Tag: kitchen remodeling

Cabinet Refinishing – The Basics of Cabinet Refinishing

San Jose Cabinet Refinishing is a cost-effective way to dramatically improve the look of existing cabinets. It involves sanding and applying new paint to existing cabinet doors and frames.

Cabinet Refinishing

To ensure the best results, cabinet painting requires careful preparation. A thorough sanding and use of a high-quality primer are essential for proper adhesion.

Cabinet Refinishing is the process of giving your existing cabinets a new coat of paint or stain. It is a cost-effective solution that can offer a significant visual update for your kitchen without the expense and hassle of a full replacement project. Cabinet refinishing is typically best for homeowners who like their current cabinet doors and hardware, but want to make an aesthetic change. However, refinishing doesn’t provide much in the way of structural improvement and isn’t ideal for older cabinets that might not respond well to sanding or new finishes.

Before refinishing your cabinets, it’s important to properly prepare them for a new finish. This involves cleaning thoroughly with a degreaser and scrubbing to remove grease build-up, which will help your new finish adhere more effectively. You’ll also want to remove your cabinet doors and hardware, labeling each item for reassembly later on. This will save you time, ensure the job is done correctly, and prevent paint or stain drips on your counters and floors.

Refinishing requires the use of chemicals and fumes that can be harmful if not used in a well-ventilated area with proper safety equipment. It can lead to skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and even serious health issues such as cancer. This is why it’s always best to hire a professional refinisher who knows how to work with these products safely.

Using a high-quality primer, such as KILZ 3, will create a smooth base for your topcoat and promote better adhesion. It’s important to apply primer evenly and let it dry completely before proceeding. A spray gun makes this step quicker and easier, but the same preparation steps should still be taken to avoid mistakes and to protect your walls and floor.

Sanding

Cabinet refinishing is the most basic form of cabinet refresh. In this method, all of the existing components of your cabinets are kept, but the color or finish is changed. This type of update is usually cheaper than a full replacement.

While it was once a very time consuming and labor intensive process, significant advancements in cabinet refinishing have made it much more efficient. Professionals use advanced techniques to clean, sand and prepare surfaces so that your cabinets will accept new paint. They will even do minor repairs if needed.

Once the sanding is complete, your cabinets will be ready for primer. Make sure you use an adhesion promoting primer, like Extreme Bond, to ensure that the new coat of paint will adhere to the surface. Let the primer dry completely before moving on.

You should also do a final walk-through of your cabinets to look for any spots that need touch up. You will likely need to apply a second coat of primer, so give yourself plenty of time between coats.

When considering whether to refinish or reface your kitchen cabinets, it is important to keep in mind that refacing is more extensive than refinishing. The main difference is that refacing replaces the door and drawer fronts of your cabinets with new materials. In addition, refacing can be done with or without replacing the hinges and hardware. If you are happy with the layout of your cabinets, and only want to change the look and feel, then refinishing might be a good choice for you. However, if you want to change the style of your doors or need more dramatic changes to the overall look of your kitchen, then refacing is probably a better option.

Primer

The primer is like the glue layer that connects the paint to your cabinets. It is specially formulated to adhere really well to the surface it is on, and it provides a better base for the paint. If you skip this important step, your beautiful new coat of paint could rub off in a heartbeat if something was to be wiped across it!

There are many different types of primers, and they all have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to read the label on your product and follow all of the specific instructions to ensure the best results.

Choosing the wrong primer is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. You want to use a primer that is compatible with the type of paint you are using.

There are oil-based, latex, shellac, and water-based primers available. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice will depend on the type of paint you are using and your substrate.

The wrong primer can cause the paint to flake, bubble or chip, which will detract from the overall appearance of your project. The incorrect primer can also affect how long the final product will last, so it is important to take the time to choose the right one for your project.

In addition to ensuring that the surface is clean and free of dirt and grease, you should also make sure that adequate ventilation is in place during application. This is especially true for primers that have a strong odor, as they can be unpleasant to work with and can linger in indoor spaces.

Paint

Once all the preparation and sanding is complete, our team will begin applying your cabinet paint. We will apply the first coat using a brush and mini roller, which leaves minor brush marks to achieve a smooth finish. Then we’ll wait 4 hours for it to dry before we can apply a second coat. Once both coats have dried, we will reattach the doors and hardware and your cabinets are ready for use!

Before painting begins, the team will cover countertops, appliances, floors and anything else that needs to be protected from overspray with paper or plastic. Then, the cabinet framework or “bones” are lightly sanded to ensure a smooth surface and primed. This primer is the most important step in any cabinet refinishing project, as it protects against chipping and peeling in high-traffic areas. It also helps prevent mildew growth in moisture-prone areas like kitchens, and it is designed to be stain resistant as well.

