What is the best painting method for these cabinets

Charlie Sherwin
by Charlie Sherwin
Help!
These kitchen cabinets are over 25 years old and in desperate need of a makeover. I have read about everything from chalk paint to spray paint. I know they need to be sanded down but then...?
Everyone here is so knowledgeable, any help is greatly appreciated.
Lots of wear and tear...
  20 answers
  • Jean Myles Jean Myles on Jul 01, 2016
    After a good sanding and removal of all dust you should use a really good Stain blocking primer like Zinsser 1-2-3 Bulls Eye it is water based then you can paint with your choice of paint. I've never used chalk paint but I'm sure other on here will give you a how to on that. Good luck .
  • Myrna Davis Myrna Davis on Jul 01, 2016
    We used the Rustoleum paint kit from Lowes. One kit did the entire kitchen with some leftover. The results were beyond expectation. One of the best products we've ever purchased.
  • Anna M.S. Anna M.S. on Jul 01, 2016
    If you decide to spray paint, please invest in a airless sprayer. My sister and I bought a Wagner Flexio currently being advertised. Big mistake. Even after diluting the paint, the air dried triangles of paint at the ejection slot. The airless sprayer, from Lowe's, was wonderful. You will not have brush marks.
  • wipe the cabinets down with a TSP solution (available at Lowe's and home depot) to cut all grease and grime offf the cabinets. THe finish should look dull after you finish this step then lightly sand the cabinets with 200/250 grit sandpaper. then buff the cabinets with brown paper(like paper bags) this will smooth them out better than the finest sand paper. Seal with a good sanding sealer and then you can paint them. If you choose not to spray them be sure to use a sponge roller and not a regular roller, this will provide a smooth finish. It is best to take the doors off and lay them flat to paint them even is you are using a sprayer.
  • M.kupiec M.kupiec on Jul 02, 2016
    I painted the cabinets in our kitchen and used a small sponge roller, covered very evenly with no brush strokes.
  • Rosie Walsh Rosie Walsh on Jul 02, 2016
    I've redone two kitchens and used oil base enamel rather than a water base paint. First steps were cleaning every inch with a TSP mixture. Wear gloves! Rinse very thoroughly. Sand, clean up all sanding residue. Then apply the best primer you can find. Proceed with the oil base. Follow instructions re drying time. This is very important. My results were great and lasted for many years without any need for touchup or repainting. A labor of love, but I know the results are well worth it.
  • I CLEANED MY KITCHEN CABINETS REALLY GOOD, WITH VINEGAR AND AND HOT SOAPY WATER, THEN I PAINTED THEM WITH LATEX GLOSS PAINT SO I COULD WASH THEM, AND AFTER YEARS THEY STILL LOOK GREAT HERE ARE SOME PICTURES ..
  • Chubby58 Chubby58 on Jul 02, 2016
    I'm working on kitchen cabinets now with General Finishes Gel Stain. To me this is the easiest way to go. Here is a really good video ( there are lots of them out there) that explains each step. It will take some time, but you will be pleased with your results. Good luck with your project!! I bought a couple of oak door panels at the habitat restore just to test the colors out. They were $2 a piece.
  • Re Re on Jul 02, 2016
    Clean off cabinets as above. Use chalk paint, either purchase or make your own. Either next, either paint over with the color latex you want, or a couple coats of clear coat. I have painted 2 vanities this way and I am very happy with them. My winter project will be my kitchen. Also, lightly sand any formica.
  • Jolie Edwards Jolie Edwards on Jul 02, 2016
    Depending on your desired look u can either sand and restrain any color and clear coat them. Or clean, sand and paint 2 coats
  • Bob Katz Bob Katz on Jul 02, 2016
    Spray paint. It's easier to use an electric spray gun. Easy to clean up, adjustable spray patterns. Go on line and see: How to guides for your project.
  • Deanna Nassar Deanna Nassar on Jul 02, 2016
    For safe painting or staining; remove the doors and take them outside to work on. Remove the hinges and door knobs to make easier to work on. Cover counter with drop cloth and paint the frames. I like natural myself but sometimes a couple coats of a semi-gloss works well too. Also easier to wipe off spatters.
  • Debbie motley Debbie motley on Jul 02, 2016
    Chalk paint, no prep needed. Just a good cleaning. I did my kitchen cabinets in black and love it.
  • Jennie Lee Jennie Lee on Jul 02, 2016
    If there are any problems with them mechanically, e.g.the way drawers pull out, fix those things first. Then decide what you want them to look like. Personally, I think your cabinets are lovely, and I'd keep the wood finish, but maybe you would prefer darker wood, or paint. Only you can decide what you want, based on your other items in your kitchen and your personal tastes. I'd recommend looking on Pinterest . Just search for "kitchen cabinets" and you'll find thousands of ideas. Make a board of the ones you like, then look at your choices with the other items in your kitchen in mind. You are lucky--no need to buy or paint around handles or knobs! Once you know what you want, take a picture of your cabinets, or maybe even a door (!) and a picture of what you want it to look like to 2 or 3 stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. and ask for the most experienced person there to give you advice. Write down and price the products they recommend. Once you know what products to use, Pinterest or Youtube can help you with specific tips and tutorials about every step; sanding, choice of brushes, staining, painting, whatever. I'm no expert--that's why I've learned to "pick the brains" of those who are. I'd love to see your "after" photos--I know they'll be great!
  • Carole Carole on Jul 03, 2016
    Sand them lightly, clean them,prime with oil primer, paint with epoxy paint, and new handles and a little moulding around the edges(shaker doors) and voila new kitchen look
    • Bob Katz Bob Katz on Jul 03, 2016
      A good quality water based paint with added primer is easy to use and cleans in a snap.
  • Abt6291530 Abt6291530 on Jul 04, 2016
    kapakların üzerindeki eski boyalı yüzeyi iyice temizledikten sonra zımparalayınız not :kesinlikle su bazlı boya kullanmayınız yüzeyde bütürlenme yapacaktır.yağ türevli herhangi bir marka ürün kullanabilirsiniz Translated by google translate: Sand previously painted surfaces thoroughly after cleaning on the cover note : you can certainly use any brand of products derived bütürlen the yapacaktır.yağ use water-based paint surface
  • Linda Butzlaff Linda Butzlaff on Jul 05, 2016
    I just refinished a whole kitchen full of cabinets we bought at the Habitat ReStore with the Rustoleum Cabinet Transformation kit! Super easy, everything in one kit and you can get it in many different colors
  • Patricia Patricia on Jul 05, 2016
    If they are wood cabinets you could try Restor-A-Finish (I buy mine at Home Depot). It's very easy to use. Wear gloves, pour a small amount onto a lint free cloth, and rub into the wood. For heavily worn areas you might need to apply it 2 or 3 times, but overall it's very quick with little mess. I follow the product with the same manufacturer's beeswax. Good luck with your project!
  • CK CK on Jul 05, 2016
    OK....here's what I did with our kitchen cabinets. 1. Wash them thoroughly. Use TSP to get rid of all the grime. Rinse well. Let dry. 2. Buy high quality primer that affords good adhesion. 3. Buy high quality self-leveling paint in your choice of color. I used a Sherwin-Williams paint in latex and Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3 in latex (indoor/outdoor primer). 4. Use high quality brushes and rollers. I prefer Purdy. There are tons and tons of "how to" videos and blogs for the exact method to paint. No, I didn't sand them before painting :-) They lasted wonderfully for years. :-)