Professional Kitchen Cabinet Painting Hacks for Small Spaces

A small kitchen can still have great style! If your kitchen feels dull or outdated, painting your cabinets is one of the best ways to give it a fresh, modern look. But painting cabinets in a small space comes with its own challenges, such as, limited room, tricky angles, and the risk of making the space feel even smaller.

The good news? With the right hacks, you can get a professional kitchen cabinet painting Toronto finish while making your small kitchen look bright, spacious, and beautiful. Let’s go over some easy tricks, approved by experts like Kitchen Made New, to help you paint your kitchen cabinets like a pro!

Use Lighter Colors for Professional Kitchen Cabinet Painting Toronto to Trick the Eye

The color of your cabinets plays a huge role in how your kitchen feels. In a small space, dark colors can make the room seem cramped. Instead, go for light and airy shades like:

• White or off white: Makes your kitchen feel bigger and brighter.
• Soft grays or beiges: Adds warmth while keeping things neutral.
• Pale blues or greens: Brings in a subtle pop of color without overwhelming the space.

However, if you really love dark colors, don’t worry! Use them strategically. Try painting only the lower cabinets a dark shade while keeping the upper cabinets light. This creates contrast without making the kitchen feel closed in.

Always Degrease Before You Sand

Painting is exciting, but don’t rush into it! Skipping prep work is the fastest way to end up with peeling paint. Follow these steps for a flawless, long lasting finish:

1. Degrease First: Kitchens get greasy, and grease repels paint! Clean all cabinets with a strong degreaser or warm soapy water before sanding.
2. Sand Lightly for the Best Paint Grip: A light sanding helps the paint stick better, especially if your cabinets have a glossy finish.
3. Remove Cabinet Doors and Label Them: This makes painting easier and prevents mix ups when reattaching them.
4. Fill Cracks and Holes Before Painting: Wood filler smooths out imperfections, so your cabinets look brand new.

This prep hack saves you from headaches later and makes sure your cabinets look smooth and professional.

The Secret to a Factory Finish? Use the Right Paint and Tools

Not all paints are created equal! Cabinets go through a tonne of wear and tear, so choosing the right paint is key. Here’s what the pros use:

• Semi gloss or satin finish: These are easy to clean and resist stains.
• Acrylic or latex based paint: Dries quickly and is less likely to chip.
• High quality primer: Helps the paint stick better and last longer.

And don’t forget about tools! Using the right brushes and rollers makes a huge difference.

• Foam rollers: Create a smooth, streak free finish without brush marks.
• Angled brushes: Perfect for tricky corners and edges.
• A paint sprayer (if possible!): If you want a super smooth, professional finish, consider using a paint sprayer.

Pro tip: If you’re using a brush, always apply long, even strokes to avoid visible brush lines.

Thin Coats Are Your Best Friend!

One of the biggest mistakes people make is applying thick coats of paint. It may seem like a good idea to speed things up, but thick paint drips, streaks, and takes forever to dry.

Instead, follow these steps for a smooth, even, and professional kitchen cabinet painting Toronto:

1. Start with a Primer: This helps the paint stick better and last longer.
2. Apply the First Coat Lightly: Use a roller or brush and keep the coat thin and even.
3. Let It Dry Completely: If you rush, you’ll get smudges or uneven coverage.
4. Apply a Second (or Third) Coat as Needed: Light layers always look better than one thick coat!

This hack prevents messy drips and helps your paint dry faster.

Seal Your Cabinets for a Long Lasting, Easy to Clean Finish

After all your hard work, you want your cabinets to stay looking fresh for years. The key? A protective sealant!

• Use a clear polyurethane or polyacrylic topcoat: This prevents chipping, staining, and peeling.
• Apply with a paint roller for a smooth finish: Avoid using a thick brush, which can leave streaks.
• Wait at least 48 hours before reattaching doors: This gives the paint time to cure properly.

Sealing your cabinets protects your beautiful paint job and makes them easier to clean!

When in Doubt, Call the Pros for a Perfect Finish

Even with the best DIY hacks, painting kitchen cabinets in a small space can be tricky. If you don’t have the time, tools, or patience to get that smooth, professional look, it might be worth calling in the experts.

Here’s why hiring a pro can be a smart choice:

• Flawless finish: Professionals have the right techniques and equipment to avoid brush marks, streaks, and drips.
• Tricky surfaces? No problem!: Some cabinets, like laminate or glossy finishes, need special prep and paints that experts know how to handle.
• Spray painted cabinets look amazing: A spray finish gives a super smooth, factory quality look, but it requires proper ventilation and specialized tools.
• Save time and effort: Painting cabinets takes multiple coats and long drying times. Pros can work quickly and efficiently so your kitchen isn’t a mess for weeks.
• Struggling to choose a color?: Many painters offer color consultations to help you pick the perfect shade for your space.
• Long lasting results: Experts use high quality, durable paints and sealers that will keep your cabinets looking great for years.
• Increases home value: A professional kitchen cabinet painting Toronto job can make your kitchen look brand new, which is great if you plan to sell your home.

While DIY is fun, sometimes a professional touch is the best way to get that high end result. Call Kitchen Made New for the best cabinet painting services!