Update kitchen cabinets with paint.

Many of us have kitchens that we are not particularly proud of. And many of us cannot afford a full reno to make IT our "dream space". Well, I've been there too. After purchasing an 1950's bungalow, that had never been updated, I knew that the first project I would take on will be a kitchen cupboard update. 

My bungalow kitchen cabinets BEFORE

Since poring out most of the savings into my first home's down payment, closing fees, I was left with little money to change out the cabinets. The only option I had, was to paint them of course! It was a trial and error process for a few years, as my taste would change and so did the color of my cabinets, as well as the product I used (why not!). Because of that I have been able to test a few of them, which now I would like to share with you. Others, I had come across during my new, more current research, as I am in a new place now, and itching for another kitchen cupboard update project!

My first kitchen cupboard update
+ very inexpensive backsplash update
(yes- hardware too :) 

This is what I used for the project above:

BEHR PREMIUM PLUS ULTRA

Exterior paint and primer in one.

As you can probably figure this out, this is not a product necessarily intended for this particular use, but my reasons for purchasing this paint was:

1. If its good for the outside, it should be more than durable to use in a kitchen environment (moisture and mildew resistant)

2. IT'S A PAINT AND PRIMER IN ONE!

3. Can be tinted to ANY COLOR!

 My Findings, Application, Durability:

1. A bit of preparation required. My old cabinets were a lacquered wood, and I have to give them a good sand.

2. Amazing price. A little over $50/ gallon refinished the whole kitchen and then some. I still had a lot left over. 

3. Water clean up made it very easy.

4. Very workable dry time. 

5. Two coats are needed. No sanding in between required. Plan for a few hours between coats. I was able to use my kitchen next day, but for any cleanup and scrubbing- allow 72 hrs after painting. 

6. Available in a higher sheen- semi-gloss. I personally like satin. 

7.Leftover paint can be used inside or outside including surfaces like: wood, vinyl, aluminum, brick, masonry, stucco, doors, windows, trim, shutters, fences, garage doors, outdoor furniture, railing and wrought iron. Perfect for painting rusted metals. May be applied in temperatures as low as 2 degrees Celsius

NOTE: Paint was in a good condition after 3 years of use. Minor scratches begun to appear exposing the original kitchen cabinet in few spots that I was able to simply touch up. Touch ups were slightly noticeable if you looked closely or on the angle. Higher the sheen- more touch up visibility.

Overall, great product if you are willing to put in some elbow grease and are on the budget. Also this is an ECO friendly product.

Bathroom cabinet update- from black to white + topcoat

CIL SMART3 INTERIOR/EXTERIOR LATEX PRIMER

I chose this product when I was repainting my dark black kitchen/ bathroom cabinets to white for few reasons:

1.When switching to light from dark- primer its necessary. Also, previous paint condition was not perfect. This is a great sealer.
2. I knew that if any primer left- I can use it ANYWHERE in and outside of the house, including CERAMIC TILES! Yes! It goes on ANYTHING!

My Findings, Application, Durability

1. WOW! This primer is fantastic. I had painted only one coat over dark color, and after applying the top coat (of your choice- any latex or oil paint if you prefer) the results were amazing. 

2. I had painted backsplash tiles with this primer + metallic topcoat. After years of cleaning and use, not even one chip of paint! I know, I could not believe this either at  first, but trust me, IT WORKS! Anywhere! I had used this product as a base prior to painting my melamine kitchen counter as well. 

3. Very little preparation is required- light sand only. It goes on easy, but it's more watery than Behr. Be sure to work slowly to avoid splatters on vertical surfaces.

4. Use on melamine/ laminate cabinets to prepare for topcoat. Use quality topcoat paint. 

5. Water cleanup. Low odor. Top coat in one hour.

RUST-OLEUM CABINET TRANSFORMATIONS

I had not used this product yet, but it is on my list of things to try, but I did some research and chatted with those who did.

Most important to know is, that it goes on wood, laminate and melamine product. And the cost? We are looking at a $100 range.

Findings, Application, Durability

1. No sanding, no priming. Deglossing pad included in a kit to clean and prepare the surface.

2. It's a few step- few coat process. Degloss- One coat- Bonding Coat- Second Coat- Glaze Coat- Protective Coat.

3. It may take up to 7 days to complete the project.

4. Requires protective top coat, that is not the easiest to work with. Some people have reported uneven streaks.

5.All tools included in a box to complete the project seemed to be insufficient-  in particular a gaze cloth required for application of protective coat 

6. Re-install cabinets 12 hours after painting. Full use after 24 hours, fully cured 7-10 days.

7. Few colors available at The Home Depot- 70 colors available through  www.rustoleumtransformations.ca

8. Classy and closest to "real-feel" cabinet effect.

9. Very durable, long lasting product.

             NUVO CABINET PAINT

Another product I heavily researched but was not able to use as of yet. Best of all, it's available in all Walmart stores in Canada. Reasonable price point of around $70 for a kit. Company also offers counter-top refinishing product.

Findings, Application, Durability

1. Paint and Primer All-in-One product.

2. Have to degloss side panels of cabinets only.

3. May have to apply 3 coats for darker colors.

4. Fast drying- by the time first coat finished, you might be able to apply second.

5. Average painter is able to complete painting in about 8 hours, and start using kitchen 4 hours after painting.

6. Water and soap cleanup.

7. Users reported chipping of paint, even after 30 days of curing.

8. Also available as a special order item at Benjamin Moore stores. 

...last but not least!

ANNIE SLOAN CHALK PAINT 

This one I cannot wait to put my hands on!

Visit www.anniesloan.com for full info and to find "Stockist" from which you can purchase. Product selling online for your convenience. Many tutorials on You Tube as well as on Annie Sloan's website.

It is NOT a CHALK paint as you know it. It has been named that due to its consistency and feel. 

Findings, Application, Durability

1. This paint can be use ANYWHERE and virtually on ANY SURFACE. Inside and out.

2. Water cleanup and fast dry time.

3. Used by MOST DIY'ers for painting furniture or kitchen cabinets of any kind.

4. Many waxes and top coats are available for purchase in order to achieve creative designs and finishes.

5. Workshops on "how-to" techniques are widely offered by local "Stockists" 

6. Most importantly it's very easy to work with. I couldn't find ANY negative feedback and comments regarding use of this paint line. 

7. It comes at a little of a premium price ( BUT it will not break your bank).

8. You get great coverage out of one can.

9. High quality results can be achieved for even novice painters.

10. ECO friendly product.