To paint or not to paint kitchen cabinets?
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Janice Laprise on Feb 01, 2014I would certainly paint. Will look fantastic with the nickel hardware and white uppers as well as the subway tile. Should look sharp.Don't second guess your decision....just GO FOR IT. You'll be so happy you did.Helpful Reply
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Becky on Feb 01, 2014Go!go!go! A little paint, a little bling and you will be amazed! The transformation will have you always in the kitchen! Lol.Helpful Reply
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Rachel Medina on Feb 01, 2014Do it! You will love it:)Helpful Reply
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Moxie on Feb 01, 2014Thanks guys!!!!! I'll post after pics...you are my cheering section! I like bling..and he will be so happy if I'm cookin'..lolHelpful Reply
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Sabrina Ward Barnett on Feb 01, 2014paint! U will enjoy the new look! Make sure u degrease and prime unless ur using chalk paint! Have fun! Enjoy!Helpful Reply
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Moxie on Feb 01, 2014Thanks Sabrina...good tipsHelpful Reply
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Funnygirl on Feb 01, 2014All white is too much for me. I would like you to try painting the most focal cabinets a different color,once all the other cabinets are white.It will make it look like a special cabinet or piece of furniture. They are now saying that is the newest trend for kitchensHelpful Reply
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Brittani Scott on Feb 01, 2014Paint!! It's a back killer but SOOO worth it! Oh and a major money saver. I did my entire kitchen and LOVE IT! Looks wonderful ;)Helpful Reply
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Linda Schiffmeyer on Feb 01, 2014just moved into apt where they had painted the cabinets white it really looks good and I am not a white cabinet person but now I am open to any colors to put with them go for it easier and cheaper than new cabinetsHelpful Reply
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Linda Logan on Feb 01, 2014I put off painting my cabinets for 10 years, trying to decide what to do. I just couldn't spend so much money on new cabinets when I could "paint them new"! We finally painted them this winter and I LOVE them! It really wasn't the job I dreaded. The dread was so much more than the actual doing! I could have been enjoying them all these years! JUST DO IT!!!Helpful Reply
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Peggy on Feb 01, 2014I would paint the upper white and the bottom gray. Just make sure you pick the perfect gray.Helpful Reply
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Jenfb P on Feb 02, 2014When painting cabinets, WHAT do u do about interior of them ?Helpful Reply
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Moxie on Feb 02, 2014that's a super point Jen...I was wondering about that yesterday..usually nothing...unless left open. Mine are not made be left open..but that doesn't mean I couldn't have some fun on the inside to lol. Thanks everybody!!!Helpful Reply
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BulkHomeBuyers on Feb 02, 2014I always paint the edge of the stiles (cabinet frame) just to have a more finished look. Don't worry about painting the interior box or shelves. You MUST use either an oil or shellac based primer before the finish coat. If you don't, then the smallest scratch/bump/abrasion will peel off your new paint. Prime it first and you should be able to survive a pack of wild toddlers running around the kitchen touching everything.Helpful Reply
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MaryAnn B on Feb 02, 2014I like the idea of stacking them. If you have white cabinets and don't like the brightness you can put a glaze over the top.Helpful Reply
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Deedee on Feb 02, 2014Paint them!!Helpful Reply
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Terra Gazelle on Feb 02, 2014Paint! I also like the idea of doing at least one cabinet a different color. I have three tall cabinets 84" tall that I am painting white where the rest are oak..Helpful Reply
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Leslie McManamy on Feb 02, 2014Absolutely paint them! I stressed over the same issue, but once they were finished I have never regretted having painted them. Paint away, and enjoy!Helpful Reply
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Ellen Knox on Feb 02, 2014Paint them using a good quality paint. It is amazing what a good coat of paint can do. I painted the inside of mine and was glad I did.Helpful Reply
