What Is Cabinet Enameling?

Cleaning

• Enamel is applied in the same manner as other types of paint, and the first step is to thoroughly clean the surface of all cabinets. This process is best done with an ammonia-based cleanser to remove all surface debris, oil and grease. A clean cabinet is essential to giving the enamel the best surface to stick to. Once the cleaning is complete, a light sanding will remove light surface stains and create a rough texture that is ideal for enameling.

Sanding

• A thorough sanding is necessary when cabinets have been previously painted or stained. These additional layers will make it difficult for new enamel to stick properly, and old colors are more likely to bleed through. Use a sander with 220-grit paper and vacuum any leftover sawdust prior to beginning the painting process. Cabinets manufactured prior to 1978 should not be sanded. Paints used prior to this year were likely lead based, and exposure can have severe health consequences. In this situation, a layer of de-waxed shellac will prep the cabinet surface for new paint.

Product Options

• Enamel paint will come in two primary options, oil or water based. Water-based, or latex, products are a more modern formula, spread more easily and clean up better in the event of a spill. They are more resistant to staining and water damage and require just a wipe-down with warm water and mild soap when dirty. Oil-based products are best reserved for outdoor use, and are not recommended for use in the kitchen since they are more flammable than latex. An additional problem is that cleaning requires the use of paint thinner, a product that has a strong odor and flammable nature. Both options are resistant to scratching and staining once covered with a coat of polyurethane.

Application

• Application is best done with a roller or sprayer, since these will provide the most even, streak-free coat. Remove all doors and drawers and start with the cabinet body. Once the project is complete, these pieces can be replaced. If more than one coat is required, undercoats must be allowed to dry completely and lightly sanded before second coats are applied. Once the coats are dry, a coat or two of polyurethane will keep the paint looking and functioning well.