Proper Procedure Of Painting Cabinets With Chalk Paint
Chalk paint is very different from the chalkboard paint. Chalk paint is actually formulated flat paint which can be applied to almost all the surfaces without any need for sanding or priming. It has a matte finish and this type of paint needs to be sealed if the cabinets are painted or unpainted. The steps to apply the chalk paint on the cabinets are as follows:
- The first step is to clean off the cabinet. Simply start the job by wiping down the cabinet to remove any kind of dirt as well as debris. Try the wiping job with a piece that is clean, and a slightly damp rag. There should not be any dust or grit that will otherwise get stuck under the coats of the paint.
- Remove any of the hardware such as handles, buttons, or any of the decorative items that are not going to be painted. Also, it is important to pay attention to where they were and how they were installed. This will help a lot while putting everything back on.
- Fill in all the gouges as well as the deep scratches when required. If the cabinets are older pieces or the ones that are purchased from a thrift store, then look over the piece for the large discolorations, indents, or for the scratches. If there are any dents or scratches, then use a wood filler and a putty knife to fix up all the gouges.
- Once the above step is done and the wood filler is completely dried then sand down the cabinet. Take fine 220 grit sandpaper and use a sponge or take a sanding block for the consistent pressure. This will keep the sanding even from all over. Start working from the top to the downward. After the sanding is done then clean all the sanding dust or vacuum it.
- Choose a chalk paint color, they usually are available in a variety of the colors ranging from white and black to the baby blue as well as the light green. Choose any color as per the choice, however, it is important to keep in mind that chalk paint must be chosen depending on the color of the cabinet. For instance, if working with the darker colored cabinet like deep mahogany or the black metal, then apply 3 to 4 coats of lighter paint.
- Tape off the areas with the help of painter’s tape. If there are areas on the cabinets that have to leave unpainted, then it is important to make sure that they are marked with painter’s tape.
- Test a small patch on the cabinet, this can be done on the back of the cabinet or on an inconspicuous corner. Apply one coat of the paint and leave it dry. Then apply another layer and also allow that to dry as well. This test is to check for any kind of bleed-through color beneath the paint. If there is not any, then continue the job.
- Start applying the paint from the bottom to the top & this is because the top of the cabinet usually needs the most of the attention and also coats. So it is a good idea to start from the bottom of the cabinet and then work upwards. Once the first coat is completed the cabinet will look rough and unfinished then apply two to three additional coats. It is normal that after the first coat the cabinet will look a bit unappealing. Wait for the first coat to dry and then apply another. Each coat must take a half-hour to an hour in order to get dry.
- Finally apply a coat of wax. After the paint has dried, start applying the wax. The wax will bond with the paint to create a lasting as well as a durable finish. Apply the wax with a brush or with a soft cloth. Also, work in small sections as well as rub the wax on the surface in the circular motions.