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Sharolyn T on Feb 02, 2014I struggled with this same question for almost 10 years. My kitchen was so dark and I finally decided to take the plunge and paint. Why oh why did I wait so long....I love the look! I used a buttermilk white...light but not too white.Helpful Reply
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Gloria on Feb 02, 2014Mine were pickled oak and in good shape. I had them painted white with a brown glaze over top. I also installed wide molding (I have weirdly high ceilings in my house - none of which are the same size) on top of the cabinets. With the glaze, it fits perfectly in with my French Country/eclectic decor. Solid black granite and cobalt blue accents. Love it....go for PAINT!!Helpful Reply
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Wanda.ll on Feb 03, 2014Well I'm seeing painted cabinets everywhere now days. I've had painted ones for 30 years( due to stain malfunction to start with).You have to spend 6 hours cleaning them about every 4 months I would never have painted ones again. All wood color is so much easier to keep. We used Gildden paint and it has held up great did use semigloss too. But painted cabinets show every speck of anything. So if you've got loads of time to clean go for it. I think it is a bad idea and fad right now. If cabinets are real wood and in good shape keep or resurface them( Sears can do )don't paint. Just my opinion and you know what they say about that.I'm old to by the way. So been there done that a time or two.Helpful Reply
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Jim L on Feb 03, 2014Paint the bottom cabinets a darker color and the top cabinets white...great look...Helpful Reply
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Jeanette S on Feb 03, 2014Painted cabinets are wonderful, but keep in mind that you do have to clean them quite frequently! I had a friend paint hers and she strongly suggested to me not to do it. I was working at the time and just could not wipe down a kitchen every time I cooked. Then when I retried and had time, I did not have the strength or energy to spend on cleaning cabinets.Helpful Reply
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Judy on Feb 03, 2014I have a thing about wood....I love it, so I'd refinish the wood if needed & put new, white countertop on it.Helpful Reply
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Teresa 'T' Johnson on Feb 03, 2014Paint! Good luck!Helpful Reply
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Gail Baker on Feb 03, 2014I painted mine about 10 yrs. ago (not white, but off white to match my décor) & have been happy with them. They nick a little on the edges, but touchups are easy. We didn't paint the inside.Helpful Reply
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Lisa Bare on Feb 03, 2014Love the color you pick! PAINT THEM! Your kitchen will be uniquely yours.....just use a good paint and multiple coatsHelpful Reply
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Rather Square on Feb 03, 2014I'd definitely paint them! The color you've chosen is nice and will stand the test of time. It will be a great contrast with the other white materials and appliances. Just make sure to sand and prep the surface before painting, and use a high-quality durable paint that will hold up. Looking forward to seeing the finished results!Helpful Reply
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Judy Adams on Feb 03, 2014Remember to prep first so the paint job will last , and look good longer . Paint with the very best paint you can afford . Some latex enamel may be sticky after painted, so choose a satin gloss or eggshell enamel, not gloss .flat may not clean too well, and has a tendency to stain with any oil that may spatter on them ,Looks like they are in a busy use area. Use an oil base primer not latex as latex takes a longer time to cure . The oil base primer will last longest and takes the Latex and acrylic paint well, for a better smoother finish, and ease of painting. Two coats will last longer with out any scrub out of the finish when you clean. Too much work,? anything worth doing is worth the extra mile , Good luckHelpful Reply
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Eileen Claussen on Feb 03, 2014Love the color you've picked for the cabinets ~ beautiful. You'll love the change it will make in your kitchen. Good luck!Helpful Reply
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Gloria Mason on Feb 03, 2014I have black quartz counter tops, installed about 4 years ago (love them) but quite a lot of med. oak cabinets. Top ones are fine but lower ones are scratched and need something done. Would love buttermilk paint but lots of work and upkeep. What should I do?Helpful Reply
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Jackie Prim on Feb 03, 2014Paint!Helpful Reply
