How to Paint Over Oak Cabinets
Paint the surface of the cabinets that look dull is a great way to update the look of the kitchen. It is cost effective and can be done anytime you want changes. Although it is much easier than replacing the cabinets, painting can sometimes pose challenges.
How to Paint Over Oak Cabinets
Materials Needed
- Screwdriver
- Plastic bag
- Drop cloth
- Bucket
- TSP or trisodium phosphate
- Gloves
- Sponge
- Fine grit sandpaper
- Clean grain filler
- Paintbrush
- Primer
- Paint
- Paint stirrer
- Use a screwdriver to remove the hinges and other hardware. Remove the doors. Place the hinges and hardware in a plastic bag for reinstallation later. Spread a drop cloth over the floor to protect it from accidental spills or drips. Make sure the area is well ventilated.
- Fill a bucket with 2 gallons of warm water. Add 1/2 cup of TSP or trisodium phosphate to the bucket. Put on gloves to protect your hands while you clean with the TSP. Clean the cabinets with a sponge and the cleaning solution. Allow the doors to dry.
- Use fine grit sandpaper to sand the doors. Make sure you use light pressure. Wet a sponge and wring it until it is damp. Wipe over the doors to remove the sanding particles. Allow the door to dry.
- Open a can of clear grain filler. Apply the filler over the cabinets with a paintbrush. Allow the filler to completely dry.
- Remove the lid from a can of primer. Coat the cabinet doors with the primer using a paintbrush. Allow the primer to dry. Sand the primer lightly. Wipe the area with a damp sponge and allow it to dry. Apply a second coat of primer, allow it to dry and sand over it. Wipe the doors with a damp sponge and allow them to dry.
- Open the paint and mix it with a paint stirrer. Apply a coat of paint over the cabinet doors. Allow the paint to dry for 48 hours. Replace the doors, hardware and hinges.