What Paint Color For Your Kitchen Cabinets?

The color of your kitchen cabinets can make or break the look of the kitchen. It's important to choose a color that complements your flooring, walls, and countertops.

Many people choose white kitchen cabinets. White cabinets are often seen as more modern and clean than dark colors like brown or black. However, white paint may not be the best option for all kitchens. It's important to consider how much time you spend in your kitchen before making this decision.

If you do decide on white cabinets, it is essential to select a high-quality paint that is both durable and resistant to water damage. If not, your beautiful white cabinet could turn into an ugly mess of chipping paint .

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There are many reasons why people choose to paint their cabinets. One of the main reasons is to update their look, while others do it to hide damage that may have occurred to the kitchen cabinetry. And then there are those who don't want an expensive new kitchen, but still want to give their old kitchen a facelift.

The black painted cabinets are usually associated with modern kitchens and they go well with white countertops. But if you don’t like the look of them, there are other colors that you can use on your cabinet doors too, such as brown or beige for instance.

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Paint cabinets can make a huge difference in your kitchen and its style. Painting cabinets is not difficult, but it does require some preparation and patience. We will explore the steps to painting your cabinets with paint and give you an idea for what paint color would be perfect for your kitchen.

Steps:

1) Gather all of the materials you need before starting:

-Paint (we recommend a Satin- semi-gloss or gloss finish)

-Drop cloth (to protect your floors or other outside surfaces from overspray)

-Duster or lint roller (to remove all visible dust from surfaces to protect them from overspray)

2) Clean the surfaces of all dirt and grease with a dry cloth, degreaser, or a damp

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If you want your kitchen cabinets to look new we recommend hiring a professional painter. They will make sure that the paint is applied evenly and they use high quality paints to make the cabinets look like new.

If you don't want to renovate your kitchen with a complete overhaul then consider painting your kitchen cabinets. A professional painter will come out and paint them for you, making them look like new in no time! They'll also be able to do any prep work needed before painting, such as sanding down any rough edges on the wood or removing any nails that are sticking out.

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There are many benefits of painting your kitchen cabinets. The most obvious one is that it will make your kitchen look nicer and more attractive. But there are a few other benefits as well.

Painting your kitchen cabinets can be a very rewarding experience, as it can have a big effect on the atmosphere of your kitchen. Painting them is also fast and easy to do, so you won’t have to spend much time at all doing this project.

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You have finally decided to change the look of your kitchen. You have dreamed about this for so long and you are excited to try it out. You think that painting your cabinets will be a great idea and you can’t wait to see the final product.

Paint is the cheapest way to update your kitchen cabinets and with such a variety of colors, you can surely find one that matches your style. But make sure you do not forget about the paint color in the rest of your house or else it may look too jarring or too dark in contrast.

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Picking a color for a kitchen is a complex task, and it can be made easier with the help of an app.

There are many apps that help you pick the perfect color for your kitchen. For example, you can take a photo of your cabinets and put them inside an app to see how they would look painted in various colors.

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Choosing the right paint color for your home can be difficult. But it doesn't have to be! A color consultant can help guide you to finding the perfect color.

A color consultant is an expert in coordinating colors together for a given space, such as a kitchen. Color consultants may also provide advice on how to use different colors and finishes of paint, such as gloss or matte, on certain surfaces of furniture or cabinets.

A color consultant will come to your house and get a feel for the space before making any decisions about the paint colors you need. They will help guide you towards picking out two or three of their favorite combinations of colors that work well with what you already have in your home and then they'll leave you with some paint samples and written instructions on how to achieve those colors

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Paint colors are one of the most important decisions when it comes to decorating your interior. It can make or break the look and feel of your house.

It is important to know that paint colors are not created equal. One color might look good in one room but it can be different in another room because of the lighting, focal point, etc.

Color psychology plays a major role in what colors you choose for your house too. Certain colors can evoke certain feelings or emotions that might not work for everyone.

Cabinet Refinishing

 

Kitchen cabinet refinishing done right

Ryan Amato Painting refinishes kitchen cabinets throughout the Lehigh Valley and New Jersey. Kitchen cabinet refinishing done right



They completed this dramatic kitchen cabinet makeover this past week, taking these old worn our kitchen cabinets and modernizing them.