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Ceiling Tiles By Us, Inc. on Feb 03, 2014We would like to suggest that you consider using one of our PVC backsplashes to remodel your cabinets. We have many designs and colors to choose from. Our backsplashes are flexible and easy to cut and glue. Browse through our gallery. http://www.ceilingtilesbyus.com/galleries/pvc-backsplash-installedHelpful Reply
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Dolores DeLuise on Feb 03, 2014I would repaint. Try chalk paint--less preparation and the wax finish wipes up well.Helpful Reply
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Colleen on Feb 03, 2014Like you I'm not sure to paint my cabinets. Considering your cabinets are "stock" look at the wood grain on the doors are they pleasing to you? If not, then stain or paint. If not sure of what type of paint, try sampling, get some scrap boards and try different techniques take pictures for referrence. In my case my hubby is a "wood" person and we can not agree.Helpful Reply
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Eileen on Feb 03, 2014It really depends on what you want. Plain wood might be boring. Paint gives you a wide range of effects. If you want something jazzy, the paint will show off your new hardware really well. I like paint myself, but it is really a personal thing. If you love color, go for it. It will make you happy. If you use a good gloss industrial enamel, they should wipe clean easily. I don't quite understand the comments about keeping clean, as I'd think you would like to keep wood just as clean.Helpful Reply
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Debbie Viola on Feb 03, 2014Please make sure you prep them properly to ensure a lasting finish. You want to clean them real well, then use a quality primer, and wait at least 24 hours before applying the paint. The color choice is beautiful. Good luck!Helpful Reply
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Gloria Mason on Feb 04, 2014Thanks for your responses. I am 75 years old and recently retired. I paint and redecorate my home often but this is a big job and I just don't know. I've been planning on doing some chalk paint on a table. Perhaps need to try this to see how it works out first.Helpful Reply
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Cheryl @ Artzzle on Feb 04, 2014We've remodeled many kitchens and bathrooms over time, and hated the cabinetry resurfacing part so much, we usually hired it out. Recently we found, tried and fell in love with the RUSTOLEUM Cabinet Transformation Kit. It's easy, not too messy, has everything you need ... and it's VERY AFFORDABLE. Oh, and yes, it holds up under heavy wear and use! I just posted about it on HOMETALK today.Helpful Reply
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Sally on Feb 04, 2014We are looking at redoing a kitchen with lots of cabinets. I think I will have them taken out and will spray paint them instead of brushing. I have done hand brushing before and think this will be much more professional looking. Love painted cabinets, so glad I did the last kitchen!Helpful Reply
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Moxie on Feb 04, 2014Wow! Thanks everybody - Hometalk is such an amazing community!!! I have two base cabinets painted, so there is no turning back now -- I am going to luv, luv, luv them!!! It will take about a month to get the new white tops but I will re-post when done!Helpful Reply
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Down to Earth Holly on Feb 04, 2014Yes...keep painting. I know it is all the rage to have painted cabinets right now but there are always wonderful colors to switch to when future trends change. I painted a kitchen in 2001 and couldn't believe how much better I loved my whole house!Helpful Reply
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Rhonda on Feb 04, 2014PaintHelpful Reply
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Opal on Feb 07, 2014The gray is wonderful, go for it. Please post the results.Helpful Reply
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Maureen O'Donovan on Feb 07, 2014Been there, done that! Paint!! I was so glad I did!! I added a glaze after painting, which added some depth. See my post, I have pics. Make sure you add a protective coating of polyurethane or polyacrylic afterwards. Good luck! It is time consuming, but worth every second (after finishing)!Helpful Reply
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CAROL on Feb 07, 2014i saw a couple "transformations" on stock cabinets using a gel stain that was a rich espresso color- light sanding beforehand- a good wipe down- then stain- a tad of the grain was there- but it was such a warm rich look without paint- I had the exact cabinets as you do and I painted a cream color and when I saw the dark stained ones I was sick- I so wish I had done that instead-Helpful Reply
