Welcome to our latest blog post! In today’s YouTube video, titled “LOCKDOWN Day 25 | Finishing up the base cabinets and adding shelf pin holes,” we delve into the world of DIY cabinetry and discuss some important topics related to plywood selection and painting techniques. Join us as we explore the types of plywood used in this project, the considerations to keep in mind when choosing plywood for woodworking, and the process of applying a durable finish to the cabinets. Additionally, we will touch upon the various shades of white paint and share some handy tips and tricks for a smooth painting experience. So let’s dive in and discover the fascinating world of woodworking and cabinetry in this professional blog post!
Below Table of Contents
- 1. Choosing the Right Plywood for Your Cabinet Project
- 2. Understanding the Different Types of Plywood for Woodworking
- 3. Tips for Painting and Finishing Cabinets: From Base Coats to Shelf Pin Holes
- 4. Exploring the World of White Paint: Finding the Perfect Shade for Your Cabinets
- Q&A
- Final Notes
1. Choosing the Right Plywood for Your Cabinet Project
For your cabinet project, choosing the right plywood is crucial to ensure durability and a high-quality finish. When it comes to plywood selection, I often opt for budget-friendly options, such as pot plywood, which offers a good side and an acceptable level of quality. This type of plywood may have some small patches, but overall, it is suitable for projects where the rough side will not be visible. The cost for a sheet of this plywood is around $35, making it an affordable choice.
If you are looking for premium wood working plywood, consider Baltic birch. This type of plywood has a large number of plies and is sanded on both sides, making it sturdy and ideal for shop projects. However, keep in mind that the appearance of Baltic birch may not be as visually appealing since you can see all of the plies on both sides. Additionally, there are more expensive plywood options available that have a smoother finish and fewer imperfections.
During the painting and finishing process, it’s important to use the appropriate plywood for the cabinet backs. For this purpose, quarter inch plywood is commonly used. It provides sufficient structural support while being lightweight. When working on multiple coats of paint, a helpful trick is to save time by not cleaning your brush or roller in between coats. Simply place them in a ziploc bag, and they will be ready to use for the next coat.
Remember, the choice of plywood for your cabinet project depends on your budget, desired aesthetic, and the level of durability required. Regardless of the plywood you choose, make sure it suits your specific needs and complements the overall design of your cabinets.
2. Understanding the Different Types of Plywood for Woodworking
Understanding the different types of plywood is essential for any woodworking project. When it comes to choosing the right plywood, there are a few factors to consider.
One important consideration is the number of plies. Plywood with a larger number of plies tends to be sturdier and more durable. For woodworking projects, it is recommended to look for plywood like Baltic birch, which typically has a higher number of plies. Additionally, choosing plywood that is sanded on both sides will give you a smoother surface for your project.
Another factor to consider is the appearance of the plywood. Cheaper plywood often has visible knots and rough areas on one side, while the other side looks better. This can be suitable for projects where only one side will be exposed. However, for a more polished look, plywood with attractive faces on both sides is preferable.
Price is also a consideration when choosing plywood. While cheaper plywood may suffice for certain projects, it is important to balance cost with quality. Opting for the cheapest plywood may result in larger voids and lower structural integrity. It is recommended to prioritize a plywood that offers good quality at a reasonable price.
3. Tips for Painting and Finishing Cabinets: From Base Coats to Shelf Pin Holes
When painting and finishing cabinets, it’s important to choose the right base coats and plywood for the project. For the interior of the cabinet and shelves, consider using a durable exterior satin paint like Sherwin-Williams. This will ensure that the finish is long-lasting and able to withstand daily use.
When it comes to plywood, opt for affordable options like one side sanded ply. Look for plywood with a good side that is free of knots and rough areas, as these imperfections won’t be visible in the finished cabinet. Exterior sheathing plywood, typically used in building construction, can be a budget-friendly choice. However, for high-quality woodworking projects, consider Baltic birch plywood with multiple plies and sanded on both sides for a smoother finish.
When working on painting and finishing cabinets, it’s efficient to complete the entire project before applying the finish or paint. However, if time constraints or other factors prevent this, it’s possible to paint certain components separately. For example, you can cut out the backs of the cabinets using quarter inch plywood and paint them individually. This can help maintain momentum in the project while allowing time for other steps, such as applying a second coat of paint or drilling shelf pin holes.
Remember, when painting and finishing cabinets, it’s always helpful to have some tips and tricks up your sleeve. One helpful trick is to keep your brush or roller ready for the next coat by placing it in a ziplock bag, instead of cleaning it in between coats. Additionally, be aware that there are numerous shades of white to choose from. While it can be tempting to overthink the color selection, sometimes simplicity is best. One example is Suruc White, a versatile shade that can work well in many cabinet painting projects.
4. Exploring the World of White Paint: Finding the Perfect Shade for Your Cabinets
In choosing the perfect shade of white paint for your cabinets, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it’s important to select a durable paint that will withstand daily wear and tear. A good exterior satin paint, like the Sherwin-Williams option used here, is recommended for its durability. This type of paint is ideal for both the shelves and the inside of the cabinet, ensuring that it will last for years to come.
When it comes to the type of plywood used for this project, the choice can vary based on personal preference and budget. In this case, the creator opted for a cost-effective option, pot plywood, which has a good side and is reasonably priced. The side facing the inside of the cabinet doesn’t need to be visually perfect, so using a plywood with knots and rough areas, like this exterior sheathing plywood, is a suitable choice. For woodworking projects that require high-quality plywood, it’s recommended to look for Baltic birch that has a large number of plies and is sanded on both sides.
