How do I get a better look with these cabinets? Unsure of coating

I’m not sure what they used to coat these cabinets but I need a definately redo. They are hideous! Not sure if I should paint and then add a wax??? Help please!!!
  8 answers
  • Dianacirce70 Dianacirce70 on Jun 12, 2018

    That looks like a veneer over mdf board. On that spot under the sink you can fill the missing veneer with wood filler, sand it level, then give all the cabinets a light sanding an paint with a paint meant for cabinets. I like you flooring!

  • Linda Linda on Jun 12, 2018

    Flat cabinet doors such as yours can easily be turned into shaker style by adding wood strips before filling holes, sanding and painting. I would choose new hardware if budget permits or prime and spray paint existing. Then install handles vertical or horizontal, not at angle. A link to get you started. Good luck

    https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-convert-flat-cabinets-to-shaker-style/

  • I used Rustoleum's Cabinet Transformations kit to repaint my cabinets and it turned out great. You can see my process here: https://humboldtartdept.blogspot.com/2015/09/kitchen-cabinets-black.html

  • B. Enne B. Enne on Jun 12, 2018

    I agree with everyone else: repair, scrub with a deglosser and steel wool (remove residue with an old damp towel), add trim, prime with a high-adhesion primer and paint.

    https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=add%20trim%20to%20cabinets&r=0

    https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=painting%20kitchen%20cabinets

  • Jacx Jacx on Jun 14, 2018

    They look like real wood. Scratch a spot on the inside to see. You will need to sand them or try washing w TSP to remove grease and to knock off the shine. It's easier to do this if you take them all down. Remove hardware. You can use a foam roller to get a pretty good finish. I would use semi gloss use a bathroom paint, it's a harder finish. Number them some place that won't show, drawers too! They don't always like to be rearranged! If you use a good paint then it should hold up to use.

    You can also buy new doors and drawer fronts, depending on your budget. Uppers and lowers can be different colors. Light up, darker down. Get new hardware. Buy that BEFORE you paint incase you need to fill holes and redrill. Good luck!

  • William William on Jun 23, 2018

    Gel stain. You can go darker but not lighter.


    https://www.minwax.com/how-to-finish-wood/change-stain-color-with-polyshades/


    Paint.


    Make sure they are clean and dry. Remove the doors and hardware. Mark the doors and cabinets with tape where they go. Lightly sand the doors and cabinets to remove any gloss and roughen the surface for paint with 120- to 220-grit sandpaper. Use a tack cloth or damp rag to remove dust after sanding. Prime with a stain blocking primer like Zinsser 123, KILZ,or BIN and have it tinted to the color of the top coat. This will prevent dark or stained surfaces from showing through the top coat. Acrylic, or water-base, paints are low-fume and clean up easily with water. Alkyd, or oil-base, paints require good ventilation because the paint contains solvents that can irritate your lungs and make you feel sick. Alkyd options require mineral spirits for cleanup, but they provide a hard, durable paint finish. Whichever you use, buy the best-quality paint you can afford for a lasting kitchen cabinet finish. Seal with at least three coats with a water based polyurethane. Use a small foam roller and foam brush for a smooth finish.

  • AlexW AlexW on Aug 13, 2020

    We renovated our home recently and the kitchen was one of the biggest projects because it was old and needed a major upgrade. We thought we would do this on our own because it would be funnier and of course cheaper. We ended up cleaning the cabinets, sanding and painting them white. We added a few decor pieces on some of the doors for a more modern style and I think we did a great job. I don't see what you could do other than repainting them. This should be more than enough and should bring them to another life. Our next project is the exterior and we're looking for some companies that provide ceramic coatings Jacksonville, so if you have any to recommend or have more experience in this area, I would appreciate it.

  • Patty Patty on Aug 13, 2020

    I like the idea of making them Skaker style. For sure, repaint them, after filling the screw holes with wood filler. Get new handles, pulls. I like Farm House Style but realize that is not for everyone. My son-in-law just painted their kitchen cupboards...he used to be a professional painter. If you find this job daunting, paint the base yourself, and contract out having the doors done.