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Juju, the Anti-Gardener on Feb 07, 2014Ok, I've got to ask this question: What is chalk paint? I just got a painting estimate for $1260.00 for cabinets. 660 for paint protection and the rest for the paint job. Really? I'm ready to paint them myself b/c I cannot believe it's so difficult that these guys have to charge so much. You'd think they were plumbers.Helpful Reply
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Gloria Mason on Feb 07, 2014juju. I think I have talked myself out of painting kitchen cabinets. Need to paint master bath and maybe I'll do cabinets in there. Too lazy right now in cold weather to do anything!Helpful Reply
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Marian taylor on Feb 09, 2014I painted my kitchen cabinets almost 8 yrs ago and they just now look like they need a touch up.. I took my time to prep properly, clean and sand,, I used oil based paint which is messy, hard to clean but is definitely the reason its lasted so long..I would do it again in a heartbeat,, what a differenceHelpful Reply
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Gloria Mason on Feb 10, 2014Lots of good ideas. Still considering.Helpful Reply
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Virgi S on Feb 10, 2014Have you thought of getting a longer white countertop which extends to the corner. Trash can could fit underneath and you'd have a great work surface or could add a stool for eating.Helpful Reply
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Vicki K on Feb 10, 2014Why is wax better than polyacrylic finish for hard-use areas?? Looks to me like it would be the opposite. Thinking of painting mine w/ chalk or reg. paint.Helpful Reply
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𝕭𝖗𝖔𝖈𝖆𝖓𝖙𝖊 𝕰𝖑𝖊𝖌𝖆𝖓𝖈𝖊 on Feb 10, 2014I did my old oak cabinets in black vintage chalk paint....love them! No regrets.Helpful Reply
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Sue on Feb 11, 2014PAINTHelpful Reply
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Vicki K on Feb 13, 2014Can't you buy a satin finish and not a gloss finish polycrylic? Or maybe even a matte finish. I researched that you have to re-wax hard use areas every few months! (To me that's like bleaching grout on a kitchen tile countertop every few months -NO, I ain't gonna do it, I know myself too well). But I'm sure the wax really looks pretty when freshly done. Good luck! Post a picture, I'm gonna paint mine too and still in the deciding stage on colors. Thanks!! Vicki KHelpful Reply
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Moxie on Feb 13, 2014I'm with you Vicki...poly all the way lolHelpful Reply
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Lisa on Feb 13, 2014Love the looks of the paint! Go for it!Helpful Reply
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Wanda sinnema on Feb 13, 2014since you are putting on a new deck and a door close by I would paint.. You will have much more traffic in and out of that area w/ the deck.. a bit of a "redo" with counters and paint and a few decor items will give you a great look---inside and out..1 marked as helpful Reply
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Karen D on May 30, 2014I would paint them. The grey looks wonderful!1 marked as helpful Reply
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Mary strong on May 30, 2014I like the gray, looks smooth.Helpful Reply
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Kathy Keene on Jun 05, 2014Please share what paint you used...the brand and color...I love the look of the grey! If you could email...me kkeene@shaw.caHelpful Reply
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Pepsigirl13 on Jun 09, 2014GO FOR IT! As long as you prep, and take your time, you have NOTHING to lose esp. with builder grade kitchen cabinets. I'm sure you will LOVE the final result! Good luck.Helpful Reply
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Jim L on Jun 09, 2014I would paint the cabinets white to go with the stove. With white, you have an "unbroken" flow of cabinets and makes the room look bigger. If you do not like white, then the gray/green looks nice. The white would look so crisp.Helpful Reply
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Terra Gazelle on Jun 10, 2014PaintHelpful Reply
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Penny on Jun 10, 2014paint!!! definatly paint..Helpful Reply
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Joy Johnson on Jun 20, 2014I just finished painting the doors and drawer fronts on a cabinet I am using in basement guest suite and I like the look but it does not have the smooth finish I wanted. I sanded, 2 coats of primer and 2 coats of high gloss paint. I used a brush but can see brush marks. Any suggestions for applying another coat with some other applicator?Helpful Reply
