Kitchen Cabinets

11 years ago

The previous owner put polyurethane on oak cabinets. The stain he put on is dark and looks like he missed many spots on the cabinets. I would like to paint the cabinets white. My questions are after stripping the polyurethane off and sanding cabinets, what do I do next? Do I use latex semi gloss, high gloss, or oil based? Which is best for easy cleaning and looking nice

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User

11 years ago

Might want to take this over to home decorating and design. Very populated forum with tons of advice.

I'd also ask at your local paint store (NOT home depot or lowes but an actual paint store. I would guess some kind of lacquer is best, but don't know for sure.

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Comments (7)

luckeylaredo
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you for the feedback. I really appreciate it. I will also take it to the home decorating site.
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Michael
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
This is the right place but I have an Egg Hunt today. Be patient and I'll guide you later.

You don't need to strip the cabinets. Take a deep breath. I'll be back later.
luckeylaredo thanked Michael
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Sombreuil
11 years ago
Oak requires a special step to fill in the prominent grain/pores so it doesn't telegraph through to the finished surface. You can use _Behlen's pore-o-pac_ grain filler, or Swedish Putty/brushing putty. The Behlens is applied so that sanding is minimal, but brushing putty type will need block sanding after. It's more work, but more foolproof. Behlens is also made for new wood, any finish left in the pores is going to impede it; The Swedish Putty IMO is your best bet.
But if you like the look of grain showing through (and it is a definite look) I'd just prime and paint with a cabinet paint which is tough, stain-resistant, and stands up to frequent handling and aggressive cleaning. _Cabinet Coat_ comes highly recommended.
Casey
luckeylaredo thanked Sombreuil
Michael
11 years ago
I made it back! That was a tough egg hunt. 240 kids!

Casey is right. You'll have to first decide grain or no grain. Personally I prefer to keep the grain when painting oak. IMO it's a distinguished look.

Can you provide a close up photo of doors, frames?

You'll probably need to seal any gaps created by miter joints and butt joints. I'd like to see a photo if possible.
Michael
11 years ago
Did you lose interest?
lam702
11 years ago
Yes, I agree, Cabinet Coat is the one to use. Just finished my bathroom cabinets (a very dark stain oak) painted them white and they look great. I decided to keep the grain, which I don't mind and didn't want to bother with the grain filler. You don't need to strip it, just scrub the cabinets so they are very clean, sand lightly, just to scuff it up. 2 coats primer, followed by 2 coats Cabinet coat. You can brush or use a foam roller. I bought a good Purdy brush ( a quality brush makes a big difference) and also a small foam roller. Brushed on the primer, the brush gets the primer into the grain better than the roller, I thought. Then, both brushed and rollered on the Cabinet Coat. My cabinets look so bright and clean now, I plan to paint my other bathroom's cabinets next.