In the process of painting a kitchen

Susana V
by Susana V
hi, my husband and I are in the process of buying a house but we don't like the kitchen and would like to know if we can successfully pair it? as far as I can tell te kitchen is press wood...I guess what most kitchens are made of..I'm sorry but I'm not very educated on this kind of stuff!
  12 answers
  • Lemor Sidis Lemor Sidis on Nov 07, 2013
    Can you attach some photos so we can get a better idea? You can click on the arrow that is right below the Facebook button in the top right corner and click "edit post."
  • Susana V Susana V on Nov 07, 2013
    It looks to plain and I don't like the way the cabinets go with the dark countertops
  • Millicent Millicent on Nov 07, 2013
    You could always paint the cabinets white or another color you like. It would really change the look of your kitchen.
  • Susana V Susana V on Nov 08, 2013
    Actually, we were thinking about white cabinets but are worried that that type of would shouldn't be painted and it will end up looking worse
  • C&K Custom Remodeling C&K Custom Remodeling on Nov 08, 2013
    Take photos to your local paint store along with one of the doors. They will be able to guide you through the process and don't forget that most of the work will be before you actually paint the cabinets as prep work determines how good the finished cabinets will look. For a really great look you should hire a professional with a cabinet HVLP paint sprayer.
  • Susana V Susana V on Nov 08, 2013
    thank you so much for the advise
  • Cyndi Moore Tippett Cyndi Moore Tippett on Nov 09, 2013
    I think most surfaces can be painted if they are prepped correctly and the right paint is used. I agree with Lloyd Martindate, the prep work is the most important step. Cleaning, Sanding, a good primer, paint and tools. I have found the Zissar's oil based primer works best whether you use oil or latex paint. I also use a 4" sponge roller and an 1" slanted brush when painting cabinets. Then use a polyurethane over it. This process will not be done in a day or two but if you take your time, you will be rewarded with beautiful cabinets. I just repainted my oak cabinets white after painting them yellow and I was please with the results. Good luck.
  • Shari Shari on Nov 09, 2013
    I concur with Lloyd and Cyndi. I would take all the doors off and sand down all surfaces as best as possible. You can buy a mini sander for a pretty cheap price. Then get a couple of sanding sheets or blocks with one beveled edge to get into the corners of the cupboard doors. Prime all surfaces and paint with your choice of color. Depending on what you're painting with, plan on at least two coats of paint over the primer. You'll want to get an angled brush and use that to paint the trim on the doors first. Then I like to do the bulk of the painting with a mini roller. **Important note**: When you take down the doors and remove the hardware, number everything! Do a rough sketch on some paper and number each cupboard opening. Then place a piece of painters tape on each door with the corresponding number on it. Use small dixie cups or plastic bags to number the hardware. You'd be surprised at how these slight differences could affect how the cupboard doors hang when you put them back up. And remember.....ALL wood can be painted! It's the prep that makes the difference. Good luck! And come back with the after photos!
  • Shari Shari on Nov 09, 2013
    Your kitchen had great potential. It looks like you already have granite countertops and a subway tile backsplash, which are two VERY desirable features in today's kitchens. If you don't like the wood tone of your cabinets, painting them is definitely an option. If your budget allows for a professional painter, I would suggest getting several estimates and ask for references. Of course, you can do this yourself since painting is not particularly "hard." As others have said above, to do it right you need to prep the cabinets properly, use the best primer and paint you can afford, don't take shortcuts, and last but certainly not least...take your time. These are the key steps to getting good results that will hold up long term. If you rush through it and do a sloppy job, you will not be happy, and I can guarantee you if you ever decide to sell your home, prospective buyers won't be happy with a hap-hazard paint job since kitchens are one of a home's biggest selling points. Your local paint store professionals (like Sherwin Williams, for example) will be a wealth of information to you in suggesting what products to buy and the proper preparation so you get the very best results.
  • Kim Dagenais Kim Dagenais on Nov 09, 2013
    I agree with everyone here. I would take down all the doors, and hardware, clean any dirt or grease if any. Then sand lightly everywhere on the framing and doors. Prime, and then I would use a light paint colour that matches a colour in your granite countertop. Paint two coats, and if you want an antique look go over with wax (check this site for instructions on how to use wax cause I have never used it myself, but have seen beautiful work done by other members). If you don't use wax then go over with a clear finish. I personally would add silver finished hardware on the doors, and drawers. If your hinges aren't silver I would purchase new silver ones, and buy small silver knobs for all the doors and drawers. I think it might be a bit scary changing the look of your cupboards completely, so try a sample spot first if you don't want to dive right in. Can't wait to see the finished product.
  • Tanya Peterson Felsheim Tanya Peterson Felsheim on Nov 09, 2013
    When you have granite countertops then I am almost sure at least the doors would be solid wood, cannot see pressboard being used with such a nice other finishes. But preparation is the key to making any kind of paint work, staining (if staining darker) has become much easier with new products. I prefer white Cabinets and if the wood isnt' anything extra special do what you would enjoy doing!
  • Susana V Susana V on Nov 10, 2013
    Thank you all for all the feedback! As soon as I get it done I will post pictures.