Are you tired of walking into your kitchen or bathroom and seeing the same old thing every day? If you are, then maybe it is time to give the room an update. Something as simple as adding a new color--or a fresh coat of an old color--makes a big difference in a room's appearance. Painting cupboards is an inexpensive way to give a fresh look to a drab room. Applying the new paint with a foam brush gives the finished surfaces a satiny smooth appearance.
Instructions
1. Open the cupboard doors. Locate the screw heads on the back side of the doors. Insert the bit of the screwdriver into the head of the screw and turn counterclockwise until the hardware comes off. Make sure you put the hardware and screws where you will be able to find them when you are finished.
2. Place the bucket on a flat surface and pour warm water and borax into it. Put the rubber gloves on and dip the scratchy sponge into the solution. Squeeze the excess water out of the sponge and wash the surface that is going to be painted.
3. Mask the places where the cupboards touch the ceiling, walls or floor by sticking the tape on the surface you want to protect from excess paint. For example, the tape should be stuck on the ceiling running right along the edge of the cupboards. Put drop cloths or newspaper on any other surfaces you want to protect--such as countertops or the floor.
4. Wrap the sandpaper around the wood block. Hold the block firmly at the sides and sand the entire surface you are going to paint. Use small strokes that follow the grain of the wood.
5. Open the primer/sealer and stir it with a stir stick. Using a primer/sealer instead of one that is only primer will do a better job of covering any stains that did not wash off in Step 2.
6. Dip the foam brush about 3/4 inch into the paint. Lift the brush up and wipe off excess primer on the edge of the container so it drips back in with the rest of the primer.
7. Apply a generous coat of primer to the cupboards using short, smooth strokes. Dip the brush in the primer whenever the brush starts to look dry. Let the primer dry completely before continuing.
8. Open the paint can and repeat Steps 4-6 using the paint instead of the primer. Make sure the paint is completely dry before reinstalling the hardware.
