Transforming your kitchen with a fresh coat of paint is an affordable way to update the look of your cabinets without the high cost of replacement. But not all paints are created equal when it comes to giving your cabinets a flawless, professional finish. That’s why more and more DIYers and professionals alike are choosing Dunn Edwards paint for painting cabinets and woodwork.
We’ll cover everything from selecting the right Dunn Edwards products to prepping your cabinets to techniques for applying the paint smoothly and evenly.
Why Choose Dunn Edwards Paint for Your Kitchen Cabinets?
With over 90 years of experience in paint and color, Dunn Edwards offers top-quality paints designed specifically for kitchen cabinets and trim. Their Aristoshield line is formulated as a hard, durable paint that can stand up to repeated cleanings without scratching or wearing down.
Unlike some cabinet paints, Dunn Edwards provides a wide range of over 1000 different colors to choose from. Their products are designed to give a smooth, flawless finish that looks professionally sprayed on. Benefits of using Dunn Edwards paint for your kitchen cabinets include:
- Extremely durable – resists chipping, scuffing and staining even after years of use
- Scrubbable – allows you to wipe and clean cabinets without damaging the finish
- Self-leveling – results in a smooth surface without brush marks
- Low odor and VOCs – safer to use than traditional solvent-based paints
Prep Your Cabinets Like a Pro
While the painting itself is important, proper prep work is the key to getting professional, long-lasting results. Taking the time to properly prepare your cabinets before painting will help the paint adhere better and create a flawless, uniform finish.
Here are the steps the experts recommend when prepping kitchen cabinets prior to painting:
- Remove cabinet doors, drawers and all hardware
- Clean cabinet surfaces thoroughly with a degreasing agent
- Fill any holes or imperfections with wood filler and sand smooth
- Sand cabinet boxes and doors lightly with fine grit sandpaper
- Apply a high-quality oil-based primer like KILZ to seal and prepare surfaces
Proper prep takes time but is essential for the Dunn Edwards cabinet paint to look its best. The smoother and more uniform the surface, the better the finish.
Achieve a Flawless Finish with Application Tips
With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a smooth, flawless finish that looks just like factory-finished cabinets – even if you’ve never painted cabinets before.
Here are tips the experts use when applying Dunn Edwards cabinet paint by brush:
- Thin the paint slightly with water – this helps the paint self-level and minimizes brush marks
- Use a high-quality angled sash brush for best coverage
- Apply multiple thin coats vs. one thick coat for a smoother finish
- Lightly sand between coats with fine grit sandpaper
- Allow proper drying time between coats (at least 8 hours for Dunn Edwards paint)
Applying the paint patiently in multiple thin layers will provide the best, longest-lasting finish. Remember that proper prep and application is what makes the difference between an average DIY paint job and work that looks professionally sprayed.
Choose the Perfect Color for Your Kitchen
One of the great benefits of painting your kitchen cabinets is being able to transform the space with color. Dunn Edwards offers over 1000 different colors ranging from soft neutrals to bold, vibrant hues.
Consider these factors when selecting a color for your kitchen:
- Natural vs. artificial lighting – colors look different under each
- Finish and undertones – glossier finishes brighten colors
- Size of your kitchen – lighter colors suit smaller spaces
- Personal color preference – choose a shade you love
For best results, consult a Dunn Edwards color expert. They can provide personalized color recommendations based on photos of your space. Combining their expertise with your own vision will assure your satisfaction.
Eco-Friendly Paint Options
Increasingly, consumers are looking for greener paint options with lower VOCs and less environmental impact. Dunn Edwards offers a variety of eco-friendly water-based cabinet paints that still provide a durable, protective finish.
They also recycle unused latex and oil-based paints in California and select states. Their reusable paint cans reduce waste versus disposable cans. For the most eco-friendly choice, look for a zero-VOC Dunn-Edwards paint.
Cost Comparison – DIY vs. New Cabinets
One of the biggest advantages to painting your cabinets rather than replacing them is cost savings. Here is a typical cost breakdown:
- DIY paint job – $100-$300 for supplies + your labor
- Professional paint job – $2000+ for materials and professional labor
- New cabinet replacement – $5000+ for materials and installation
While your specific costs may vary based on factors like cabinet size and finishes, painting cabinets with Dunn Edwards products is significantly less expensive than replacing them.
Caring for Your Painted Cabinets
Caring properly for your freshly painted cabinets will protect your investment and keep them looking like new for years. Here are a few maintenance tips:
- Allow paint to cure fully for 30 days before cleaning or placing heavy items inside
- Use only soft cloths and mild cleaners – avoid abrasives
- Immediately touch up any scuffs, scratches or marks
- Clean, lightly sand and recoat every 2-3 years or as needed
Dunn Edwards offers professional-quality cabinet paints designed to provide a durable, flawless finish that makes DIY kitchen makeovers look like you hired an expert. With the right prep, application techniques and color selection, you can easily and affordably transform your kitchen with just some paint.
For best results, do your homework on painting techniques and take your time with the prep and application. The extra effort will be well worth it when you step back to admire your fresh, new kitchen cabinets.
