Painting oak cabinets

Chris Lazarides
by Chris Lazarides
I heard you don't have to prep oak kitchen cabinets (like sanding them down) if you paint them with Hammerite (metal paint) as they have stains and all the chemicals to give that glossy look.
Is this true? What colours would go with the kitchen in photo?
  17 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Aug 24, 2016
    Preparation is most important regardless of the type of paint.Sand,clean,prime,paint and seal.
  • Jackie Byrd Jackie Byrd on Aug 24, 2016
    I think it would be crucial to have a CLEAN surface to begin with. A lot of the paints say they have primer in them or that they'll stick to any surface but all of them say the surface must be clean. A good wash with hot water and TSP would be my first step. Let us see the results of the new paint! Mine are going to be painted next month and I'm nervous and excited to get it done. Mine look to be the same wood and color as yours.
  • Shelley Burtt-Christie Shelley Burtt-Christie on Aug 24, 2016
    Surface must be prepped. If they are smooth, just use TSP and hot water, if not, they should be sanded, use tackcloth to remove remaining dust, and then they are ready for priming.
  • Shelley Burtt-Christie Shelley Burtt-Christie on Aug 24, 2016
    I would do dark lower cabinets, and creamy top ones.
  • Susan Vinales Susan Vinales on Aug 24, 2016
    If you use chalk paint, no prep is necessary (however I would make sure they are clean and free of grease).
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Aug 24, 2016
    Please do not use TSP it is extremely toxic. There are many non toxic cleaners to use.
  • V Nichols V Nichols on Aug 24, 2016
    clean the surface with dish soap and water, you can also add a tablespoon of fabric softener to loosen any grease. No sanding necessary if you use chalk paint. I make my own with whatever paint I want-flat to high gloss. I use plaster of paris to make mine. You can find the recipe online. use at least 2 coats. I'd do a creamy color like antique white.
  • LuAnn Roberts LuAnn Roberts on Aug 24, 2016
    I used Rustoleum cabinet paint and the only prep was to clean the cabinets and make any needed repairs.
  • William William on Aug 24, 2016
    Tsp is good for walls. Wash the cabinets with vinegar and water. Lightly sand to remove and gloss. Prime with KILZ or BIN. Then paint. Primer will seal the surface, provide "tooth" for the paint, the color will be more bright and vivid.
  • Chris Lazarides Chris Lazarides on Aug 25, 2016
    I live in Europe, what would the alternative be to TSP?
    • See 2 previous
    • B. Enne B. Enne on Aug 27, 2016
      You guys call it sugar soap.
  • Dou7980265 Dou7980265 on Aug 25, 2016
    I used mineral spirits to clean mine before painting with Annie Sloan chalk paint. Then zinsser shellac to keep wood tannins from bleeding through. Then paint.
    • See 2 previous
    • Gail Burton Haynes Gail Burton Haynes on Sep 22, 2017

      How do you think it woud look to paint white only the 'inserts' of the oak cabinets.??

  • Connie Connie on Aug 25, 2016
    With that many cabinets (you are lucky), you could do a lighter color on top and a darker on the bottom. Check this link out for fresh color option. https://thedecorologist.com/trending-dark-low...
  • Bridget Bridget on Aug 25, 2016
    I had varnished knotty pine cabinets that were common in the late 50's. I cleaned them by rubbing them down with acetone. From there I painted them with an off white semi gloss paint. It took several coats. That was 28 years ago. They stI'll look great. Word of caution, acetone is very flammable so good ventilation is a must and if you have gas cooking appliances be sure to turn off your pilot lights.
  • Lizzy L Lizzy L on Aug 27, 2016
    Paint the uppers white, and the lowers a soft grey, but first change the backsplash. If you can't change the floor, try Polyblend Grout Renew on the floor grout.
  • Kathy Kathy on Aug 28, 2016
    The durablity of your finish is only as good as your prep work. Be sure to do a light sanding and then I usually use Klean-Strip Sander Deglosser. The cabinets have to be super clean. Use a good self leveling paint like Benjamin Moore Advance or Sherwin Williams ProClassic. Light grey would look nice.
  • Chris Lazarides Chris Lazarides on Aug 29, 2016
    if I use Annie Sloan chalk paint I won't have to sand and prime them at all right?
  • Susan Vinales Susan Vinales on Aug 29, 2016
    My friend in AZ used the chalk paint on all of her kitchen cabinets. No prep, sanding, etc. and they turned out great!
    • Chris Lazarides Chris Lazarides on Aug 30, 2016
      Exactly Susan, why would I want to prep and sand and waste time like that. Annie Sloan chalk paint and done!