It takes a company that works with kitchen cabinets all the time.

Not your every day painter type of project as many things can and do go wrong

Ryan Amato

kitchen cabinet refinishing



By using a company that just paints kitchen cabinets daily and has the facility and tools to do so properly

You will save a lot of money and wasted time and missed expectations.

Kitchen cabinet refinishing

By having the knowledge and proper tools and experience you can rest assured your project will go smooth.

If your cabinets are old and outdated but you're not ready to replace them, update them with some fresh paint. Paint can work wonders on everything, and kitchen cabinets are no exception.

Painting kitchen cabinets can be tiring and you can easily hire a pro to do the job.

Wood, wood-laminate, and metal cabinets usually can be repainted without difficulty. Plastic laminate cabinets might not accept a topcoat of paint — those that can be refinished often require special paints and techniques, and results can vary.

A pro is skilled in painting application, plus they have the additional advantage of being able to use high quality tools! When the project is finished, you will have clean lines with no bleeding edges. You won't find stray drips and you will know that the cabinets have been properly finished for lasting durability.

Epoxy Floors Fact vs. Fiction

 EPOXY FLOORS: Fact vs. Fiction 

With all the conflicting information out there about the dos and don’ts of flooring installation, it can be difficult to choose the best floor option for your residential, commercial or industrial space.

Perhaps one of the most controversial of the floor choices is epoxy floors. Epoxy coating is becoming a more and more popular choice for not only industrial and commercial properties, but for residential spaces as well.

Epoxy coating is made up of a two-part mixture consisting of resin and a hardening agent.

This mixture is then evenly distributed over well primed concrete, wood, tile or a variety of other surfaces you may find in a residential, commercial or industrial space.

Once the mixture is properly applied, a chemical reaction occurs creating a bond to the floor making it incredibly durable, long-lasting, slip resistant and easy to wipe clean!

Seems too good to be true, right? Let’s analyze some of the rumors swirling around out there about epoxy floors and we’ll let you be the judge.

“Epoxy Floors are only for large industries and wealthy folks. There’s no way I could afford that.”

Okay, we’ll admit, epoxy floors can be pretty intimidating considering their upscale look and incredible durability. But just because they offer these benefits and that sought after WOW factor doesn’t mean they are unattainable.

As we previously noted, epoxy floors are long-lasting which means you won’t be shelling out tons of cash for repairs and maintenance.

When you look at this as a long-term investment you’re actually saving money in the long run; Not to mention increasing the value of the property.

When you do your research you’ll find that epoxy floors are also significantly more cost effective than other floor types.

The problem people will often face is that they decide on a cheaper flooring solution which inevitably requires more maintenance and repairs.

You end up paying more over time. Think of it like shopping at Costco.

It might seem steep to pay $19.99 for paper towels, but it’s a whole lot nicer to not have to go running back to Walmart in a week for more and paying double for even less rolls.

“Who needs epoxy? I’ll just apply paint to the floors. It’ll look the same and cost way less!”

You’d think that were the case, but this is highly inaccurate. Even though both of these products may create a similar look when applied, they are indeed very different from one another.

For starters epoxy is superior in adhesion in comparison to paint. Paint dries, whereas epoxy cures which creates a much harder and durable surface.

Paint simply won’t be able to protect the floor from abrasions, chemicals, bacteria, oil, grease and spills the way epoxy will.

Paint just doesn’t live up to epoxy’s ability to bond to the substrate making it a very costly mistake to apply instead of epoxy. 

“I’ll just save my money and install the epoxy flooring myself! What could go wrong?”

It may be tempting to skip out on the labor costs of epoxy floor installation and just do it yourself with the help of the many DIY YouTube videos out there, but let us stop you right there before you go making a VERY costly mistake.

I know what you’re thinking. How hard can it be? All I need to do is mix up the products listed in the video and apply to my concrete garage floor, right?

Seemingly yes, but there’s far more that goes into it than that. For starters, only the most experienced epoxy floor installation crew understands that each floor is different, each with their own set of detailed challenges.

