How can I darken light coloured painted cabinets without stripping?

I would just paint over them! 2 coats should do it.

Hello. I think polyshades might be the product to consider for your need

Here’s a link to look over the content and see if it’s a product that will meet your needs. It can be applied over existing existing poly finishes without any stripping or sanding. I find reviews and Q&A’s can often direct me towards the correct purchase. Hope this helps.

https://www.minwax.com/wood-products/one-step-stain-and-finishes/minwax-polyshades

https://www.amazon.com/Minwax-613970444-PolyShades-Polyurethane-Espresso/dp/B00KQK8MEA

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.

Chalk paint is always a good option.

Hi Sandy, To get that pro look, you will want to sand and primer beforehand. You don't have to strip. There will be more dust though if you don't strip so have a Vaccuum handy. I agree with mogie.....start with 120/180 and work your way up to 220 grit sandpaper. and Unfortunately, with furniture makeovers, the prep is the key and takes the most time. You have to gauge what type of furniture or cabinets you are willing to put that time and effort into.

Primer with a good primer like Benjamin Moore. I would use cabinet paint like Benjamin Moore. It is expensive but worth every penny. It has self leveling properties so it will still look great using a brush. It really is amazing paint and it won't need a topcoat. It wipes down when dirty. Good luck!

Here's a post that might help - https://www.glidden.com/inspiration/all-articles/repainting-kitchen-cabinets-in-a-few-easy-steps#:~:text=needed%202%20gallons.-,Since%20the%20cabinets%20have%20already%20been%20painted%2C%20you%20do%20not,of%20the%20cabinets%20and%20drawers.

you could use a old round wooden top and follow these instructions https://www.bobvila.com/articles/diy-folding-table/

If you just want a darker stained wood you can sand and restain. If you want to paint them a darket color then just clean really well and use a good primer.

You definitely don't have to strip. You can paint over them with a darker color or add a darker wash for a weathered look.

If you are looking for a subtle change you could maybe try a wash type affect??

The "dark" wash sounds like the best option if you just want a subtle chasnge.

Check out what I did for my kitchen.... https://happydealhappyday.com/how-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets-without-sanding/

Sandy,

I have actually used stain, dabbing it on and then rubbing to blend it. Think of it as instead of rubbing smudges off you are dragging them on.

You can add a glaze to them. Depending on your other colors, go with either black or brown. Apply a tiny bit and wipe almost immediately. Repeat until you get the tone you want. Then you can expand the area.

You could paint over with chalk paint

You could put a stain over them a penatrating stain so some parts will come through and you will se the color

Gel stain or chalk paint

Chalk paint or paint a lighter color with primer first