Know When to Prime Your Cabinets

Even though our cabinet paints are paint and primer in one. There are some circumstances where priming necessary.

• Paper-covered cabinets or cabinets that have the ends covered in wood paper, you will need to prime the sections covered in paper. A single coat of Zinsser's oil-based, white Cover Stain Primer Bond is necessary to properly prep papered surfaces before painting with Nuvo.

• Raw Wood (such as plywood and cabinets that have not been sealed) should be primed to prevent possible Tannins bleeding through. We recommend using a stain blocking, oil-based primer before applying Nuvo Cabinet Paint.

For Consistent Color

The "same" color of paint can vary between cans. That difference can be glaringly obvious if you pop open a new can halfway through a project. To ensure color consistency from start to finish, blend the same paint color from different cans into a single batch in a larger container to ensure a consistent color mix. Mix well. What you don’t use, you can pour back into one of your empty cans for future use.

Clean, Clean, Clean with a Degreaser

Paint won't bond to greasy or filthy surfaces, like kitchen counters near a stove, or the areas around cabinet pulls that are constantly touched with dirty hands. It is essential to clean your cabinets or countertops with a degreaser to ensure that no grease or residue has been left behind. Note: Be sure to read the label and follow directions of the degreaser—this stuff is potent. Rubber gloves and eye protection are required.

Make Sure the Area You are Painting is Well Lit

If you want to achieve consistent color on your cabinets or countertops, make sure you have sufficient lighting, maybe even using a work light as you go along. Pay close attention to the edges where you use a brush instead of a roller. There might be more inconsistencies in these areas.

Choose Your Color Wisely

When choosing the color you want to paint your cabinets or countertops, take note of the color’s undertone and take into consideration that lighting, natural light, wall color, and surrounding decor will affect the final color outcome. For example, some whites may have a warmer undertone and if painted next to a cool white, the yellow may stand out or the cool white with the cooler undertone may appear to have a bluish tint.