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painted cabinets myself: should I paint insides?

16 years ago

This is still down the line, I haven't even built them yet. But it's one of the millions of details filling my brain about the kitchen remodel.

They'll be a pale green or a creamy white. I think I'd prefer a painted interior over a laquered wood finish.

I've read some posts here from people who seem to have a lot of experience painting their own cabinets, and I'd rather not pay someone to do it. I'd also rather not use an oil paint or anything that has strong fumes.

Given this, have any of you successfully painted your cabinet interiors with a paint that holds up well to scuffing and the occasional damp-from-the-dishwasher glasses?

Thank you

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Comments (7)

sheesh
16 years ago
Yes, I painted my interiors white six years ago and they are still beautiful. I refinished the outsides still on the walls (that was the hardest part), removed the shelving and painted the insides with white semi-gloss latex, then painted the shelves and covered them in white contact paper. We had to have new doors made because I sanded through the veneer. Oops!

I had to talk myself into painting the interior, but I'm very glad I did. Maintenance is a breeze, and they always look clean. Plus, it was surprisingly easy to do, once I got started. Some awkward angles, but no edging to worry about.

You'll be glad you did it, especially since your exteriors will be painted. I salute you for building your own!

Sherry
rococogurl
16 years ago
If your cabinets have paint-grade maple inside you could use milk paint (non-toxic and long wearing) on the shelves for a matte look.

Alternately, I'd go for a satin finish of a very high grade paint such as Fine Paints of Europe, either waterbase or oil. That should be very durable.

The insides of the cabinets also could be finished with Waterlox if you want a natural wood look. It's smelly so it would require time before the cabinets are filled.

I'd be sure to test the paint I decided on first though to be sure it's 100% compatible with the exterior finish and not scary when the cabinets are open.
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patches123
16 years ago
I painted the exterior of mine and left the interiors the light natural color with poly on it. When I looked at cabinets in showrooms most were that way unless they had glass doors. If you do decide to paint them, no need to use oil based paint. Check out Cabinet Coat paint available at Ace Hardware.
patricianat
16 years ago
I only painted the ones with glass door, but the wood looks good and it is a reminder to my DH, that he still has wood there somewhere. :)
oceanna
16 years ago
I painted the insides of all my cabs in the last house for resale. What an awful job, especially trying to crawl into the deep corners. I was sorry I'd started it but felt compelled to finish once I'd started. I wouldn't do it again.
squirrelheaven
16 years ago
So what do people do with the seams between the cabinets when they do painted cabs?
Kimberlyinva
16 years ago
I too have painted the inside of cabinets before. YIKES! Not fun. This time I used several coats of a water based wipe on poly. It was soo much easier. I did paint the shelves w/2 coats of Fine Paint of Europe Eurolux before they were installed though. I think it looks nice. Just a thought, I leave it with you. :)

KAT

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