When painting cabinetry, our design professionals tend to lean towards oil-based enamel paints. These provide a more durable finish, and they offer the best color options to match most design aesthetics. Once the cabinetry is painted, our team will touch up any spots that need additional coverage and sand again to smooth surfaces and ensure an even finish. Finally, a final cleaning is performed to remove any lingering chemicals or debris.

Refinishing is an excellent option for homeowners who want a quick visual update to their kitchen. However, this type of update is not as long-lasting as other options, such as refacing or replacing the door and drawer fronts with new materials. Moreover, pre-existing damage or frequent use of cabinet doors can cause a refinished surface to wear and scratch more quickly than expected.

Reassembling

Once the cabinet refinishing process is complete, you can start reassembling your cabinets. This requires carefully removing cabinet doors and drawer fronts, then chemically stripping them, repairing any damage, priming and painting or re-staining. Then, once everything is dry, they’re reattached to their hinges and hardware and returned to the cabinet boxes. Careful labeling helps ensure that your cabinet pieces are put back in the correct place. This part of the job takes a lot of patience and attention to detail.

Cabinet refinishing is an economical way to transform your kitchen, saving you money over a cabinet replacement or refacing project. It’s also eco-friendly, as the refinishing process reduces waste generated by other renovation methods such as demolition and disposal of existing cabinets.

However, cabinet refinishing is not right for everyone. It may not be suitable if you want to change the look of your cabinets significantly, such as moving from stained to painted doors or if your current cabinet doors are in poor condition (splitting Rigid ThermoFoil for example). Refinishing also typically only addresses surface-level issues, such as scratches, dents and faded colors.

Cabinet refacing is a more comprehensive kitchen remodeling solution that provides a full style overhaul. In this process, your cabinet boxes remain intact and new wood or laminate veneers are applied to the cabinet faces and box sides. This allows you to choose from a wide range of materials, designs and hardware options for a completely customized look. It’s an ideal solution for homeowners who are satisfied with their kitchen’s layout but want a significant upgrade in quality and appearance.

Top Tips for Choosing Blinds for Small-Sized Windows

Blinds are a stylish window treatment for small windows that creates a unified aesthetic in any room. They also offer privacy and temperature insulation.

Blinds

You can find a variety of blinds at home furnishings stores, paint and hardware stores or by working with a decorator. These retailers and outlets often provide swatches and samples (for a refundable fee) to help you accurately measure your windows. Keep reading to get additional insights on Blinds For Small Windows.

Blinds for small windows provide control over light and privacy, and they’re a simple window treatment to install. There are a wide range of styles and materials available to suit your needs and match the aesthetic of the space. From budget-friendly aluminum and vinyl mini blinds to luxurious wood and metal options, find the perfect choice for your home.

Blind slats come in a variety of widths, and a wider gap between them will allow more sunlight to filter through. This feature is ideal for kitchens and living rooms, where natural light is important for both aesthetics and ambiance. Blinds with wider slats also tend to be more durable and better suited to high-traffic areas like above the kitchen sink.

Another consideration is whether you want your blinds to be cord-free, which helps mitigate the risk of children or pets pulling on a string and causing injury. If so, consider a cordless roller shade or cellular shade option. Both of these shades are operated by a top-down, bottom-up system that eliminates the need for cords, making them safe and convenient for use in homes with children or pets.

If you’re replacing traditional blinds, look for a style with minimal hardware for a sleek aesthetic that minimizes visual clutter. Roller shades are a great option for this, as they feature fabric that rolls up and down around a tube at the top of your window frame. They’re available in a range of colors, from neutral to bold, and come in light-filtering and room-darkening versions for different levels of filtration.

The classic wood or faux wood look of these blinds provides a sophisticated aesthetic, and they’re often a more cost-effective alternative to traditional wooden shutters. They’re also moisture-resistant, which makes them a good fit for bathrooms and basements, where humidity may be high. These types of blinds can be stained or painted to match the decor in any space, and they’re often offered with a wider selection of colors than standard aluminum and vinyl blinds.

If you’re looking for a modern style, look no further than these elegant drapes. They offer the clean lines of blinds but add a hint of fabric to the mix, creating an inviting accent for any space. They’re also available in blackout options, making them a solid choice for bedrooms.

Cellular Blinds

These window treatments have honeycomb-shaped cells that trap air, making them very energy-efficient and insulating. They are available in a variety of colors, sizes, and control options. They also come in different cell layer configurations, with double cells offering extra insulation and noise dampening power.