An experienced epoxy floor crew will meticulously prepare and prime the floor for installation (which can often be rather tedious) making sure the product can be applied properly.

Without proper priming and preparation, you could end up with discolorations, uneven surfaces or little bubbles in the product making for a sloppy, unprofessional finished look.

Professional epoxy floors installers also have access to professional grade products which are much higher quality than the products you’ll get in the DIY kits you have at your local Home Depot.

Low quality product = Low quality floor. High quality product = High quality floor. It’s really pretty simple when you look at it that way. 

“Epoxy floors only make sense in warehouses and industrial facilities. Why would I use this flooring solution in my home?”

Yes, epoxy floors do make a fantastic choice for warehouses, commercial and industrial facilities due to their extreme durability and ability to withstand heavy loads, harsh chemicals and high heat.

But believe it or not, the versatility that epoxy coating provides has made it a very popular choice for many residential surfaces including garage floors, basement floors, outdoor cement patios and walkways and even kitchen countertops!

First of all, let’s be real. A well-done epoxy coating is beautiful to look at. Because of the many colors and patterns you have to choose from you can radically upgrade the look of your residential space.

In addition to the aesthetic appeal, the practicality is tough to beat. Here in the Lehigh Valley many people get stuck dealing with water damage and leaks during heavy down pours.

Our humid summers also make having a dehumidifier a must. With an epoxy floor you can eliminate the head aches that come along with dealing with these types of issues.

Since epoxy coating is water resistant, any water that enters the garage or basement will sit right on top of the floor without seeping in making it a breeze to remove with a shop vac. 

Another huge perk of epoxy floors in the home is the ability to easily wipe them clean.

When epoxy is poured onto a properly prepared surface, you won’t have to deal with any ridges, cracks or seems the way you would with tile or hard wood.

The flat, seamless surface makes them a dream to clean. Their resistance to spills, stains, germs and bacteria make them a very desirable choice for a finished basement where the kids might spend most of their play time.

With regular sweeping and mopping the floors will stay clean and looking beautiful at all times. Perhaps the most significant benefit yet is that these floors typically last up to 10 years! Talk about low maintenance! 

So there you have it folks. We busted several of the myths circulating around about epoxy floors.

A professionally installed epoxy floor truly has the potential to completely transform and revitalize your residential, commercial or industrial space. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you may still have about epoxy floors.

We’d be happy to discuss your options with you and help you decide if an epoxy floor is the right choice for you!

Ryan Featured on PCA Overdrive

 PCA Overdrive

Ryan was recently featured on PCA (Painting Contractors of America) Overdrive show

Ryan discussed our current supply chain shortage, how are painting companies dealing with not having paint they need to complete their projects?

Some tips and tricks to keep business going

He said "it looks to be about a year before things get better"

Watch as Ryan discusses all of this and more

https://www.pcaoverdrive.org/videos/supply-chain-shortage

Supply Chain Shortage

1h 0m

In recent months, contractors from throughout the United States have been complaining about paint shortages. Several stories have surfaced of manufacturers being unable to deliver products to the market and contractors being unable to fulfill their demands. Everyone in the coatings industry recognizes that the supply chain shortage hasn't affected everyone in the same way. But what else is there to learn?

Gain insights on what major manufacturers are doing to solve the supply chain shortage, as well as how these changes may impact specific products. Learn from other skilled contractors about how to prepare your company and career for changes in 2022.

Ryan Amato, an exceptional member of the painting community and manager of Amato Painting, addresses and leads this Supply Chain Panel Discussion. With a true passion for his craft, Ryan is driven by so much more than the bottom line!

Ryan Featured On Estimate Rocket Podcast

 Ryan (our owner) Featured on Podcast

Ryan was featured as a guest on Estimate Rocket's Podcast speaking about sales planning.

We are always thrilled to see our team being able to help other painting companies across the United States and abroad.

"I have been so fortunate to be able to help others" says Ryan Amato of Ryan Amato Painting in Easton, Pa

Estimate Rocket is an app used for painting estimates that dramatically makes the estimating process so simple anyone on your team can do an estimate successfully.

Ryan Amato painting has been working with Estimate Rocket for many years and has done well over 2500 estimates.

