Say hello to Nick Slavik, proprietor at Nick Slavik Painting & Restoration Co. in New Prague, Minnesota. Nick has been a craftsman for more than 18 years and the editors of TOH became fast fans of Nick’s weekly Facebook LIVE show, Ask a Painter Live. Now, Nick is also featured in a Behr-sponsored Web series right here at ThisOldHouse.com!

#askapainter Live 71: The Cabinet Extravaganza: a mini Master’s Class in enameling cabinets, doors and millwork.

Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) Nick Slavik Painting & Restoration Co. Ask a Painter Live This Old House 3M Ace Hardware Juliano Alcântara Ivan Burigo Ronie Carlos De Jesus Santos Lrj Pinturas Lucas Da Cruz #whodidimiss? Graco Paint Sprayers Titan Paint Sprayers Sherwin-Williams Archie Bartel Benjamin Moore Joe DellaFave Mirka Mirka Tools & Sanding Zinsser Chris Ahlbrecht

Here, we bring you the Ask a Painter Live episode that details Nick’s tried-and-true kitchen cabinet enameling process. Below you’ll find the outline that he uses on the job to ensure a flawless finish.

  • Prep: Prep the space: Rosin Paper/Blue Tape on the Floor
  • Rosin Paper/Blue Tape on the Countertops
  • Plastic all Appliances
  • Remove Ceiling Lights or Plastic
  • Plastic 4’ perimeter of Ceiling (if to remain unpainted)
  • Plastic/Blue Tape Cabinet Interiors (most are prefinished materials)
  • Furnace filters in Air Ducts
  • Gas Water Heaters/Boilers either turned off or prepped safely Many new gas appliance have combustible gas sensors that will be rendered inoperable by overspray or large amounts of paint fumes
  • Contact a certified plumber/HVAC or Appliance Installer to assist
  • Disassemble/Label Doors and Drawers
  • Hardware in plastic baggies
  • Hinges numbered—reinstalled in original location (prevents major adjustments)
  • Wash
  • Liquid No Rinse TSP/Scotch Brite Pad for grease/Hand Oil
  • Denatured Alcohol/Microfiber Towel for chemicals/adhesion
  • Fill major Imperfections
  • Cabinet Seams, Nail Holes, Hardware Holes (if changing)
  • Scuff Sand, Vacuum & Tack Rag
  • Medium/fine sanding sponges/Random Orbital Sanders w/ 150 grit
  • Shop Vac w/drywall bag/filter & brush attachment (removes bulk of dust)
  • Microfiber rags barely damp w/ water (Removes Remaining Dust)
  • You should be left with a ‘Squeaky Clean’ surface (finger squeaks when rubbed)
  • Prime:
  • Oil Primer if available, otherwise hybrid (oil/water emulsion) primer Either Spray or brush/roller
  • Always perform adhesion test:
  • Apply Primer
  • Let Dry Overnight
  • Test adhesion by scratching with finger nail (“scratch test”)
  • Primer should FULLY adhere. If test passed, Prime All
  • Either spray doors/drawers flat on drying racks or hanging
  • When dry, fill minor imperfections
  • Scuff Sand, Vac & Tack
  • Caulk all cracks where cabinets meet walls/Crown Molding/Misc
  • Topcoat 1:
  • Hybrid Enamel or Oil Enamel is preferred (available through all major manufacturers)
  • When dry, Scuff, Vac & Tack
  • Allow proper drying time
  • Follow TDS (Technical Data Sheets)
  • Available on all manufacturer’s websites
  • They are instruction manuals for the coatings
  • Topcoat 2:
  • Allow proper drying time
  • Reassemble and Adjust
  • Fine Enamels require long cure times—many up to 30 days
  • Handle with care when reassembling
  • Clean Hands, Light Pressure

Nick Slavik is the owner and proprietor of Nick Slavik Painting & Restoration Co. in New Prague, MN. He’s the newest member of the TOH family, providing pro painting content for sponsors like Behr Paint.

More:

  • To learn more about Nick and his company, Nick Slavik Painting & Restoration Co., to get a free quote, or to watch episodes of Ask a Painter Live please visit NickSlavik.com
  • Like Nick Slavik Painting & Restoration Co. on Facebook
  • Check Nick out on ThisOldHouse.com here and here