Advice on Painting Oak Cabinets

13 years ago

I know this question has probably been answered previously, but after searching for an hour I yet to find. I am planning on painting my honey oak cabinets. Which is the best paint to use- Benjamin Moore Impervo, Cabinet Coat, others?

My plan is to wash with TSP, lightly sand, prime (any suggestions which one to use?) How many coats of primer? Then paint two coats.

Anything that I am missing? Any other suggestions? Thanks so much for your help.

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Comments (3)

function_first
13 years ago
You might consider using a grain filler before priming. Here's an explanation of what exactly it is:

http://www.rockler.com/blog/index.cfm?mode=entry&entry=7F490E9A-1372-6771-F60F68E2C3DB5112

Here is a link that might be useful: Grain filler
mbw1
13 years ago
We are in the process of painting our golden oak solid wood raised panel cabinets!

We didn't bother with the TSP as we are doing a super heavy duty sanding which removed all the grime and old finish at the same time.

We finished the stand-alone pantry, 2 coats of BM Cabinet Coat in Timid White, no primer needed according to the paint store owner and she was right. It looks great. We didn't treat for the grain as I didn't want a glossy manufacturer look, a little grain shows but I love the look. We are having new door/drawer fronts made as it's just too much work to refinish all the doors.
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The grain filler is a paste. Brush it on, and gently remove the excess with a wide blade scraper. When the filler dries, sand off the residue. You can use an acrylic or sovlent based semi-gloss enamel.
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There have been many postings on painting oak that will answer your questions. I recall some saying that trying to fill the grain doesn't always work out that well. It seems they say do a couple coats with an oilbased primer. Even so, your grain will show slightly, but most of the pics posted still look very nice. You should be able to treat your end panels the same I would think. If you wanted to add beadboard, I would think liquid nails with a few finish nails would work.
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"I had thought I decided to add hardware and wait until after the floors are finished, new ss appliances are in, new counter top is installed and hope that I wouldn't even care anymore about the cabinets but then today I started seeing some beautiful white cabinets." FutureMrsR, I think your heart is speaking pretty plainly here. From all the other posters, it sounds like there is significant work involved but that good results are possible. The problem I have with your plan is that let's say you put in new hardware, floors, appliances and countertops, but in the end, you still want painted cabinets. You have just made your job harder. You've got to sand and use lots of TSP and other chemicals on the cabinets and not get any of it on your brand new floor. You also would have a MUCH easier time prepping and painting those cabinets if your counters were off. Also, you've got to unscrew all that new hardware off the doors. Better to fill all those new holes in the doors and reattach the hardware in another spot after the prep and painting is done. Sorry to play devil's advocate.
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The kitchen is not your best feature...but the rest of the house is beautiful. The green paint is making the kitchen 'pop' when you want it to blend in with the other spaces. So, as already suggested, paint the kitchen walls to match the breakfast nook. Then, think about your buyers.... Do you have a family home? Are you appealing to people with children? If so, I would lose the tray with drinks/beverages....and replace with bowl of fruit and a big cookie jar. Also, bake cookies or apple cinnamon pie/bars before open house. The smell of chocolate chip cookies or apples and cinnamon will really help your appeal. Worked for my mom! She got three offers that day :)
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davkj
13 years ago
I just completed this painting our 80's golden oak cabinets. Here was my process, the doors came out looking great but it was a lot of work...

1. Wash with TSP/Dry (don't get them overly wet or let TSP dry)
2. Lightly sand to scuff finish3
3. Wipe down with mineral spirits
4. Apply thin coat of MH Ready Patch to fill large grain and level the panels
5. Sand/Vacuum
6. Apply Fine Paints of Europe Brushing Putty
7. Sand/Vacuum
8. Another coat of Brushing Putty
9. Sand/Vacuum
1. Apply oil based primer over Brushing Putty (BM Enamel Underbody)
2. Sand/Vacuum/Tack Cloth
3. Spray 2 coats of Cabinet Coat w/ HPLV spray gun
The result is a great smooth finish with no visible grain, but I won't ever do it again!

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Advice on Painting Oak Cabinets

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mbw1

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