Please reach out should you want to use this tool in your own painting business.

On this episode we are joined by Ryan Amato of Ryan Amato painting to talk about Sales Planning and Making Big Turns that impact the coming year. What do you do when you realize that your company should completely rearrange it's priorities and seek bread and butter from other sources? Ryan shares how he decided his company needed to make a big turn, and how he inspired buy-in from his employees to put their all into something that was worthwhile but uncertain. You'll want to hear the ending on this story...it's a good one!

 Did you know you can re do your countertop’s using epoxy?

Using special materials we are able to totally transform your kitchen counters making them even more durable, scratch and heat resistant.

Epoxy can be put on concrete, formica, wood, quartz, granite and more to create the dream kitchen you have always wanted.

When done right epoxy countertops provide a long-lasting and durable surface. They are resistant to moisture and heat.

You will still need to use common sense, you should not place a hot pan directly on any counter no matter if it is epoxy or something else.

Using the best materials and having someone do this installation for you who has done many before can certainly help make sure it comes out the way you expect.

How has Ryan Amato Painting handled the paint shortage?

Ryan Is Guest On Marketplace News

September 30, 2021 at 7:46 pm | Category: Business, Company News

Ryan was recently asked to explain the paint shortage all painting manufactures are going through on Marketplace

Here is the Audio

Paint Shortage

A mix of factors, from an unusual freeze in Texas to ongoing supply chain issues with raw materials like resin, have resulted in a paint shortage. Sherwin Williams CEO John G. Morikis even told investors that “the persistent and industry-wide raw material availability constraints and pricing inflation we have previously reported have worsened, and we do not expect to see improved supply or lower raw material pricing in our fourth quarter as anticipated.”

“Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal spoke with business owner Ryan Amato of Ryan Amato Painting in Easton, Pennsylvania, to talk about how his business has been weathering the shortages. The following is an edited transcript of their conversation.

Kai Ryssdal: Paint shortages, really?

Ryan Amato: Well, we’ve been hearing about it for well over a year, and then the pandemic hit, so that was an issue. There’s been, obviously, a labor shortage so the truck drivers delivering the paint, that’s been an issue. There was the freeze down in Texas, and they supply a good amount of the resins, which is an ingredient for all the paints that we use.

Ryssdal: Yes, it’s a chemicals-heavy process, right?

Amato: Absolutely. It’s an ingredient. Just like you bake a cake, it’s one of our main ingredients in the paint, and we’ve had a major shortage of it.

Ryssdal: So what are you doing?

Amato: Well, I like to think that we’re well prepared at my company. So, we have great suppliers and vendors. Unfortunately, if you came to our shop, I’m looking at about 500 gallons of untinted paint sitting on pallets; just so we’re prepared for our customers, we’re ordering in very large quantities of paint.

Ryssdal: The catch, of course, is that untinted paint is no good if I need to paint my house blue, right?

Amato: Absolutely, yeah. And there are so many different bases of paint, so if you need a dark blue it’s a different base than white, so we just we’re trying to do the best we can to stay prepared for you, for the customer.

Ryssdal: Alright, so let’s make it about me. I do, in point of fact, actually need to have my house painted. How much of a lead time do I need to give you before you can say, “Yep, I’ll be there on Thursday.”?

Amato: That’s a great question, and it’s been a struggle. Historically, in our business, when we win a job, your job, we send you over a color sheet that you have to fill out. Normally not a big deal, give it to us a week or two before the project starts, and that’s typically in between four and six weeks. Now, we’re really twisting your arm behind your back; we need that color sheet a day or two, after your job is accepted. So we need about two or three weeks to make sure that we have the proper materials for your project.

Ryssdal: And I imagine, Mr. Amato, it’s going to cost me more, too, right?

Amato: It’s certainly going to cost you more. We’ve seen it’s been about 20% since really only about four or five months ago, and [a] 40% increase in our epoxy floors, which is pretty significant.

Ryssdal: I imagine you’ve got to go to your supplier, right? But is this one of those where you could find another source, and try to do it that way? I’m sure you thought of that.

