Before & After - Kitchens

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Prepare your kitchen for a fresh coat of paint

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Prepare your kitchen for a fresh coat of paint

By
Lauren Flanagan
Photography by
Donna Griffith

Tackle these to-dos for an expert finish

You’ve settled on a paint colour for your kitchen redo and you’re ready to get started. Or are you? Before beginning your painting project, make sure to follow this step-by-step guide to kitchen painting preparation.
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Here is a list of recommended materials you’ll need before you get started:
  • Brushes (at least one small one to reach difficult areas)
  • Rollers
  • Extension rod or broom handle (to attach to the roller for painting the ceiling)
  • Paint trays
  • Painter’s tape
  • Gloves
  • Putty knife (for smoothing out the plaster filler in cracks)
  • An extra cup to pour paint in so you don’t have to dip your brush in the large can
  • Drop cloths
  • Screwdrivers (for removing hardware)
  • Fine-grit sandpaper
  • Dust mask (for sanding)

General preparation
To begin, take as many items out of the room as possible. Remove cabinet doors and all hardware; don’t just tape off hinges and knobs, as the finished job will not look professional. Remove any other doors, knobs, hinges and screws that may interfere with your painting, and put them away in an organized manner so no piece will be lost.

Move appliances
Move appliances away from the wall so you can paint behind them. A gas oven cannot be moved too far out due to the gas lines, so gently move it away (this is at least a two-person job), just enough to be able to access the wall behind it. Large appliances usually go back in the same position so don’t worry if you can’t access the entire area.; painting around the edges will suffice.

Don’t forget the ceiling  
Kitchen ceilings are often the trickiest part of a house to repaint. Not only are they difficult to access, they are often covered with a thin layer of oily grime that will prevent new paint from adhering. The ceiling will need to be properly cleaned and prepped before being painted.

When it comes to cleaning grease, light stains can be treated with a bit of dish soap. Just put some on a rag, wipe, then rinse with water. Tougher stains can be treated with distilled vinegar (1/2 cup vinegar, 1/2 cup water).

In most cases, if you have a hanging fixture you don’t have to take it down to protect it. Unscrew the cap and slip a large plastic bag over the fixture. Seal it closed with a twist tie to prevent paint splatters from getting in. Be sure to keep the light off while it's sealed so heat from its bulbs won't melt or ignite the bag.

Wipe down all surfaces
Make sure that surfaces are free from grease, food residue and other substances. Use the solutions listed for the ceiling for a deep clean.

Ensure traces of mildew are removed by using a solution of bleach and water, or other appropriate cleanser. Rinse with clean water and allow everything to dry.

Do not subject wood to excessive water as it can cause swelling or warping.  Use damp rags or sponges to clean, and wipe with a dry rag. If you have a stucco finish, vacuum the walls and ceilings before wiping down.

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