How to Redo the Soffit in a Kitchen

Hang Plates

• 1

  Mount custom wooden shelving along a span of soffit that features a rail along its front, to provide space for hanging plates. Depending on personal preference, paint the shelving the same color as the soffit so it blends in with the surroundings, or use a different color so it stands out. Ensure that the paint has completely dried before installing it.

• 2

  Mount your collection of decorative plates on the rails. Slide a hanger large enough to support the weight of a plate across its back, and install it into a hook in the rail. Repeat this process to mount all the plates on the soffit.

• 3

  Place a small collection of vintage tins or glass decorations over a corner along the top of the cabinet if the shelving falls short. Alternatively, set a silk trailing plant over a corner of the cabinet for added visual appeal.

Stencil Designs

• 4

  Paint the soffit a light shade to bring out the patterns and designs you will stencil on the surface. Apply two coats of paint over the area, allowing each to thoroughly dry.

• 5

  Measure the width of the soffit and mark its center. Determine how you want the desired stenciled design to appear on the soffit; you can stencil the text along the center and add designs around it or stencil the desired designs randomly over the space.

• 6

  Hold the stencil over the center mark on the soffit and use a thin paintbrush to fill the design with the desired color. Work slowly so you cover the curves, edges and corners of the stencil with color. Avoid adding too much paint on the brush, or it could drip; but wipe the brush with the side of the paint tray before applying it over the stencil. Continue this process of stenciling text and designs over the soffit until you cover the space. Allow the paint to dry.

Paint

• 7

  Remove flaking paint from the soffit with a paint scraper. Wipe the soffit with a clean sponge to remove residue and accumulated debris. Caulk any gaps between the soffit and cabinets using silicone caulk. Apply an even bead of caulk in the gap and leave it to dry for the time specified on label directions.

• 8

  Prime the soffit with a general-purpose latex primer. Use a roller to apply the primer evenly over the exposed sections of the soffit and a paintbrush for edges along the cabinets. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly.

• 9

  Pour the desired shade of paint in a paint tray and insert the roller nap in it. Roll the nap it over the ridges of the tray before applying it over the soffit in small, overlapping strokes so you maintain a wet edge. Continue this process until you have covered the soffit with paint.

• 10

  Insert a small paintbrush in the paint and apply it around the edges of the cabinets. Allow the paint to dry according to the time specified on the label directions. Apply another coat of paint to achieve a solid color.