Prepare your kitchen for a fresh coat of paint

Repair damaged areas
Kitchens take a beating and are therefore likely to have more damage than other rooms in the house. Look for holes, cracks and scratch marks, and make the necessary repairs. Chips will need to be filled and sanded either with a plaster filler or Polyfilla. Simply apply it to the crack and then smooth with a putty knife. This is especially important in older homes. If cracks are not properly repaired they will likely return, ruining your new paint job.

Sand down surfaces
Sanding roughens up the area to be painted, allowing the paint to better adhere to the surface. Use a piece of fine-grit sandpaper and make a few light passes over the smooth areas. Don’t sand too hard as it can create grooves in the surface. Remove all the fine dust with a damp rag after sanding.

Prime
Mask off necessary areas, such as windows, with painter’s tape and place drop cloths anywhere you don’t want paint to splatter.

Primer forms a better bond with the surface than paint alone. This means that the paint is less likely to chip and peel if it gets bumped with dishes, pots and pans. Apply either a multi-surface primer or one designed specifically for wood, melamine or metal, depending on the surface. Be sure to wear protective gear, such as goggles and gloves, and open windows to create ventilation. Allow the primer to dry overnight.

Start painting
Once the preparation is complete you’re ready to paint. If you’re painting the trim, it’s best to do it first. Once dry, protect it with painter's tape before starting to paint the walls. Remember to paint from the ceiling down in order to catch any drips. Use long, even strokes and remember that it’s better to do several thin coats than one thick coat. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly between coats.

Once you’re finished painting it’s time to clean up, put everything back in order and enjoy your brand new kitchen.

Lauren Flanagan is a freelance writer and prop stylist in Toronto, specializing in antiques, home décor and travel. Her work has appeared in several Canadian publications including Style at Home, where she was the assistant design editor, and Suite 101.

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