My name is NOT Ralph

Next time you’re bored, go to Google and type in “ralph lauren paint.” Yep, we’re usually near the top under that topic. Why? Because we wrote a couple of articles about the RL Paints we used successfully, and we keep a message board specifically devoted to that paint and the topics and problems associated with it. The odd thing is the number of folks who seem to think that we, the Fix Chicks, ARE Ralph Lauren. Truth be told, I have no idea if there even IS a real Ralph Lauren. Have you ever seen him? I haven’t. And besides, I think he was supposed to be a clothing designer. How his name got stuck on a can of paint, I don’t know.

Guys and gals, let’s put this in perspective - first of all it’s only paint. If you don’t like it, paint over it. It’s not PLAIN paint - it requires technique and patience to apply, but it’s not real texure. If you think you got ripped off, talk to the paint store where you bought the paint - perhaps they’ll be willing to exchange it for regular paint. If you’re really PO’d about it, call the customer service number on the paint can and ask for Ralph… I dare ya.

Build it yourself!

If you’ve ever assembled a computer desk, you can assemble pre-fab cabinets. The most common tools you need are a screwdriver, a hammer, a level, a drill, some wood screws that are long enough to attach a cabinet to a wall (2 1/4″), and some screws that are long enough to attach cabinets to one another without going through on the other side (1 1/4″), some shims (our cabinets came with plastic snap-off shims that were quite effective), a step stool, and some quality wood glue.

I also suggest that you use some strips of 1×2 wood (or similar) to put up on the wall as a “ledge” for you set your wall cabinets on when mounting them. Trust me, it’s a whole lot easier to level and measure a 1×2 and set your cabinet on it afterward than to try to hold a cabinet to the wall while you try to level and anchor it. It’s also helpful to use a plumb-bob, level, or stud-finder with a straight edge and make vertical stud lines down the wall before you start attaching cabinets.

You’ll use the screwdriver extensively in assembly of the cabinets so you might want a power screwdriver for the job. The Mill’s Pride major cabinet parts are held together with metal cams and dowels. You can use the glue for the dowels and the the edges of the cabinet enclosure. We used a long level to be able to span more than one cabinet when double-checking our placement and shim work.

Except for hanging wide wall cabinets, this kind of cabinet assembly and installation is a one-woman job.