Refinishing Cabinets?
Question:I want to paint my kitchen and bathroom cabinets white. Can I just clean, sand then pait them? Do I need to remove the finish or can I just paint over it?
Answers:
DON"T DO YOUR KITCHEN WHITE!! It gets dirty so easily, that's how my kitchen at my moms house use to be before we remodeled it. I can't imagine your kitchen being white. I think it looks fine the way it is. Your bathroom would probably be fine though. If you have a good paint you can paint right on the cabinets, I did it to my dresser and it looks fine I think.
I am assuming that the old finish is stain. Here are your steps:
1. remove all cabinet doors and remove the hardware (number them behind where the hinges are attached).
2. lightly sand all surfaces (you are trying to "rough them up" so that the paint will stick, not sand them all the way down)
3. prime with KILZ
4. paint with enamel paint. Its not as easy as it sounds.
5. put them back together.
There is a product called "Liquid Sand" that takes off dirt, wax, grease and prepares the wood for paint. Some people think you should prime (Kilz) then use final paint color.
Wipe the cabinets down with denatured alcohol (cheap, and available at local hardware store), This will remove grease film (from cooking and hands), ensure good adhesion, and prevent 'fish-eyes'. Paint with oil-based paint or acrylic (your choice) Tip: The higher the gloss, the greater the washability/durability.
If the cabinets already have a coat of paint or varnish on them, you can clean, lightly sand and then put on a coat of good primer (like Kilz) on first. Then paint the cabinets at least one coat with an enamel type paint (not flat wall paint). Make sure that the surfaces are really dry between coats.
If you add new drawer pulls etc., it will also make your kitchen and bath look like new for a fraction of the price of expensive new cabinets! Enjoy!
I have to agree that white cabinets are going to be a bear to keep clean and will be kindof boring.
More Related Questions & Answers...