Lots of tradespeople call themselves painters, but few truly have a calling. This is a job that the average home owner can do, but typically do-it-yourselfers can't do it as quickly. Here are pointers to get the best job done as possible.
Painting the Kitchen
- It is better to paint the walls before the cabinets are installed.
- Use quality brand paint and don't buy the cheap stuff.
- Buy semi-gloss paint for the walls and ceiling because it's easy to wipe down and doesn't retain moisture.
- Preparation is key. Spend more time preparing the walls than painting them. Fill holes with mud and sand smooth.
- Tape, if you must. Use painter's tape.
- Buy the right paint brushes. Angled brushes work great on trim, but cutting in around the ceiling and floor is best done with a four-inch brush.
- Do not use a paint tray like you see on those H&G TV shows. Use a five-gallon bucket and mix all your paint cans together.
- Buy a screen to place in the bucket; they cost about $5.
- Use a quality roller with an extension. Sometimes the handle from a garage push broom can do double duty.
- Cut in the ceiling and floors before rolling on the paint.
- Sand with 150-grit sandpaper between coats after the first coat is dry.
- I don't care what anybody says, apply two coats.
- Plan to touch up the paint after the cabinets are installed.