Amato: And that’s what we’ve been doing. The only problem with that is — there’s many different suppliers and we all know them — paint is not all the same; you can’t just grab one gallon of paint and go to another vendor and grab another gallon of paint and it performs the same way. So not only are we seeing issues with paints we haven’t used before. It has also slowed down our production, our labor, because they’re using new paints. It requires different paintbrushes. They all perform differently. It’s been been a learning curve all around, not even to mention just the shortage of materials.

Ryssdal: That’s kind of wild that paint is not paint is not paint. It’s all different.

Amato: Absolutely.

Ryssdal: How long you’ve been in the painting business, Mr. Amato?

Amato: I’ve been in the painting business 30 years. I hate to say that. I feel like I’m getting older.

Ryssdal: Tell me, you ever seen anything like this?

Amato: No, never. The only other issue we had was … it’s always been labor. You know, we had some issues after 9/11 with labor and the amount of jobs. This has been very difficult.

Have your kitchen cabinets refinished

 

What to expect when having your kitchen cabinets painted

Having your kitchen cabinets painted whether you choose to do them yourself or have them professionally painted can be a big leap of faith.

But one thing that will help make that choice is to price new cabinets installed.

We are referring to quality cabinets installed, not the low end mass produced cabinets of today

Most likely you have quality cabinets already installed and for less than half the cost you can have them professionally refinished in most cases.

Your first decision will be who is going to do them?

Having a company who does this day in and day out is a great choice as opposed to a painting company who also "does" cabinet painting

It is a better choice to have someone who does cabinet refinishing every day touch your kitchen cabinets

They will be more experienced with the preparation needed and if anything goes wrong during the process, easily being able to adjust

Preparation is key to any kitchen cabinet painting project, preparing your existing cabinets for a new coating is most important

This can be done many ways, whether chemically with solvents and cleaners or mechanically with sanders or sanding by hand.

We like a combination of both of those methods

After preparing your cabinets you have a few choices here.

A standard paint job using readily available products. This will give a you a very nice job although one that will need slight maintenance down the road in the form of touch ups. We would expect a good 5 years before possible having to fully recoat and yearly touch ups possible after they are painted

This is due to simply the use they will be under, from water, soap, hands, and more. Anyone who promises you more than this is not being honest with today's traditional paints from any manufacturer

Your second option is to move into a high end two part product. This is not one anyone used here locally except for us, this is a more costly option but over the long run it will simply last longer.

Specialized equipment is needed to apply a coasting to get a beautiful finish, usually a combination of special sprayers and in some cases brush and rolling with very smooth rollers.

In the case of brushing and rolling the applicator is most important, they can make or break your project.

There is nothing worse than seeing heavy brush marks or roller marks on a cabinet project. This can significantly be diminished with the proper application.

Here are a few things that could go wrong

Improper pre from an inexperienced painter or crrew

Bad prep can be disastrous for a project, the entire job is only as good as it's base. This is the reason it is hard to come fix someone else's work

The wrong materials were used, without using the proper primers and top coats your project is doomed again.

Not explaining the true expectations of a cabinet refinishing project. The cabinets will not be bulletproof. No coating is, just like your car or existing cabinets they can be scratched, dinged and dented.

How to have a great project

Let the painters paint, they have been trained for this

Know the expectations of the project and what products are being used

How do you touch them up? Does the painter offer a maintenance program such as our three year or lifetime touch ups?

Enjoy the process, talk to the painters, enjoy the amazing before and after

How to properly paint oak grained kitchen cabinets

 How To: Painting Oak Grained Cabinets

Repainting your old oak-grained cabinets can help you save a great deal while creating a completely new space in the process. Everyone loves a new space, the feeling of walking into a neatly tucked and well-designed space is hard to match. However, everyone cannot afford to get the entire space redone. Just the cost of replacing your cabinets can cost you a small fortune.

Rather than spending time and money ripping out the old and getting in the new, it's time to pause and assess the situation. If the cabinets are in good condition, it's best to go for a re-painting rather than replacement. Think about it for a moment, why throw away perfectly good cabinets when you can save a great deal of money while ensuring you are making the most out of your space!