The number of cells and their size will play a role in your shade’s insulating capabilities, with single-cell shades being lighter and less expensive but not offering as much insolation as double-cell alternatives. When selecting a cellular shade, consider its intended use, your aesthetic preferences, and your window’s orientation.

Unlike blinds with individual vanes, cellular shades feature a fabric material that can be raised or lowered into a series of pleats. They’re a great option for any room in your home because they can filter or block light, and offer privacy and insulation depending on the fabric you choose. They’re also available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so you can find one that complements your room’s decor.

Many manufacturers also offer options for the way your cellular shades mount to your windows. For example, some feature cordless lift systems to prevent a strangulation risk for children and pets. Others are motorized for added convenience and to fit into your smart home system.

If you opt for an inside mount, your cellular shades will be installed directly in or slightly behind the window frame for a clean look and minimal gap. Outside mount cellular shades are suitable for larger windows and are typically more cost-effective than their corresponding inside mount options.

You can also find a variety of color options for your cellular shades, from neutrals like white and beige to bold hues like navy blue and red. They’re also available in patterned fabrics, which add a modern touch to your space.

As with any window treatment, it’s important to consult an expert before you buy. You’ll want to get precise measurements to ensure that your new cellular shades will properly cover the window and provide you with the proper level of light control, insulation, and privacy. To do this, measure your windows’ width and height with a steel tape measure. Record your measurements in inches, and make sure that you’re measuring the area directly around the window, not the existing window frames.

Zebra Roller Shades

With a sleek, contemporary profile and versatile light control, zebra shades are an excellent window treatment for homes that prioritize modern decorating. Available in a wide selection of stylish colors, opacities, and patterns, these fabric vanes are designed to enhance any home decor. However, when it comes to pitting zebra shades against traditional roller shades for homeowners in North Atlanta, what key insights might they overlook?

Zebra blinds are constructed with lightweight fabric vanes that go between two sheer panels. These alternating fabric layers can be separated, allowing light to filter through with a striped appearance. Alternatively, they can be lined up to block out all sunlight and offer privacy. They also provide varying degrees of insulation by controlling heat and cold transfer through windows.

Another benefit of zebra shades is their ease of customization. Unlike wood blinds, these treatments come in a wide range of fabric options that are easy to tailor to your aesthetic preferences. In addition to a vast array of color and pattern choices, these window coverings are also available in a variety of textures. For example, you can choose from a variety of moisture-resistant fabrics to make them appropriate for high humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

Aside from their customizable aesthetics, zebra shades have a number of other advantages that make them a popular choice for modern homeowners. For instance, they have a slimmer profile than traditional window treatments, which makes them easier to install in tight spaces. Additionally, they offer superior light control, allowing you to adjust how much natural light filters into your home with the flick of a finger.

As with other types of window treatments, you have the option to inside mount or outside mount zebra shades. When inside mounted, the fabric is secured inside of the window frame while in outside mount, the fabric is secured to the wall or ceiling above the window frame. When ordering zebra shades, it’s important to properly measure your windows to ensure that they fit correctly. Also, keep in mind that if you are ordering outside mount shades, the top and bottom rails of the shade will be exposed when the fabric is fully extended.

Wood and Metal Blinds

Few window coverings are as popular and versatile as wood and metal blinds. They easily blend with almost any decor style and provide privacy, light control and room darkening. Blinds aren’t just functional, however; they can help define a space’s aesthetic and make it feel more comfortable. At Lowe’s, we offer a variety of styles to match your home, from rustic elegance to contemporary flair.

We offer both real and faux wood blinds, depending on your preference and budget. Real wood blinds are crafted from hardwoods like basswood or oak and feature an array of finishes to complement a wide range of interior color schemes. Faux wood blinds, on the other hand, are made from polystyrene and come in a variety of grain patterns and colors to suit your style. Many of our wood and faux wood blinds are available with wider slat widths to maximize natural light and visibility. For rooms that experience high humidity levels, we also have innovative wood blinds that withhold moisture buildup and resist warping and fading.

Aside from the slat size, you can further customize your blinds with various operating systems and other options. We have blinds that allow you to control them with a wand or can be mechanized, so you don’t need to reach for the cords each time you want to raise or lower your window treatments. We also have window blinds that can be customized for archways and angled windows, as well as French doors.

Metal blinds are a more contemporary option that offers a sleek profile and numerous color options. They’re lightweight champions of style that look great in offices and media rooms. Some of our aluminum blinds are available with innovative designs that eliminate the light gaps typically found between the slats, which enhances the view through the blinds and allows more natural light to penetrate the window. 

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