Avoiding Common Mistakes in Cabinet Refinishing: Insights From RoyalAcademy™

At RoyalAcademy™, we understand the excitement that comes with transforming a set of cabinets into a stunning new look. Cabinet refinishing can breathe new life into a space, but achieving professional results requires attention to detail and a solid understanding of the refinishing process. Unfortunately, many well-intentioned refinishing projects fall short due to a few common mistakes. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most frequent errors and offer tips to help you avoid them, ensuring your next cabinet refinishing project is a complete success.

1. Skipping the Prep Work

Preparation is one of the most important steps in any refinishing project, yet it’s often rushed or overlooked. Whether you’re working on solid wood, MDF, or previously finished surfaces, failing to properly clean, sand, and prime your cabinets can lead to poor adhesion, uneven finishes, and a less durable final result.

Solution:

• Start by thoroughly cleaning the surfaces to remove grease, dirt, and grime. TSP (trisodium phosphate) is a good option for degreasing, especially in kitchens.
• Sand the surface to create a proper profile for coatings to adhere. Use a fine-grit sandpaper for a smooth, professional finish.
• Apply a high-quality primer, such as ICRO water-based primers, which are designed specifically for cabinet applications. Priming not only improves adhesion but also ensures uniform color and finish.

2. Using the Wrong Tools

The type of tools and equipment you use can significantly impact the quality of your finish. Some mistakes include using an inappropriate spray gun tip size, low-quality brushes, or sanding equipment that leave marks.

Solution: Invest in professional-grade tools. At RoyalAcademy™, we recommend using ANEST IWATA spray guns for precision and control and SurfPrep Sanding for proper sanding of the substrate.

3. Applying Too Thick or Too Thin Coats

Getting the thickness of each coat right is crucial. Too thick, and you risk drips, runs, and extended drying times. Too thin, and you won’t achieve the durability or coverage needed for a long-lasting finish.

Solution: Use a mil gauge to measure the thickness of your coating. Water-based coatings, like ICRO’s, perform best when applied in the recommended thickness range. Multiple thin coats are generally better than a single thick coat. Sand lightly between coats to ensure a smooth finish and proper adhesion.

4. Ignoring Dry Times

Impatience can be the downfall of many refinishing projects. Failing to allow the primer or coating to dry fully before applying the next coat can result in a tacky surface that doesn’t cure properly, leading to peeling, bubbling, or an uneven finish.

Solution: Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for dry times between coats. This can vary depending on the type of coating and environmental conditions like humidity and temperature. For ICRO coatings, ensure you allow sufficient drying time, especially when working in a humid environment. Use bump sanding to even out the surface if necessary, but only after the coating is completely dry.

5. Not Properly Sealing the Finish

A beautifully refinished cabinet can quickly deteriorate without the right protective finish. Many skip or improperly apply the final topcoat, leaving the surface vulnerable to moisture, stains, and wear.

Solution: Seal the finish with a durable topcoat. ICRO’s high-performance topcoats are perfect for cabinet refinishing, providing an extra layer of protection while enhancing the color and sheen of the finish. For high-traffic areas like kitchens, consider a polyurethane or water-based topcoat that offers long-lasting durability.

6. Choosing the Wrong Color or Finish

A poor color choice or mismatched sheen can ruin the aesthetics of your refinished cabinets. It’s essential to consider the overall design and lighting of the room before deciding on a color or finish.

Solution: Test the color on a small area before committing to the entire project. Take into account the lighting in the room, as it can drastically affect how the color appears. Additionally, choose the right finish based on the use of the cabinets—matte finishes work well for a modern look, while satin or semi-gloss finishes offer a traditional, easy-to-clean surface.

7. Neglecting Safety Precautions

Cabinet refinishing involves working with various chemicals, paints, and tools that can pose safety risks if proper precautions aren’t taken. This can lead to project instability and raises the health risks due to exposure.

Solution: Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated, especially when working with spray equipment. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and safety goggles. Follow safety guidelines when using tools like sanders and spray guns, and always store products and equipment safely after use.

Conclusion

Cabinet refinishing is an art that requires the right knowledge, tools, and techniques to avoid common mistakes. By preparing your surface, using high-quality tools like ANEST IWATA spray guns and SurfPrep Sanding systems, selecting the right ICRO primers and coatings, and paying close attention to detail throughout the process, you’ll achieve a professional result that lasts. At RoyalAcademy™, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, helping you turn your cabinet refinishing projects into beautiful success stories.

Enroll in our refinishing technician course for more expert tips and hands-on training today and take your refinishing skills to the next level!