Our Cabinet Transformation...FINALLY!

First, let me start by saying that there was nothing wrong with the cabinets.  When I was first saw them I had an 'ehhh' reaction (insert Greek/Italian hand gesture and facial expression).

After almost a month of painting the entire interior of the house I was hesitant to start a new project.  My mom tried to talk me out of it. Nate was hesitant.  Hell, I was reluctant. 

But I went for it.

I read a LOT of reviews and how-to blogs about painting cabinets and decided to use Rustoleum Cabinet Transformations Kit. 

The biggest selling point of this kit is that it eliminates the sanding process (don't worry I'll explain how).

The project is a 3 step process (4 steps if you use the optional decorative glaze).

THE SET UP

 Before you begin, take off all of the doors and drawers.  Tape off edges on the walls to avoid getting product on the walls.

Initially, I set up the cabinets standing up like this:

I found that this position was difficult to paint on.  It causes drips in the paint and if you are leaning the cabinet against plastic it will most likely stick to the plastic a little.

Instead I repositioned the cabinets like this:

 

STEP 1 - Cleaning and deglossing 

Clean the cabinets thoroughly.  I used warm water and Pine-sol. This process takes time.  For 21 cabinets and 6 drawers, cleaning took about 2.5 hours.  Be sure to clean off grease that may be on kitchen cabinets.  

Next is the deglossing process. This is the part that replaces the traditional step of sanding. The kit comes with scrub pads and liquid deglossing formula. Scrub the liquid onto the cabinets.  This preps the cabinets so the paint will adhere properly.  

Scrubbing action:

After scrubbing you will need to wipe down any excess liquid deglosser.  You will be surprised to see how much liquid remains on the cabinets. Here is what I wiped away on one cabinet:

TOTAL TIME FOR STEP 1: ABOUT 4.5 HOURS

STEP 2 - BOND COAT

The bond coat is the color stain.  We chose the color Kona.  It's the darkest brown you can get.  

This step is time consuming because it requires 2 coats.  

You start by painting the frames first then move on to the cabinets and drawers.  

I would describe the paint as thicker than stain but thinner than standard wall paint.  

I didn't tape the hinges of the cabinets because mine aren't completely flush to the wood so I could maneuver the brush under it carefully like this:

TOTAL TIME FOR STEP 2: ABOUT 9.5 HOURS

STEP 3 - PROTECTIVE TOP COAT

This step scared me.

There were so many reviews that said that the top coat product was crap.

 Many of them opted to buy standard polyurethane.

I started at a spot that wasn't in a high traffic area...just in case I wasn't pleased with the results. 

The consistency is much thinner than standard lacquer.  It is a milky white color which was the main complaint of other reviewers.  Once you start painting it and do back and forth brush strokes, the white color clears up and evenly coats the area. 

Here is my one complaint about the kit and this particular step: they say to start with the back of the of the cabinets.  I do NOT recommend that.  Being that the protective coat is rather thin, it's really hard to prevent dripping. 

So let me walk you through the final hours of this project....

I'm exhausted, physically and mentally.

It's like I'm on the final mile of a race and I can see the finish line.  

I am about to paint the front and final side of the cabinets and drawers.

I give a little speech to Nate and my Mom and went a little something like this..."after hours and hours of hard grunt work, I am about to put the final coat on these cabinets...I'm am so excited".

I walk outside, flip over the cabinets and discover this:

 Excess protective coat from the back of the cabinet door that dripped to the front and dried up.  

ahhhhhhhh!!!! 

I had to use a sanding block to sand off the damage, then repaint those areas TWICE and then finally do the last damn coat.  

TOTAL TIME FOR STEP 3: ABOUT 6 HOURS.

Would I recommend this kit to others? ABSOLUTELY!

A couple tips:

• Set up the doors and drawers on tables. Otherwise you will spend hours squatting awkwardly like I did (hellooooo BenGay).
• Make sure you have good lighting.  Our garage is poorly lit so I had to touch up several spots that needed more paint.  
• Be realistic.  This is a DIY project. It will take time, patience, and dedication.

TOTAL TIME FOR THIS PROJECT: 20 HOURS.

Was it worth it?

I think so. ;)