There are a number of reasons why people might want to darken their kitchen cabinets. Perhaps you’ve had to move out of state, or maybe you’re looking for a change in your home’s decor. Whatever the reason, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some tips on how to go about darkening your kitchen cabinets.
Consider The Characteristics Of Your Cabinets
The first thing to consider when darkening your kitchen cabinets is the type of cabinets you have. If your cabinets are painted, then you’ll want to strip them before painting them. If you have unfinished wood, like pine, then sanding will probably be enough.
Regardless of what type of cabinet you have, a good idea would be to put on a nice light coat of paint or stain and let it dry before adding another color on top. You don’t want the new color to blend with the old one.
If you’re painting your cabinets, pick out some modern colors that would work well with your kitchen decor. You can use high gloss paint so that your cabinets will look shiny and new. If you prefer stains, they too should be in a glossy finish so they stand out against the dark color of the cabinet’s wood.
If you’re planning on using chalkboard paint for decoration or as an organizational tool, remember that this type of paint is not meant for every surface–only smooth surfaces such as glass, metal, or plastic–and can’t be used on surfaces such as unpainted wood or walls because it is difficult to fully remove all traces of it from those textures once it has been applied and dried.
Once you’ve finished painting your cabinets and allowed them to dry overnight, give them another coat if necessary for a more even finish.
What You’ll Need To Darken Your Cabinets
Before you start darkening your cabinets, you’ll need to gather a few materials. You’ll need a paint color, paintbrushes, painter’s tape, and a roller. You’ll also want painter’s gloves for protection and an old rag for cleaning.
How To Protect Your Cabinets And Floors
If you’re in the process of changing the color of your kitchen cabinets, be sure to take precautions to protect your floors and other surfaces. You can use a protective layer like paper or plastic that will keep any paint from spilling onto your floor and other surfaces. You may also want to cover up any areas where you may get paint on them with some painter’s tape so that you don’t have to worry about it later.
Steps For Darkening Your Cabinets
1. Clean your kitchen cabinets thoroughly with a damp rag
2. Paint the cabinets using two coats of primer, and two coats of paint
3. Use a roller to apply the paint instead of a paintbrush for an even finish
4. When applying the second coat of paint, make sure to use the same direction as the first coat so that it creates a uniform look
5. Allow your cabinet doors and drawers to dry completely before reinstalling them
What To Know Before You Start
Before you start darkening your kitchen cabinets, it is important to know how to properly prepare the surface. Professionals recommend cleaning and prepping the surface before painting or staining so that the primer and paint will adhere properly. You can sand down the wood with fine-grit sandpaper if necessary and wipe away any dust. If there are any deep scratches in the wood that would affect adhesion, you can fill them in with wood putty before beginning your project.
Next, you’ll want to determine what type of paint you’re using. There are many types of paint on the market, including latex, oil-based, and water-based paints. Latex paint is good for drywall because it’s water-based and easier to clean up than oil-based paints which can be more difficult to remove from walls. For cabinets, latex is a better choice because it dries faster than oil-based paints when applied thin enough (and it’s cheaper).
Darken Kitchen Cabinets What To Expect
One of the most important things to remember about darkening your kitchen cabinets is that it’s a process. You’re not going to take a quick weekend project and have new, dark cabinets in just one day. It takes time, but it’s worth it in the end.
If you decide that you want to paint your kitchen cabinets, the first thing you’ll need to do is sand them down. Once they’re sanded down, take them outside and wipe them off with a damp cloth. Then make sure your cabinets are dry before painting them.
How To Avoid Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes is not treating your cabinets as a whole. For example, if you’ve recently moved, you might be tempted to just paint the new house’s cabinets instead. However, if you want to make sure that the look coordinates with the rest of your home, it’s worth taking this time and doing some research on how to darken kitchen cabinets.
Another common mistake people make is leaving the cabinet doors open while they’re painting. This leaves a lot of areas vulnerable which can cause problems down the line. It also makes it much more difficult to paint all surfaces with an even coat of paint. Closing the cabinet doors will keep all sides protected and ensure that you don’t miss any spots when painting.
Lastly, many people underestimate how long it takes to completely darken their kitchen cabinets. It can easily take up to two weeks for them to fully dry and cure before opening them back up again. This is especially true with stained wood or painted wood because it takes longer for a stain or paint color to fully dry out before being sealed off from moisture again so there’s no risk of warping or cracking in your finished product.
Choosing Your Paint Color
One of the first things you’ll need to do is choose your paint color. There are a variety of paint colors you can choose from, so it’s a good idea to look through different options before making a decision. Some popular paint colors for kitchen cabinets are black, dark brown, or deep red. You might also want to consider using chalkboard paint for your cabinets, which can be especially handy if you have children or pets in the home who might like drawing on them. Once you’ve chosen your color, it’s time to get painting!
Adding A finish
First, you’ll need to prep the cabinets. You can use a sander to remove any existing finishes and then coat them in a dark primer. Make sure that the primer is dry before applying two coats of paint. Once that’s done, you can apply one more coat of paint with a satin finish. If you want to add some extra detail to the design, feel free to use stencils or lighter colors for a darker effect. You should let your cabinets dry for about four hours between each coat.
Conclusion
Darkening your kitchen cabinets is a great way to update the look of your kitchen, while also making it feel more spacious. Be sure you consider the characteristics of your cabinets before you start, and be sure to protect your floors and walls. There are many steps to follow and things to consider when darkening your cabinets. After following our guide, you’ll have a fresh new look for your kitchen!
