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Pro Checklist for Cabinet Enameling

Pro painter Nick Slavik takes you out into the field to give you a Master Class on kitchen cabinet refinishing

by Tabitha Sukhai

#askapainter Live 71: The Cabinet Extravaganza: a mini Master’s Class in enameling cabinets, doors and millwork. Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) Nick Slavik Painting & Restoration Co. Ask a Painter Live This Old House 3M Ace Hardware Juliano Alcântara Ivan Burigo Ronie Carlos De Jesus Santos Lrj Pinturas Lucas Da Cruz #whodidimiss? Graco Paint Sprayers Titan Paint Sprayers Sherwin-Williams Archie Bartel Benjamin Moore Joe DellaFave Mirka Mirka Tools & Sanding Zinsser Chris Ahlbrecht

Posted by Nick Slavik on Friday, October 27, 2017

Say hello to Nick Slavik, proprietor at Nick Slavik Painting & Restoration Co. in New Prague, Minnesota. Nick has been a craftsman for more than 18 years and the editors of TOH became fast fans of Nick’s weekly Facebook LIVE show, Ask a Painter Live. Now, Nick is also featured in a Behr-sponsored Web series right here at ThisOldHouse.com!

Here, we bring you the Ask a Painter Live episode that details Nick’s tried-and-true kitchen cabinet enameling process. Below you’ll find the outline that he uses on the job to ensure a flawless finish.

  1. Prep: Prep the space: Rosin Paper/Blue Tape on the Floor
  2. Rosin Paper/Blue Tape on the Countertops
  3. Plastic all Appliances
  4. Remove Ceiling Lights or Plastic
  5. Plastic 4′ perimeter of Ceiling (if to remain unpainted)
  6. Plastic/Blue Tape Cabinet Interiors (most are prefinished materials)
  7. Furnace filters in Air Ducts
  8. Gas Water Heaters/Boilers either turned off or prepped safely Many new gas appliance have combustible gas sensors that will be rendered inoperable by overspray or large amounts of paint fumes
  9. Contact a certified plumber/HVAC or Appliance Installer to assist
  10. Disassemble/Label Doors and Drawers
  11. Hardware in plastic baggies
  12. Hinges numbered—reinstalled in original location (prevents major adjustments)
  13. Wash
  14. Liquid No Rinse TSP/Scotch Brite Pad for grease/Hand Oil
  15. Denatured Alcohol/Microfiber Towel for chemicals/adhesion
  16. Fill major Imperfections
  17. Cabinet Seams, Nail Holes, Hardware Holes (if changing)
  18. Scuff Sand, Vacuum & Tack Rag
  19. Medium/fine sanding sponges/Random Orbital Sanders w/ 150 grit
  20. Shop Vac w/drywall bag/filter & brush attachment (removes bulk of dust)
  21. Microfiber rags barely damp w/ water (Removes Remaining Dust)
  22. You should be left with a ‘Squeaky Clean’ surface (finger squeaks when rubbed)
  23. Prime:
  24. Oil Primer if available, otherwise hybrid (oil/water emulsion) primer Either Spray or brush/roller
  25. Always perform adhesion test:
  26. Apply Primer
  27. Let Dry Overnight
  28. Test adhesion by scratching with finger nail (“scratch test”)
  29. Primer should FULLY adhere. If test passed, Prime All
  30. Either spray doors/drawers flat on drying racks or hanging
  31. When dry, fill minor imperfections
  32. Scuff Sand, Vac & Tack
  33. Caulk all cracks where cabinets meet walls/Crown Molding/Misc
  34. Topcoat 1:
  35. Hybrid Enamel or Oil Enamel is preferred (available through all major manufacturers)
  36. When dry, Scuff, Vac & Tack
  37. Allow proper drying time
  38. Follow TDS (Technical Data Sheets)
  39. Available on all manufacturer’s websites
  40. They are instruction manuals for the coatings
  41. Topcoat 2:
  42. Allow proper drying time
  43. Reassemble and Adjust
  44. Fine Enamels require long cure times—many up to 30 days
  45. Handle with care when reassembling
  46. Clean Hands, Light Pressure

Nick Slavik is the owner and proprietor of Nick Slavik Painting & Restoration Co. in New Prague, MN. He’s the newest member of the TOH family, providing pro painting content for sponsors like Behr Paint.

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