HOWEVER

It is very costly and time consuming to completely remove the grain from oak grained kitchen cabinets. I would not expect a painter to be able to promise this. Remember oak grained cabinets are typically stain grade, hence why the grain is showing, painting a stain grade cabinet can be done but you will see the grain.

There are a few products, grain fillers and such but this process can be very costly and still not remove all the grain. So below is with the expectation your aware you may and will still see the grain.

Your cabinets can still look amazing even with the grain showing.

How to Paint Oak Grained Cabinets

Painting over an oak-grained cabinet is not a small undertaking, but one that can be done perfectly when following the steps listed below. 

The Preparation

There is a great deal to get done before you start priming and painting your oak-grained cabinets. While the process might seem long, it is all worth it in the end. Here is how to get started:

Emptying - Start by Emptying the cabinets and drawers in storage containers. Make sure you set a different space for each one, as you will be required to put it all back. Setting up a system, in the beginning, can help you save time. 

Remove - The second step you need to do is to remove the drawers and cabinet doors. It's best to number the cabinets and doors to make sure they go back in place. Secondly, you must tape down all the hardware to keep them paint-free.

Tape & Cloth - Using painter's tape, tape down all the spaces next to the cabinets. Making sure nothing goes overboard during the painting process. Cover all floors and countertops using drop cloths. This will help eliminate a tough cleaning process. 

Cleaning - Using TSP liquid substitute cleaner wipe down all the cabinet boxes, drawers, and doors. It's best to follow the directions on the bottle and ensure you rinse using a clean water towel, and dry it off using a dry cloth. 

Sanding - Using a 180-220 grit sandpaper or sanding block make sure you cover every inch of your cabinet boxes, doors, and drawers. Moreover, if you have lamination make sure you don't chip off the sheet. Once done, wipe the dust Using a tack cloth. 

Finally, it's best to wear a respirator or dust mask and gloves during the entire process.

Priming Process

The process requires a good stain blocking oil primer to ensure the old stain does not show in the new finish. Keep in mind if your cabinets have laminated sides you will need a special primer to ensure the laminated surface is well covered. 

Layer - Start by laying the drawers and doors on top of an edge that can help you cover a good chunk without getting any marks on the piece. Moreover, keep in mind that the drawers and doors have to dry before you can handle them. 

Oil Based or Water Based Primers - Using a polyester or nylon brush or sprayer you can cover the back of the doors and drawers at first. Once they are dry, flip them over and cover the other side. A pro tip is to paint in the same direction of the wood grain. 

Sand - Read the direction on your primer can and follow the suggestions lightly sanding your cabinet boxes, drawers, and doors using 220 grit sandpaper. 

Caulk - Check all the pieces carefully and caulk any gaps in the boxes, or cabinet doors using paintable caulk. It will take about 20 to 30 minutes for the caulk to dry, please let it set before you move forward. We do not recommend caulking moving panels, they are designed like this for a reason however we do understand the cosmetic reason.

Painting Process

Finally, the step you have been waiting for - it is time to start painting your oak-grained cabinets. Start by picking out a color, and test a small patch on the back of a door or drawer. Allow it time to dry to ensure you know what the end product is going to look like. Once you are sure of the color and its impact, it's time to get started!

Hard to Reach - Place some paint on a small roller tray, using a small paintbrush to cover all the cabinet boxes, drawers, and door areas that will be hard to paint using a roller. While you may think you will be able to cover it all, but in reality, it's best to leave large open spaces for rollers and cover the edges and hard-to-reach areas using a smaller brush.

Roller - Using a roller or sprayer starts with the back of the doors and drawers. Once they are covered on both sides it's time to move onto the boxes. Once done, let the pieces dry before you start handing them or moving them around. Letting them sit in place ensures the paint comes with a perfect finish. 

Second & Third - After at least 2 to 3 hours it's time to apply the second coat. Repeat all the steps a third and last time for a final finish. After the third painting session let the drawers, doors, and boxes dry for at least a day. Not all jobs require or include three coats of paint

Re-Hang - Once the day has passed it's time to re-hand the doors, set up the drawers, pull the tape off, and get it all in place. Once everything is in place take one last look and make sure it looks smooth, and you are done!