Asked on Feb 13, 2015

Can I glaze over satin latex paint?

Gigilambert
by Gigilambert
I let the guy at Lowe's talk me into buying Valspar satin latex paint for my kitchen cabinets. He told me I didn't need to sand or prime the cabinets, it sounded to good to be true. I did clean with TSP and sanded the drawers and doors before painting. That was almost two months ago and the paint still seems soft and doesn't look like it will stick well. I don't want to strip it off and start over. I would like to maybe sand it and glaze it, if it isn't too late.
  11 answers
  • MaryStLouis MaryStLouis on Feb 13, 2015
    Unfortunately, glazing your cabinets will not help the paint adhere. I have had some luck with spraying a good quality sealer/topcoat over poor paint adhesion. You might want to spray just one cabinet door and wait a few weeks for it to cure before deciding on a major course of action.I like Rustoleum and Valspar spray topcoats. If you have a paint sprayer or if you want to brush a topcoat on I would recommend General Finishes High Performance topcoats. The latter bonds beautifully and can be purchased at Woodcraft, Rockler stores, and on Amazon.
  • ...Mary StLouis is correct. I was thinking the TYPE of paint may be the issue, you need KITCHEN and BATH enamel, and it does not have to be oil based to work. BUT you need a certain type of paint for kitchens , unless you wish to use Chalk Paint, which I have seen in kitchens. Personally...I prefer using the paint made just for kitchens, on cabinets that get a lot of use. Its a matter of personal preference with paint finishes and methods.
  • Janet Manger Janet Manger on Feb 14, 2015
    Take the paint can(s) back to the store and talk to the manager. The salesman should have never sold you that type of paint for cabinets. You should be able to get your money back as a start. . .that I have had lots of experience with. .getting my money back. I also know Lowes keeps a record of sales for customers so you may not even need a receipt. I wish I could help you about the tackiness to but can’t. Good luck!
  • MaryStLouis MaryStLouis on Feb 14, 2015
    The mistake is not in the type of paint. While it used to be true that Kitchen & Bath paint were the only options for cabinetry, paint formulas have improved significantly. The real issue is the lack of preparation. Sanding, or at least de-glossing, is necessary and priming is always a good idea, especially in kitchens and baths. Paint needs something to bond to and varnished surfaces are too slick. This is why I suggested spraying only one cabinet door with a good sealing topcoat and waiting for it to cure. If the surface doesn't harden you may need to start over.
  • GranArt GranArt on Feb 15, 2015
    I think it is not too late and your idea is worth trying. I would lightly sand over one of the cabinets, dust off, and apply a stain glaze on top. Have a damp rag on hand to wipe off some of the stain glaze to achieve the new look. Let it cure for a couple of days and see how it looks. (stain glaze mixture is glaze + paint stir well, follow glaze can instructions).
  • I agree 100% with Mary StLouis. There are no short cuts for a job well done that will have lasting durabilities.
  • Gail Pucciarelli Gail Pucciarelli on Feb 28, 2015
    Yes the prep here was the issue..almost any paint'... wall , trim or enamel would work and adhere to properly cleaned, sanded,dust free, and even primed if needed cabinets depending on what they are made of. If there is any sheen or gloss to what you are painting you always need to sand and sometimes prime.
    • See 1 previous
    • Gail Pucciarelli Gail Pucciarelli on Mar 02, 2015
      @Gigilambert Thats too bad you did the painting and didn't get better results. Don't let Christian get to you ...he was rude. I agree with Mary.. When you go to the paint store and the supposed paint people tell us something we think we should listen. unfortunately these days more often then not your'e not going to get good advice and you'd be better checking on here or on another advice site. It just happened to me twice in 2 different places and I hadnt even asked them for their opinion. Ive been doing decorative painting and faux finishing for quite a while otherwise I would have listened to them. Dont let this discourage you from trying it again...you'll be thrilled when you get it right!
  • Christian Mikonos Christian Mikonos on Mar 01, 2015
    Why would you think glazing over a crappy paint job would help anything? you better just hire someone, you obviously have no idea what your doing.
    • See 2 previous
    • Mark Fitzgerald Mark Fitzgerald on Jul 15, 2015
      @Christian Mikonos You're not your.
  • MaryStLouis MaryStLouis on Mar 01, 2015
    No need to be rude, @Christian Belfort. We all have to learn somehow and if the paint dept employee had known what he was talking about she wouldn't be in this mess.
    • See 1 previous
    • MaryStLouis MaryStLouis on Mar 01, 2015
      ☺️
  • Ann Ann on Jul 01, 2015
    I had two different friends paint their cupboards. One used oil based and has a nice hard surface. The one who used latex has the same soft issue you have.
  • Theresa Last Theresa Last on Jul 23, 2015
    I really don't have a solution, yet. Could the paint have been applied in too thick a coat, or perhaps repainted too soon before first coat was completely dry? Dying times are affected by temperature and humidity, but I feel enough time has passed for drying. Good luck.