How Do you Paint Cabinets Without Brush Marks?

Truth be told – unsightly brush marks can take away from the overall appearance of your freshly painted cabinets. But if you prefer to have a professional do it, you need to choose the best cabinet painting in Austin TX – if you live in the area – to guarantee quality work. In this regard, HSP Painting Company is a reliable firm with 20+ years of experience in the trade, making them a great choice for the job.

Fortunately, if you take the right steps and utilize some smart painting techniques, you can achieve quality painting results. To avoid brush strokes, consider heeding the following guidelines:

1. Prep the Work Area

You’ve probably taken the following route: you planned to paint a stool and ended up giving your floor an unexpected facelift! We know it happens a lot.

So, prepare for the task ahead by clearing the work area. This may imply removing items stowed in your cabinets or drawers, tossing the stuff you don’t need, and covering the rest with plastic sheets or drop cloths. While at it, ensure the countertops are clear and cover the floors with a dust sheet to avoid accidental splashes.

2. Spruce up the Cabinets

Before you start painting, ensure the cabinet surfaces are clean and free of dust. A smooth finish means you won’t have to put up with pesky brush marks. To prepare the cabinets for painting, clean them using a degreasing solution. We’re talking about the drawers, cabinet faces, doors, and frames.

Then, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out rough patches or blemishes on the wood’s surface. An abrasive pad can also help scuff the backs of doors. Sanding also helps remove existing paint or lacquer from the cabinets.

While at it, pay particular attention to rough surfaces or areas needing leveling. And as a rule, remember to vacuum or wipe off the cabinets after sanding them.

3. Remove Hardware

You’ll need to remove all hinges and handles from the cabinets to ensure professional results. Doing so makes it easier to finish painting without leaving brush marks in hard-to-reach areas or behind knobs. Use a screwdriver and label the hardware pieces to simplify the re-installation process. And keep the screws in a safe spot to avoid misplacing them.

4. Use the Right Brushes and Tools

Investing in quality painting tools pays off in the long run, ensuring you get the job done right. Go for brushes crafted with quality synthetic bristles, as they work well on all surfaces. Also, consider using a small roller for a smooth finish.

5. Apply Primer

A high-quality primer helps seal the surface and gives you an even coat. Remember to let it dry properly before adding the actual paint so your hard work isn’t in vain. Two coats of primer will suffice for stained cabinets.

6. More Sanding

Once the primer dries, use sandpaper to scuff the cabinet surface. Finalize this stage by vacuuming or wiping down the cabinets to remove dust particles. And since the dust can be pesky, wear a face mask to protect yourself. Essentially, sanding allows the paint to adhere to the surfaces better, thus significantly reducing the chances of brush marks.

7. Be Patient

You have come this far – why rush it? Start by painting the backside of cabinet doors and drawers, then move to the cabinet faces, followed by frames. Use premium slow-drying paint to avoid brush marks. Ensure you let the paint dry properly before adding a new coat.

Your roller also comes in handy at this stage. Use it to apply the paint evenly and maintain a steady up-and-down motion when painting. For best results, use the brush to coat the edges of your surfaces and the roller to fill the area. If you’re using a brush, vary the direction of your strokes to create a smoother finish. Here’re some extra tips to help produce a quality finish:

• Paint along the grain – not against it.
• Use multiple thin coats of paint instead of one thick coat.
• Refrain from overloading your brush with too much paint.
• Keep an eye on recesses to prevent paint buildup.

Also, consider using a sealer to protect the paint and make it shine. To apply it correctly, use a foam brush and start from the corners of your cabinets to the center.

After the paint job, clean up promptly. This ensures you deal with errant paint before it hardens. Then, let the painted surfaces dry for about 24-48 hours before re-installing the hardware, and voila! You’re done.

Sounds like a plan you’re willing to actualize? By following this guideline, you can hopefully paint your cabinets without brush marks. And before you know it, you’ll have brand new-looking kitchen and bathroom cabinets. But if you need assistance, you can always turn to the professionals.