Expert Tips For Flawlessly Painting Ready-to-Build Kitchen Cabinets

Painting ready-to-assemble (RTA) kitchen cabinets is a great way to breathe new life into your kitchen without having to do a full renovation. However, you mustn’t rush this process, as many things need to be done correctly for the finished product to look good and last a long time.  Below, we’ve listed out some of the most common mistakes people make when painting their RTA cabinets, so hopefully, you can learn from them and achieve professional results!

A person painting kitchen cabinets in a DIY home project. Essential Preparation Steps For Painting RTA Kitchen Cabinets

One of the biggest reasons why many people end up with subpar finishes when painting their cabinets is because they didn’t take enough time or care during prep work, so don’t skip it! Without proper preparation, paint won’t adhere properly and can peel or chip easily.
  • Clean: First things first, clean your cabinets! They collect grease, grime, and food particles over time, which need to be washed off before you apply any paint. Use a degreaser or mild detergent for best results.
  • Sand: Next, sand down all surfaces lightly using fine-grit sandpaper until they’re smooth; this helps create a “tooth” or texture on the surface so that primer sticks better to it. Wipe away dust with a damp cloth afterward.
  • Prime: Use high-quality oil-based primer recommended by professionals because it’s designed specifically for adhesion on hard-to-paint surfaces like laminates found in most RTA cabinets. This will cover up knots and stains too.

How To Choose The Best Paint For Cabinets

Different types of paint yield different results when used on furniture, such as kitchen cabinets; therefore, knowing which one works best saves you time and effort later on.
  • Cabinet-Specific Paints: These types are specially formulated paints meant for frequent-use items like cabinets, which are subjected to lots of wear and tear, so they’re more durable and easier to clean than regular interior paints.
  • Finishes: A semi-gloss or gloss finish is ideal for cabinets because it resists moisture, stains, grease, and fingerprints, making them easy to wipe down without affecting their appearance over time.

Proper Drying Time For Painted RTA Kitchen Cabinets

A common mistake to make after applying paint is not waiting long enough before recoating or using the painted item; this results in smudging, reapplying, and even peeling off fresh paintwork. 
  • Between coats: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the time required between each coat; most will advise you to wait for at least 24 hours before recoating.
  • Final cure: Even though touch-dry may have occurred within hours, it takes about a week or more for newly painted surfaces such as kitchen cabinet doors, drawers, etc., especially those painted with oil-based paint, to completely harden; therefore, heavy use must be avoided during this period.

Best Brushes & Tools for Painting Kitchen Cabinets

Using cheap brushes or rollers often leaves behind noticeable brush strokes or roller marks, which is undesirable, especially on glossy surfaces like cabinets; instead, invest in good-quality ones such as foam rollers for bigger flat sections, while angled brushes work great along edges and corners. Spray painting: If possible, spray paint offers a more professional finish than using a brush, especially when working with larger areas, but it requires additional prep work (covering up surrounding items to avoid overspray), plus proper ventilation must be provided during use due to the fumes produced by most spray paints.

Ensure Proper Ventilation When Painting

Many people overlook this aspect only to end up feeling dizzy or nauseous after inhaling paint fumes for long periods without sufficient fresh air exchange; thus, always ensure there’s adequate airflow within your workspace, whether natural through wide-opened windows or doors or mechanical via fans, etc., especially if using oil-based primers or paints since they tend to emit strong odors during application and drying.

Achieving Smooth & Even Coats on RTA Kitchen Cabinets

  • Thin, Even Coats: Use thin coats of paint applied evenly instead of thick layers. This will prevent drips and unevenness.
  • Smooth Strokes: Make long, smooth strokes to ensure that the paint is spread uniformly over the surface. Overlapping slightly on each pass may help avoid streaking.

Managing Your Time Effectively When Painting

Painting cabinets takes much longer than most people think, so it’s important to be patient and trust the process. Allocate enough time for each step, starting from preparation up until final touch-ups; rushing through it can compromise the quality of the finish achieved. Avoid Shortcuts, since they may lead to disappointing results. Every step, including selecting the right accessories, should be followed carefully to get the desired outcome at last.

Achieve a Professional Finish On RTA Kitchen Cabinets

Getting to know these mistakes will significantly help you have a better idea of what to expect when painting your ready to assemble cabinet. A beautiful professional finish can be achieved by properly preparing surfaces, choosing the right paints, allowing ample drying periods, and using appropriate tools and techniques.  Whether you’re a local painter or a homeowner tackling a DIY project, these tips will help transform RTA kitchen cabinets into stunning focal points in any home. Contact us today! This blog post was written by ACP Painting, a professional painting company serving Southern Phoenix Valley in Arizona that offers different painting services for residential and commercial clients, including internal and  external painting and  cabinet painting