Can these cabinets be painted?

12 years ago

Looking to update kitchen within reasonable cost. The cabinets are Merillat, very good quality and still look and work great. I am concerned about how they will look with paint and hardware. We would like to open the wall to the dining room and have a peninsula between the two rooms. We would prefer to keep the pantry and keep a kitchen table as opposed to an island. We're considering hardwood floors, but I prefer flooring that has some "give" to it for comfort. The room is 12'x 12'.
I am not very good at conceptualizing so asking for any good suggestions! Thanks!

Featured Answer

PRO

Cancork Floor Inc.

12 years ago

These would look GREAT sanded down and painted white. You could get the cottage kitchen look in no time. If you do, you may want to look at finding a nice counter top. A butcher block type counter top (you would be "reversing" the look of this kitchen) would work really well.

The sanding is going to be the tough bit. All of those grooves need to be hand sanded out. Lots of work but definitely doable.

As for the flooring, a floor that has some "give" = cork flooring. A glue down cork tile = water proof (once it has been site finished). If you want to have a slightly easier installation, a cork floating floor with site finishing offers a water resistant floor - better than hardwood/laminate but not quite as good as ceramic/porcelain/lino/vinyl.

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Comments (8)

swguthrie
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for the great feedback!
Joy
12 years ago
Yes, they can be painted. Will you be doing the work yourself or hiring out? Either way, a good prep prior to painting is essential. Sand, sand, sand. Carefully sand the grooves so they do not change their shape and the groove is consistent in size. Prime with a concealing primer. I use BIN. Paint with your choice of color in a paint that will allow you to easily clean the finished cabinets with soap and water; a paint that will easily release soil in the grooves. The paint could be latex enamel or oil based. Your choice. I would ask the paint store their thoughts and recommendations. ALL painted cabinets will need touch ups periodically. Ask paint rep what they consider the easiest paint to touch up and is the best wearing. A "giving" floor? I loved my hardwood in my old house, my girlfriend loves her cork floors that were installed about 10 years ago.
leelee
12 years ago
Paint cabinets--good advice above. When you're doing all the painting please consider changing your hinges to hidden hinges. This will make a big difference in the look of your finished kitchen. If you think you can just paint (or paint around) your hinges you'll be disappointed in the results.

I'd suggest adding a single knob to both doors and drawers for a cleaner, less busy look in a small kitchen.

Paint the wood trim around windows and doors while you're painting cabinets.
leelee
12 years ago
Whoa, I just noticed the backsplash in the picture above--I was trying to show the look of just a single knob--not recommending that backsplash.
Paula C.
12 years ago
We painted our kitchen cabinets in white and added black door knobs. I love it!
swguthrie
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for posting your picture. It does look great, and I like the black hardware!
PRO
Circle Goods Reclaimed
12 years ago
This is absolutely one I would call a professional reface/refinish company for. Anything can be painted but with those grooves I'm not sure how great they would look. Especially since they are oak. Absolutely worth it to get a quote from a pro on this..