Quck answer
To paint over stained kitchen cabinets, follow these steps:
1. Prepare the cabinets: Remove all hardware, clean the surfaces with a degreaser, and sand them lightly to create a smooth base for the paint.
2. Prime the cabinets: Use a high-quality primer to ensure proper adhesion of the paint. Apply the primer evenly and let it dry completely.
3. Choose the right paint: Select a paint specifically designed for cabinets and kitchen use. Opt for a durable, washable, and stain-resistant option.
4. Apply the paint: Use a brush or roller to apply the paint in thin, even coats. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next one.
5. Add a protective finish: Apply a clear topcoat to protect the painted surface from wear and tear. Choose a finish that suits your desired level of sheen.
By following these steps, you can transform your stained kitchen cabinets into a fresh and updated look.
Trends change, and wooden cabinets that used to be fashionable with a stained and varnished mahogany finish may now appear dark and outdated. However, updating a kitchen with old cherry wood or knotty pine cabinets doesn’t have to be costly. Applying a fresh coat of paint to redo kitchen cabinets is much more affordable than replacing the entire cabinetry. Painting kitchen cabinets requires a bit more attention than other surfaces in the house, but it’s a do-it-yourself project as long as you follow the steps for painting cabinets.
Safe Coatings for Food
The paints, primers, cleansers, and strippers that you use on your cabinets can emit harmful fumes into your food storage and preparation area. Some quick-acting paint strippers release toxic chemicals into the air. Certain individuals are allergic to the petrochemical solvents emitted by oil-based coatings.
These pollutants disperse quickly when used outdoors. However, when trapped in the enclosed spaces of kitchen pantries and cabinets, they may pose a health risk. For best results, choose paints that have been certified as safe by non-profit organizations like Greenguard or Green Seal.
Preparing to Repaint Kitchen Cabinets
Every painting project needs to start with a clean and smooth surface. Kitchen cabinets are likely to have small food particles and grease on them, even if you clean them regularly. If you don’t remove these, the paint won’t adhere well. Cracks, gouges, and other imperfections in the wood will be visible through the painted finish if you don’t address them first.
You don’t have to completely strip off the old finish using a strong chemical stripper before painting stained cabinets. Instead, thoroughly clean and degrease all cabinet surfaces by wiping them down with a trisodium phosphate cleanser or a product labeled as a TSP substitute. Wipe off any residue from the cleanser with a wet cloth and let the cabinets dry for 24 hours.
Fill any small holes or cracks using spackling paste or wood putty. Then, sand all surfaces with 180-grit sandpaper until they are smooth and no longer glossy. Use a tack cloth to remove any dust from sanding.
Removing the doors can make it easier to paint your cabinets. Laying the doors flat will prevent drips, and you can paint the rest of the cabinets more easily without the doors in place. Number the doors and store the hardware in plastic bags to keep everything organized.
Applying the Primer
Apply a water-based primer that is suitable for all purposes and is labeled as low-VOC or zero-VOC. Read the label carefully to ensure that the primer can be used over existing oil- and water-based finishes. These primers produce little to no odor while providing a solid foundation for the final coat.
If the cabinet is made of knotty wood, choose a white pigmented shellac primer instead. Shellac is an excellent stain-blocking sealant that also prevents tannin bleed-through. While shellac emits a strong odor during application, the smell dissipates quickly without leaving any toxic residue.
Applying the Final Coat
Select a low-odor, 100 percent acrylic latex interior paint with a glossy or eggshell finish. These paints dry quickly and form a durable protective layer that allows you to easily clean off greasy stains with soapy water. Unlike oil paints, they do not yellow over time and resist cracking, blistering, and peeling.
For a flawless finish, use a high-quality synthetic-fiber paintbrush to apply two coats. Unlike cheaper brushes, a premium brush will not shed bristles while applying and will leave a smooth surface without visible brush marks. Alternatively, a paint sprayer can be used for an even smoother result.
