THAT PainterLady.com

I have dark wood cabinets in my bathroom.

I would like to lighten them up or even paint them white.

Would it be too much work to paint them white since they are so dark?

Or do you have a different idea to lighten them up & bring them up to present time?

Hi Nella,

I completely understand about wanting to update dark cabinets.

I am not sure how many cabinets you want to paint, but it is a process. Here are the steps you will need to follow:

1. Clean the cabinets thoroughly with soap and water or a non-abrasive cleaner. Let dry.

2. Remove hardware from cabinet doors

3. Remove cabinets doors - This is optional, depending on how good of a job you want to do. Removing the doors allows you to get a smooth finish without smudging between the door and the door frames

4. Lightly sand with a fine grit sanding pad or steel wool. If the cabinets have a clear coat of varnish or polyurethane on them, then you may need to sand a little bit more, in order to get a surface that the primer and paint will stick too.

5. Prime the cabinets with a good primer/sealer.

6. Paint away with whatever color you choose. I would use a semi-gloss paint finish for the cabinets. It has a slight shine, and will look gorgeous.You may want to seal it with a clear coat, but it may not be necessary.

I hope this helps, let us know how it goes. Talk to you soon, That Painter Lady, DAWN

Decorative Furniture with Donna Dewberry

I've thought about painting kitchen cabinets for a while. Mine are stock golden oak and they just don't fit with my style any longer. 

The cabinets are still in great condition… it's just that painting them will make me "think" I have a new kitchen.

The thought of sanding all those cabinets is probably what is keeping from starting the task. But… I found out that I could use a deglosser on the cabinets, without having to use any sandpaper. Yeah!

I know I need to use oil based primer and paints for durability.

I also know that painted cabinets will look too new. I have a Spanish style home and new just never works. I have to age everything… which isn't hard. A bit of stain and a hammer and whack… I have distressed. ;o)

Here is a video I just ran across that explains all the steps for painting kitchen cabinets:

And… if you want to learn from a pro… well here he is with a more detailed approach for painting kitchen cabinets.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UmBukK6lE0&NR=1[/youtube]

This reader has problems with her Faux Glazing Kitchen Cabinets.

 We painted my dark cabinets white then put a dark, almost black glaze
 on them… all done with oil base.

I think the glaze needs to be toned down more.

While I like the distressed look, it almost looks a little overdone. Is there anyway to tone some of the black down? Thanks!

Hi… If you send pictures that's always helpful.

Since the cabinets are white… wipe them again with a thinned out white. This will haze over the dark glaze and blend in with the white… still leaving a distressed wiped on effect… but toning down the contrast.

Or…

Wipe over the entire cabinet with an antiquing glaze… which would be a med. warm brown. This would give the entire effect an aged look and blend the colors.

Hope this is helpful!

Debra 

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