Crestwood Painting

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Does Unfinished Cabinetry Pay?

Vanity unfinished paint stain
Unfinished cabinetry has some downsides to be aware of.

A family called to meet and talk about interior painting – the entire house. They had hired a “friend” that had been “recommended” as a “good painter” that “needed some help”. This painter was not up to the task and had managed to create chaos throughout the home.

Here’s what caught my eye: there were two bathrooms with a vanity in each – both unfinished. They had planned to paint the cabinets themselves. This sort of thing  starts with the best of intentions – a nice cabinet for a very attractive price. This is okay, but only if:

  • You actually do the work yourself
  • You can accept a less-than-perfect DIY finish

Stain or Paint?

On balance, staining unfinished vanities is easier than painting. Staining eliminates sanding primer and caulking joints. Stain also helps blend normal surface wear and tear – you’re less likely to notice varnish wear off; you’ll very quickly see that wear in a painted surface. Finally, the average homeowner is more likely to achieve satisfactory results when staining and varnishing whereas painting cabinetry requires more deliberate skill.

Purchasers of unfinished cabinetry may not realize the labor that goes into making their purchase look beautiful:

  • Remove hinges (and re-install when everything is dry)
  • Remove drawer glides (and re-install when everything is dry)
  • Find a place to do the work (because every bathroom is too small)
  • Proper prep
    • Ease sharp factory edges with a bit of sanding
    • Vacuum to remove all dust
    • Prime, let dry, sand primer smooth, vacuum again
    • Caulk joints (when painting)
  • Apply paint or stain
  • Second coat needed?
  • Apply varnish over stain

Drawer Boxes

Usually drawer boxes are sealed with a coat or two of varnish. This requires first staining the drawer fronts, dry time and varnish over all. Unless you’re painting – then varnish the drawer box first, then paint drawer fronts. Of course, re-install drawer glides when everything is dry.

Now carry the all components back to the bathroom and install drawer glides and hinges without nicking anything. Remember to clean up the (basement? garage?) work area.

Bottom Line

You’re always better to take advantage of a cabinet manufacturer’s factory-perfect finishing process. You’ll never achieve a similar level of finish on your own and the cost of paying a professional to come in and do it will not yield the expected savings.

What’s it cost to paint or stain bathroom vanities? Generally, $100 per lineal foot is a good guide. So, a 5′ vanity will be about $500 and a 3′ vanity will be around $350. This assumes there is other work being done and, of course, your mileage may vary depending on the painter you call.

interior painting plaster
5 Star Crestwood Review

Filed Under: General Painting Tagged With: bathroom, cabinets, kitchen

Why It’s Easy Being Green

paint colors crestwood paintingDiane Stewart at Color Sense Consulting is often asked “What is the most versatile color?” Here’s her answer:

“Many people would like to know which color is the most foolproof option. There really isn’t an easy answer since so many things should be considered when choosing paint colors.

“However, green is the best bet since it’s such a versatile color. It falls right in the middle of the color spectrum, and can easily lean towards blue or yellow variations. We’re used to seeing all types of green mixed up outside, so it seems to go with everything.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Paint Colors Tagged With: bathroom, bedroom, color consulting, contrasting colors

Choose the Right Paint Sheen

Paint sheen crestwood interior
Sheen describes the amount of light reflected.

Everybody knows about color; not many know about sheen. But it is just as  important when choosing paints. So here we go!

Sheen is another way to say “light reflectance”. Kitchen cabinets are usually higher-gloss surfaces and so reflect more light that most ceilings (flat sheen).

One is not better than the other – but there are trade-offs and considerations in choosing which sheen is best for a particular application.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Painting Tips Tagged With: bathroom, bedroom, cabinets, ceiling, doors, egg-shell, flat paints, gloss, hallway, high-gloss, kids' room, kitchen, living room, semi-gloss, sheen, trim

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