that are cracked, broken, or other wood damage are repaired using wood glues, putty or other fillers or repair materials.

Other ways to improve the look of your kitchen

Hardware!! Aside from new paint, new hardware is the last factor you need to consider. If there was no hardware previously, we need to drill holes to mount them. That adds about $7.00 per door.

A few other things you can do:

• Changing out your hinges to a soft close style…pretty cool!
• Change out your counter tops
• Add or update your backsplash
• New appliances
• New sink/plumbing fixtures

That, in a nutshell, is a basic course on how much it will cost to paint cabinets. It is a lot to take in and digest, so if you want a quick ballpark figure, text us some pics of your cabinets to 847-553-1726 and we can give you an idea of what to expect. If you have any other questions, give us a call!

Do you have cherry cabinets?  Do you hate the look or feel of them?  Have you ever thought about painting over those cherry cabinets?

If you are like many of our customers, the kitchen is the number one place for you and your family to hang out. Like most of our customers, the kitchen gets the most attention. This attention is from you, your family, and your friends when they come over. But like so many people, the thought of replacing the kitchen cabinets is too overwhelming and too expensive. So- have you considered painting over your cherry cabinets?

If you have seen other posts and YouTube videos we have posted, you will see how we are transforming kitchens, changing how you feel about your home, so you can love the space you’re in!

If you are selling a home, the kitchen is the number one place people consider when buying a home, so it may help you get more money from the sale with a updated kitchen.

Our Step by Step Process for Painting Over Cherry Cabinets:

Painting Cherry Cabinets

If you don’t like the color or the feel of the kitchen -good!! Because we will help you make the change you want.

Painting over cherry cabinets is a relatively painless process and we guide you all the way through it. I’ve painted the wooden cabinets in my own home so I know stressful how it sounds. For the past 10+ years, we have refined our cabinet painting process, found the best materials and have the needed experience to make this remodeling easy for you.

1. Prep Work

We start with the cabinet painting prep work by covering floors and countertops.

Covering the floors and counters makes sure that no dust, debris, cleaners, dirty residue from the cleaning and or painting process gets on your floors or counters.

• For the counter tops we use a self-stick film as it is waterproof
• The floors get covered with a builders grade paper that is laid down, then taped to the floor surface so no paint or dust gets on the floor.
• The walls and ceilings will get masked with a combination of plastic and paper to make sure we are not painting your walls.
• Then the insides of the cabinets will get masked to prevent any dirt, overspray etc. from getting in the cabinets and on your dishes.

2. Clean Everything in the Kitchen! Prime. Paint.

We use Dawn, TSP, sandpaper, degreaser and denatured alcohol for the cabinet cleaning process.

• Once everything is removed, we start cleaning.
• Heavy grease or oil actually comes off with diluted dawn dish soap.
• We also may need TSP to clean as well, it just depends on the level of dirt or contamination.
• Wet sanding is our preferred method as there is no dust.
• Once cleaning is done, wipe with a clean rag and denatured alcohol to remove any residue left.
• Then, we wait for it to dry.
• After allowing it to dry we prime with a coat of Stix primer, wait for it to dry, then scuff sand each piece before we prime it a second time.
• For the primer, we usually allow it to dry overnight, then give it the final paint, Sherwood or ChemAqua.

3. Spraying Cabinet Doors.

All the kitchen cabinet doors and drawers are taken off-site to our shop where we have a spray booth. We repeat the same process of cleaning them, sanding them degreasing- denatured alcohol as we did with the cabinet boxes.

We actually hang the doors when we spray on end so we can be sure to get all sides at once, helping speed the application process. Here is a video of some spraying while hanging..

Once all the doors are painted, they are allowed to dry overnight then we load them up and bring them back to your home.

There you have it…a brand new kitchen! Check out this painting cherry cabinets video!

Call us at (847) 349-4112 with your questions and schedule an estimate on painting your kitchen cabinets! We are here to help you love the house you live in.

What were golden oak cabinets and yellow walls are a new modern looking kitchen at a fraction of the cost of new cabinets.

Give us a call to see how we can transform your kitchen by painting your kitchen cabinets.

When we get into some homes, there are often locations in and around the kitchen that have stains, foods, or grease that is impossible to paint over. Help is in a little jug called TSP.

1 to 4 mix ratio, this stuff really cleans what in on a wall, appliance, or cabinet.

Follow the directions and you will be all set!