While selecting the perfect shade of white paint, it’s interesting to note the sheer variety of options available. With names like “Suruc White,” it can be easy to overthink the decision. However, it’s important to remember that the choice of white is subjective and can ultimately depend on personal preference. Overthinking can often complicate the decision-making process, so it’s best to trust your instincts and choose a shade that you personally find appealing. Bold tip: Instead of getting overwhelmed, trust your instincts and select the white shade that resonates with your vision for the cabinets.
Q&A
Q: What type of paint did you use for the shelves and inside of the cabinet?
A: I used a leftover exterior satin Sherwin-Williams paint that was originally used for the trim of our house.
Q: What type of plywood did you use for this project?
A: I usually buy the most affordable plywood that still has a good side. For this project, I used what is considered a one side one sanded ply plywood, which has a decent side and a less desirable side with knots and rough areas.
Q: How much did the plywood cost?
A: The sheet of plywood I used for this project was around $35. It is actually exterior sheathing plywood used for building construction, which is cheaper compared to plywood with more plies.
Q: What should I look for in a good woodworking plywood?
A: For woodworking projects, it is recommended to look for plywood like Baltic birch that has a larger number of plies and is sanded on both sides. This provides a more sturdy and aesthetically pleasing result.
Q: Can I use inexpensive plywood for shop projects?
A: Yes, you can use inexpensive plywood for shop projects if you don’t mind the appearance of the plywood showing its plies on both sides. The cheaper plywood may have voids in the middle of the plies.
Q: Can you recommend a better plywood option?
A: Baltic birch plywood is considered a better option for its sturdiness and the fact that it has multiple layers. The faces of Baltic birch plywood also look great on both sides.
Q: How do you usually approach the painting and finishing process?
A: I prefer to build the entire project first and then apply the finish or paint at the end. However, in this case, I had to apply a second coat of paint on the bare wood before drilling the shelf pinholes.
Q: What type of plywood do you use for the backs of the cabinets?
A: I use quarter-inch plywood for the backs of the cabinets.
Q: How do you keep your brushes and rollers ready to use between coats?
A: Instead of cleaning my brushes or rollers between coats, I simply stick them in a ziplock bag to keep them ready for the next coat.
Q: What is the name of the white paint you used?
A: The white paint I used is called “Suruc White”. It is interesting how there are so many shades of white, but sometimes we may overthink the choice too much.
Final Notes
ly focus on choosing a white that complements your space and personal style, you can’t go wrong. In this video, we discussed the importance of choosing the right plywood for your projects. While I typically opt for the more affordable options, like the one-sided, sanded ply, it’s important to consider the number of plies and the quality of veneer when working on more intricate woodworking projects. Plywoods with a higher ply count, such as Baltic birch, offer greater sturdiness and a more appealing finish on both sides.
As we continue our lockdown project of finishing up the base cabinets and adding shelf pin holes, we also addressed the issue of house paint selection. Using a durable exterior satin paint, we ensured that our shelves and cabinet interiors will withstand daily wear and tear. Additionally, we explored the nuances of white paint, discovering how there are endless variations to choose from. Ultimately, trusting your instincts and selecting a white shade that harmonizes with your overall aesthetic is the key.
While the painting process involves applying multiple coats and allowing each layer to dry, I shared a valuable tip of keeping brushes and rollers fresh between coats by storing them in sealed ziploc bags. This not only saves time and effort but also ensures that your tools are ready for the next application without cleaning in between.
Moving forward, I will be cutting out the backs of the cabinets using quarter inch plywood and applying a second coat of paint to the base cabinets before drilling the shelf pin holes. Although it may be slowing me down a bit, I believe in the importance of finishing the entire project before applying the final coat of paint or finish. This helps to maintain the momentum and ensures a cohesive and high-quality end result.
As we near the completion of our base cabinets, I’m excited to take these learnings and insights from this video to further enhance my woodworking skills. Paying attention to plywood selection, understanding the nuances of paint choices, and incorporating practical tips, like storing brushes and rollers, all contribute to a professional and satisfying outcome.
Thank you for joining me on this lockdown journey as we continue to create and improve our living spaces. Stay tuned for the next update as we explore new techniques and tackle the next stage of this project. If you have any questions or additional tips to share, please leave them in the comments below. Until next time, happy woodworking!
With the world in the grips of the Coronavirus pandemic, the government enforced a strict lockdown with people being asked to stay at home to reduce the spread of the virus. For the past 25 days, many people have been using this time at home to better their lives and complete projects that they have been putting off for a while.
One man in particular has been using his time productively to completely revamp his kitchen. Today marked the 25th day of the lockdown and this marks the end of his kitchen project.
After weeks of hard work, Ashley completed the base cabinets and added the shelf pin holes for add on shelves. He used wooden boards for the frames and door panels of the cabinets. He used a pocket hole jig to add the shelf pin holes, which provided fully adjustable shelves.
In the time he had available he has created something that normally would have taken months for the average DIY enthusiast. He has used this opportunity to both improve his living environment and also work on his woodworking skills.
He used the same basic principles one would find in a carpentry shop, to create something unique and special. Finishing up the base cabinets and adding shelf pin holes is the latest project Ashley completed while in the midst of a pandemic. It’s also something that will last him well beyond the lockdown.
Ashley was slow and steady in his approach, taking his time to ensure every joint was perfect. It is this careful approach to his work that sets Ashley aside from others, and will no doubt take him to great heights in the future.
The lockdown has provided people with a great opportunity to enhance their living environment while perfecting a skill. Ashley is a great example of this, and his success story is sure to be an inspiration to others.