How do I paint my 1960"s varnished kitchen cabinets white?

EJ
by EJ
  6 answers
  • SpudBread SpudBread on Jul 15, 2019

    EASY as minced pie- but a bit of work-- #1- get rid of the shiny varnish finish. You can use a fine grit sand paper. Wear a dust mask OF COURSE! #3 - wipe off dust completely microfiber coths do this WELL! #4 - PRIME paint surfaces, ZINZER 1-2-3 ALL FINISH PRIMER. Dries rapidly. #5 - PAINT with a good acrylic egg-shell finish matte enamel paint (Dunn-Edwards "Swiss Coffee" (off white color) is FANTASTIC! I am currently totally re-painting my residence with that coor on EVERYTHING!) You can use a roller to apply the paint- 3/4" thick roller nap will INSURE a one coat process. Try not to roll too thin ... roll on paint blending overlappig edges, and LEAVE IT ALONE! As the enamel paint dries, it "sets" into itself, and leaves a fantastic finish. GOOD LUCK with your project. You'll be well pleased when it's done! (This acrylic paint is WATER CLEAN UP! -- IF you are going to do the project in stages, more than one painting session, TIGHTLY WRAP your roller (& brushes) in a lastic bag to prevent drying out-- DO NOT CLEAN IT THEM, you waste valuable paint. The plastic bag prevents drying, & it's ready to continue at next session. I have sometimes even been several days between paint sessions, and still used the SAME roller with no problems!) When painting is ALL DONE, simply remove the roller cover & toss. No clean up to do! I also put my paint pan INSIDE a plastic bag, pour paint on top, do the paint project to completion, and NO MESS to wash! Remove plastic and toss ... ENJOY your new cabinets!!!


  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Jul 15, 2019

    I would add to wash down cabinets with TSP. Of course I prefer oil based primer and paint over water based for durability, esp. over varmish.

  • DesertRose DesertRose on Jul 15, 2019

    Have you considered chalk paint? You wash the cabinets for prep, but that is all for prep before chalk painting. EJ here are some good helps: https://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/rooms/no-sanding-layered-look-using-chalk-paint-by-annie-sloan-3218212

  • Ginny Ginny on Jul 16, 2019

    Ditto what Desert Rose said 😊

    Chalk paint is AWESOME! Best thing since Liquid Paper! No prep, just paint 😉

  • EJ EJ on Jul 16, 2019

    All great suggestions. I particularly like the suggestion by Desert Rose as I prefer to "Kiss" (Keep It Simple, Sweetie) for most projects. AND, I am hoping for the Country Cottage look.

  • Megan Megan on Jul 16, 2019

    Hi! We used Annie Sloan Chalk paint! :)

    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/cabinets/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets-the-perfect-white-42078852