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Robin Daniels on Jun 20, 2014Love the color! Paint them...Helpful Reply
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Melodie Hoffman on Jun 20, 2014We moved into a home with very dark cabinets. I loved the house but the kitchen looked so dark and drab. So we painted them olive green and it was like we redid the whole kitchen! Made it open and airy! Amazing change!! Go ahead, paint !!!Helpful Reply
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Cindy Butler Dorthy on Jun 21, 2014Love the color / be sure to properly prep the old cabinets first .Helpful Reply
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Dolores DeLuise on Jun 21, 2014It may be that chalk paint does not hold up in kitchens. I have read articles, however, wherein people have done their cabinets with chalk paint, but I have not seen long-term results. Wax is placed over the paint, providing a cleanable surface; indeed, I have a (regularly) painted wall about two feet from my stove and it does get splashed, but the two layers of wax I rubbed into it make cleaning it very easy. I think it depends on the individuals whose kitchens are painted--some kitchens get heavier use than others.1 marked as helpful Reply
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Joanie1051 on Jun 21, 2014Joy - Get some Flowtrol (sp?) paint additive for your final coat and look up "how to paint furniture like a pro" or some such, either here or on Pinterest. Use a very high quality paint brush, follow the tips and you'll be very pleased. Good luck!Helpful Reply
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Joy Johnson on Jun 22, 2014Thanks Joanie. I had forgotten about this product that I used when taking a faux painting class years ago.Helpful Reply
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Diane Arnold on Jun 22, 2014Oh, the paint is wonderful! Go for it! You will love it with the white counter too. Nice choices.Helpful Reply
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Shakirah on Jul 01, 2014Amazing, great article http://juggletube.com http://juggletube.com/the-steps-to-painting-kitchen-cabinets/Helpful Reply
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Moxie on Jul 06, 2014Several of you asked for completed pics; I am not 100% complete yet, but here are after pics...almost don...just loving them!Helpful Reply
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Marion Nesbitt on Jul 06, 2014With wood floors, I'd paint same colour as appliances so unbroken flow. I'd do the countertop with it's own 4" backsplash in a faux granite in the grey you like. Lighter grey on walls. Then add pops of colour - fruit bowl, etc. I lay waxed paper on top of the upper cabinets and just peel off when it gets dirty and replace. I always put an artificial plant in a pot on uppers,too, to soften the horizontal lines (can be washed, not water required) and a few interesting items.Helpful Reply
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Karen Lynn @Lil' Suburban Homestead on Jul 31, 2014I love it! you have inspired me to paint mine soon!Helpful Reply
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Marlene Wilson on Aug 01, 2014PAINT,IT looks better.Helpful Reply
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Annette on Jan 23, 2015I think I'm getting the courage to paint the kitchen cabinets in my summer home! Your's turned out great!Helpful Reply
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Susan sapp on Jan 23, 2015PAINT THE CABINETS! THE ONE YOU DID LOOKS GREAT!Helpful Reply
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Kimberli Hubbell on Feb 05, 2016I also have a large oak kitchen and just bought gray cabinet paint, but have the jitters about painting them! Did you pain the insides? if not can you show a picture if the door open? I really do not want to paint the insides!!!Helpful Reply
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Gloria on Feb 08, 2016Mine were pickled oak. Painted white and added a glaze, crown moldings, new hardware and black granite. Do it!!!!!Helpful Reply
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Leslie on Feb 14, 2016Paint them....your sample cabinet looks so good, love the color.Helpful Reply
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Cheryl on Mar 13, 2016Paint. Nice job on the 1st one. Take the plungeHelpful Reply
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Diana Deiley on Apr 01, 2016I'm enjoying all this ladies.....painted cabinets. Great job. It's paint and presents a fresh new appearance. It brings everything "together" as one. Just fabulous! Thanks for sharing everything.Helpful Reply
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Diana Deiley on Sep 09, 2016Go for it! :)Helpful Reply
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