How do I paint these awful looking cabinets

Question

I loved my mobile home when we first bought it in the 90s now I hate my cabinets. I want to paint but don't know how with these designs in them. Can anyone help give some advice?

William · Answer

Remove the doors and hardware. Mark each door with the cabinet. Lightly sand the doors to remove any gloss. Prime with KILZ or BIN primer. Paint with your color. Use a paint brush for the details and a foam roller for the smooth areas. Same for the cabinets.Reinstall, step back, and admire your work.

Judy · Answer

I agree with William on marking the doors and then removing them to work.  Also you can unscrew the drawer fronts from your drawers.  I wonder if those cabinets would look good with a whitewash stain and leaving the oak border details the same shade? Or a distressed white look?  do you want a more modern or traditional look?

Joyce Puckett · Answer

i did not sand. bc their was no gloss it being 20 years old....but i used paint that already had primer in it turned out great! before and after pics below...even did the bathroom and doors too..

Judy · Answer

Looks fantastic!!!! makes your color and art pop! What a huge difference I love the dinning area those colors and details are great!!!

Judy · Answer

I take a crayon and start at one end of the room.  I mark u1, u2, ect for the upper cabinets.  Then b1, b2 ect for the bottom ones.  You can remove the crayon with vinegar when you are done. This makes sure you get the right door back on the cabinet.  Otherwise you might have a hard time getting the screws back in and getting them lined back up and looking right.

Susan Ellis Yamakawa · Answer

Have you tried chalk paint ?  You just have to clean with ' Simple Green' no sanding;)

Taf · Answer

I just painted my ancient kitchen cabinets (think 60's style fake wood grain) with a cabinet paint from Lowes.   It's oil based enamel, very little smell. covered great, was easy to use, ton's of colors to choose from.  It's a bit pricey at 45.00 a gallon, but my kitchen is so small I still have 3/4 of gallon left.   BTW - I did not take the cabinets doors off, painted while they were still hung up.  I did cover the hinges with tape, and removed the drawer knobs.     I've had great luck with Chalk Paint as well on wood furniture.  But there is a bit more work in that you'll need to seal it with a wax.  The enamel paint is ready to go - no sealing necessary.   Good Luck with your project!

IFortuna · Answer

These look like solid oak.  Very expensive cabinets.  I would strip the off the finish, sand them a little, and change the hardware.  It is best to remove them before doing any work on them including painting.  You won't believe how great they will look.   
Counter tops also date a kitchen along with range hoods, stoves and refrigerators.   If you can, upgrade these things and it will redefine your kitchen even if your cabinets are not painted and even if the flooring is not new. : )

Pamela Robertson Pullmann · Answer

Take them off (labeling as you go), clean them REALLY well, lightly sand them, prime them, paint them a light color (or any color you like). I would use a sprayer to get an even coating - even in the dips and grooves. Good luck!

Tanya · Answer

You need to lightly sand them and use a base coat of Red Devil or Zinser to prime them.  Then use a good quality scrubable  paint.  If the design is carved in - use a wood filler to give you a smooth finish

Tan1781564 · Answer

Wipe down w/tsp cleaner(the kind u use after stripping wallpaper)and paint-I used Mimimal White that looks gray in the evening. Has stood up for years

Jeanette S · Answer

If you want to avoid paint pealing or scratching off at a later date,I would sand these down slightly and put a 'wash' on them.   then accent the wheat design with some darker wax.    Maybe a cream with a brown wax!

Gk · Answer

I used Sherwin Williams ProClassic paint for my old oak kitchen cabinets.  It is made to paint things like kitchen cabinets.  Gives you a nice smooth finish.  Sand gently until any shine is dulled.  Wash with TSP. Remove all the doors and hardware before painting.  Give the wood at least 2 coats--maybe 3.  Sand lightly in between first and second coats. Let the doors dry a few days before you put them back.  I chose a light gray and accent with black hardware. The paint has worn well for 3 years and is easy to wash.  Can also be touched up easily but I haven't had to at all.  I like the wheat design on the doors!

Karen Reilly · Answer

Ask at your local hardware store the paint people know what will work and give you any other advice, I would bring in a door if you can.  Then choose a color or finish.

Madilyn · Answer

I did my cabinets a year ago. I agree---label each one, degloss with TSP or sand, use either chalk paint, Lowes special cabinet paint or a very good quality semi gloss or gloss paint. I distressed mine and also painted the uppers white and the lowers a green color. GET SAMPLES OF PAINT AND TEST ON SMALL AREA. Paint always looks different in the store. Live with the samples for a few days to see how the changes in natural light affect the color.

Kcama · Answer

If you hate the design and the carved wheat, and you're going to paint anyway, you might be able to just flip the doors around so you have a flat surface. You can always add simple frames to give it some depth. Immediate updating. If it's just the wheat design you don't like, you can fill, sand, and paint.

Viv Vandergeugten Anna · Answer

DON'T SKIMP!  Use good quality primer and paint after a good sanding, allowing to dry completely between coats.

Glenna prosser · Answer

I just refinished mine with chalk paint , I love the look.  I did very little prep work.  Research it , I am pleased with my results

Jackie · Answer

I just redid my kitchen cabinets using Rustoleum Cabinet Transformations kit.  It does not require sanding, comes with everything you need directly in the kit and even provides a glaze (if you so choose to use it) to give more of a rustic look!  I am not a professional, but my cabinets look awesome!  Still a lot of work to do, but I only spent $75 on my cabinets! (plus new hardware)

Gina · Answer

You can use a wood putty to fill in wheat decor,after a good sanding...I agree,dont skimp on paint,use a good quality primer/paint in one product,it will save time and money.Good luck,and do post finished cabinets,would love to see finished!

Patricia Prinkey · Answer

First find out if it is the glued sawdust.  If not, try the above ideas.  If it is glued sawdust, a simple fix would be luan sheets cut to size of doors and painted, stained or chalked to your desire.  Be sure if you do the luan to try your paint etc on a scrap price each side.  One side is nicer than the other.

Linda J. Caristo · Answer

purchase the new rustoleum cabinet kit, follow the directions, the cleaning step is really important, then I would fill in design in, unless you like it. Otherwise, start painting. the kit is for white cabinets and comes with everything you need, plus antiquing glaze, if you want that effect. Then you have a top coat that protects all your hard work and gives the cabinets a very nice feel. Really works. L.Caristo

Sophia,M.,McConnery · Answer

Easy fix.Just wood putty the design,sand,and paint.

Lynn Palmatier · Answer

You should remove any grease that may have accumulated on the doors and lightly sand them before painting.    Filling in the wheat pattern with putty is a good idea if you are tired of the pattern.      You have some pretty good suggestions here.

Lyn2398900 · Answer

Or you can go to a paint store, and get good advice and all the things you need for your project!

Sue Ryan · Answer

You could always add a thin piece of wood to cover the design, add a small molding.  Then sand and clean well before painting them either white or light grey.  Would also be a good time to change the hardware to modernize them.

DP · Answer

I would just add stain to the design to make it stand out or maybe pain and rub off excess. I think they are pretty and the design on them would look great if brought out and highlighted

How do I paint these awful looking cabinets

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How do I paint these awful looking cabinets

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